Page 128 of Alien Burn

Sereya had barely settled her bag at her feet when the other woman turned toward her, her smile bright enough for the neighboring passengers to borrow.

“Go and sit with Adryel.”

Sereya looked across the hold. Adryel and Janae were close together, talking in the low voices of people who had something worth keeping between them.

“They seem occupied.”

“They'll make room.”

Roemary adjusted the fall of her sleeve. She had chosen her place so she could watch the entrance without turning her head.

“If Dhomhes comes back through, I would like to speak to him without you hovering.”

Sereya stared at her.

The residence doors. Their hands. The look Roemary had given them, as if Sereya had picked something up that belonged on her table.

“He has a great deal to do.”

“Not so much that he couldn't escort you up the ramp.”

Sereya felt the heat rise in her face and refused to apologize for it.

Roemary noticed that too.

“You mustn't misunderstand kindness. Males like him are very careful in company.”

“He spoke quite clearly to me.”

The smile lost its warmth.

“Then let's give him the opportunity to speak clearly to someone else.”

For a moment Sereya considered keeping the seat simply because Roemary wanted her out of it. Then Adryel laughed at something Janae said. Sereya picked up her bag and went toward the sound.

There was a space beside Adryel, on the side away from Janae.

Sereya slid into it and put her bag beneath her knees. The bench was hard, the air warm. She had been less frightened approaching officials with documents she didn't understand.

Adryel looked at her.

“You lost?”

Janae peered around Adryel's shoulder.

Sereya's mouth curved. There was nowhere to hide from either of them without getting up again.

“Roemary's idea, actually.”

“Roemary told you to sit with me. With us.” Adryel's voice stayed flat. “And you did it.”

“Are you backing up her next big scene?” Janae asked.

That hurt more from Janae. Sereya had earned it, which did nothing to make it hurt less.

She sighed. “It's not like that.”

“Then please, tell us what it's like.”