by Hope Hart
“You have a school?”
“The children have lessons. The males must also learn to wield a sword, and the females must learn female tasks—”
“Oh God,” Nevada mutters, and Alexis snorts.
“Female tasks?” Ellie sounds displeased.
Asroz grins at me, while Deraz lets out a bark of laughter.
“Yes,” I say. “But all children must be taught their numbers.”
Ellie frowns at me and opens her mouth, but all our mishua stop at once, growling and snorting.
“What’s going on?” Nevada whispers.
“The mishua are highly sensitive. They know when we are approaching danger. It is likely to just be some of Dexar’s sentries, but we will be cautious.”
Ellie nods, her gaze scanning the area in front of us. We encourage the mishua to approach, and within moments, we’re surrounded.
Ellie
“I’m really getting sick of this planet,” Alexis mutters as we stare at the huge warriors surrounding us.
“Preach,” Nevada says.
These warriors look similar to Terex and his tribe members. None of them are wearing shirts, and I watch as Alexis checks them out, gaze lingering on their bulging muscles, while Nevada scans them with cool eyes, likely planning how to take them down.
“State your business,” the leader says. His hair is lighter than any I’ve seen here, a dirty-blonde braided back from his hard face.
“We must talk to Dexar,” Terex says, his voice low and calm.
“You have not sent a messenger to request a meeting,” the warrior says, his eyes dancing over us and lingering on Nevada. She bares her teeth at him in a feral grin, and all five of the warriors look at her as if she’s crazy.
“We did not have time. You and I both know that Dexar and Rakiz have formed an alliance. Do you wish to put that in jeopardy with your actions today?”
The warrior narrows his eyes. Obviously he’s got something to prove, but he finally steps to the side, gesturing for us to move forward.
The mishua don’t seem to like being surrounded by the warriors, and they’re jumpy. Terex handles Kini expertly, and she finally settles down while we ride toward the camp in silence.
This camp seems to be larger than ours. Gazes follow us as we make our way toward the largest kradi, and we finally dismount. Terex helps me off the mishua, and they’re tied to a fence close by and given water.
According to Terex, this tribe refers to their king as a qatai. The people are also Braxian, but this tribe has gradually taken over more and more territory, leaving smaller camps in place for months at a time to hold their vast lands.
The warriors lead us into the kradi, although the word doesn’t seem appropriate for such a vast space. It reminds me of a massive circus tent with the ceiling far above us. The walls are decorated with jewel-toned fabrics, and lush carpets cover the floor. The kradi is sectioned so we’re standing in an entranceway.
“Through here,” the first warrior says, lifting one of the pieces of cloth.
The qatai sits in a huge, throne-like chair overlooking the large space. Cushions and chairs are filled with people who stare at us curiously, murmuring amongst themselves.
“Terex,” the qatai booms, and the room goes silent.
Beside me, Nevada’s hand slides toward her sword, her gaze scanning our surroundings.
“What are you doing?” I hiss at her.
“I have a bad feeling about this. Keep an eye out for any other exits.”
On that cheerful note, I return my attention to the qatai.
“Dexar,” Terex says, nodding respectfully. I raise an eyebrow, but the qatai doesn’t seem offended by Texar’s use of his first name.
“Who are these females you bring with you?” Dexar’s dark eyes widen almost imperceptibly, and I move close to Terex as Dexar studies Alexis. She stares back at him boldly, and he raises his eyebrow.
He’s huge. Bigger even than Terex. And while Terex is both a warrior and classically handsome, Dexar’s face is all hard lines. His nose has been broken once or twice, he needs a shave, and while his lips are full, they’re currently twisted wryly as his eyes scan us. I’d thought his eyes were dark, but as he steps closer, I see they’re really a deep forest green.
Terex explains our situation, and Dexar’s eyes widen in surprise as people begin to murmur around us again. Warriors line the walls, and I suddenly wish we brought more backup with us.
Surely Rakiz wouldn’t have let us go if he thought Dexar would hurt us.
I cling to that thought, but something about the way Dexar’s gaze lingers on Alexis makes me wonder how well Rakiz truly knows the qatai.
“During the battle, three of the females were taken by the Voildi. Rakiz has sent warriors to look for them. However, another female also disappeared around the same time. She was small and dark-haired.”
Even I can tell when recognition hits Dexar’s face. He knows something. Something about Charlie. I shift impatiently, and his eyes meet mine before once again landing on Alexis.
“What is your name?” he asks her suddenly.
“Why does it matter?” she asks, frowning at him, and the entire room seems to collectively inhale before everyone goes silent.
He stares at her for a moment and then gives her a slow grin. His grin transforms his face, turning him into a handsome man. “You wish for my help, and yet you won’t tell me your name?”
Alexis flushes, shifting uncomfortably. “Alexis,” she grits out.
“Alexis,” he repeats, lingering over the word. His attention returns to Terex, and he moves back to his throne, regarding us with his dark eyes.
“Three nights ago, I received word from a group of my men stationed in the northeast corner of my territory,” he says. “I was unsure what to make of their message, believing they must have had too much noptri that night. The female was wearing strange clothes that my men had never seen before and was bleeding heavily from her head.”
“Charlie,” I breathe, and Terex pulls me close.
Nevada shifts, narrowing her eyes at Dexar. “And?” she asks coolly.
“And I find myself unwilling to offer up such vital information without anything in return.”
Terex tenses next to me, but it’s Nevada that says what we’re all thinking.
“You son of a bitch.”
Dexar stares at her for a long moment and then gets to his feet.
“What do you want?” Terex asks.
“I want her,” Dexar says, gesturing to Alexis. She pales, and a scornful laugh leaves Nevada’s throat.
“You have got to be fucking kidding.”
Dexar ignores that, keeping his attention on Terex.
“Your tribe has found three females,” he says, and none of us correct him by mentioning Vivian. “You are searching for four more. You are well aware of our shortage of females.”
Alexis looks disgusted, but she shifts, moving slightly behind Asroz, who glares at Dexar.
Dexar doesn’t miss this, his gaze flicking back to Alexis.
“You would be safe here,” he says. “I would see to it personally. No one would harm you, and I will give you the information needed to find your friend.”
Alexis shifts, a stricken look on her face, and Nevada steps forward.
“What kind of person would ask something like this?”
“I am not a good person,” Dexar shrugs. “Like most on this planet, I take what I want, and I do not apologize for it. You will need to learn this lesson well if you are going to stay here.”
Nevada opens her mouth, likely about to declare that we’re not planning to stay here, and I step forward, elbowing her in the side. She clamps her mouth shut and sends Dexar a withering look, but he’s entirely focused on Alexis, who’s scowling back at him.
“It’s your choice,” he says softly.
Alexis’s eyes fill with tears, and she glances around, likely taking in all the people staring at us.
Dex
ar’s voice rises slightly. “Out,” he says, his eyes never leaving hers. People get to their feet instantly, moving from the room, and Nevada’s eyes flicker over the crowd as a few people pull aside a different piece of material, revealing a hidden exit.
“What is your decision, female?”
“You won’t give us the information any other way?”
He slowly shakes his head, and Nevada trembles with rage beside me.
I turn to Alexis. “Don’t do it,” I tell her. “We’ll find another way.”
Nevada nods. “Ellie’s right.”
Alexis blows out a breath. “What does this mean? What exactly do you want from me?”
Dexar shrugs. “I simply want you here, where I can see you.”
Alexis wrinkles her nose, obviously not buying it. Nevada snorts, likely feeling the same.
“Just so we’re clear,” Alexis says, “I’m not sleeping with anyone.”
Dexar grins, and once again, it changes his whole face. Something tells me that few people get to see this side of him. “I don’t need to make a bargain with you for a tumble,” he says. “Females beg me for this.”
Alexis rolls her eyes, but relief is obvious on her face. “How long do I have to stay?”
Dexar’s grin disappears, and his eyes focus intently on Alexis. “One revolution.”
My stomach sinks as Alexis pales.
“Is that a year? How many days is that?”
“Two hundred and ninety.”
We all gasp while Dexar simply keeps his eyes on Alexis, who is now so pale she looks like she might pass out.
“Charlie was really hurt, you guys.” She hesitates, and Nevada glares at Dexar but moves forward, whispering something in Alexis’s ear.
Alexis nods, a flash of relief on her face, and Dexar’s eyes narrow.
“I want one more thing,” Alexis says.
Dexar smiles, and I scowl at the triumph on his face.
“What?”
“Rakiz has sent a group of hunters looking for our friends, but they haven’t returned. I want you to send some as well. But I want you to swear that if they find them, they’ll return them to Rakiz’s tribe.”
The smile drops from Dexar’s face, and he frowns at that. “Why would I do this?”
“Maybe you’re not a good person,” Alexis says, “but you don’t have to be a bad one.”
Dexar scowls at her, and she moves behind Asroz again. This seems to piss off Dexar further, and he steps forward. “Fine, female. Now cease hiding behind another male. I am the only male who will provide you with protection.”
Alexis’s eyes dart at that proclamation, but she nods. “Swear it.”
Dexar nods. “You are a brave female,” he says. “I swear that I will send my hunters to look for your lost friends, and if found, my men will return them to Rakiz’s tribe.”
Alexis sighs and then turns to us with a shaky smile. Nevada pulls her into her arms for a brief hug, and then Alexis reaches for me.
“We’ll come back for you,” I tell her, and she grins.
“You know, that’s what Nevada just said. I’ll see you guys soon.” Alexis moves to Dexar’s side, and then he turns to us.
“My men saw the female in the clutches of Dragix as he flew over the Seinex Forest.”
Terex tenses, and Asroz’s mouth falls open.
“Who’s Dragix?” I ask.
“A giant beast who soars through the sky, breathing fire,” Dexar says. “Our great ancestor.”
I gulp. “You’re telling me you guys are descended from dragons?”
Dexar frowns at me as if he doesn’t understand my shock. “Yes. Dragix isn’t truly our ancestor, but he is the last of the Great Ones.”
Oh God. Charlie has been taken by a dragon. An alien dragon.
“How do we get her back?” I whisper, my lips numb.
Dexar shakes his head. “Attempting to find Dragix’s lair is suicide.”
“Why would a dragon take Charlie? She was wounded. Would he have eaten her?”
Dexar shrugs, and I want to punch him for the unconcerned look on his face.
“The Great One is covetous and possessive. Perhaps she was wearing something that caught his eye.”
I swallow, trying to remember if Charlie was wearing a necklace or earrings. She didn’t seem like the type to wear much jewelry, and we were all in dirty, torn pajamas.
A hush falls over the room, and I study the floor, depressed. Finally, Terex nods, clearing his throat. I meet Alexis’s eyes, and she smiles nervously at me. I force myself to follow Terex out of the kradi.
Chapter Nine
Ellie
We travel in silence until we’re far away enough from the camp that Terex allows us to stop to stretch our legs.
Nevada stalks away and shrieks suddenly, kicking a rock. The warriors stare at her as she shrieks again, hands fisting as she turns to me.
“I’m so fucking sick of males on this planet! They’ve screwed us again and again and a-fucking-gain. Every species, from the Grivath who stole us to those purple assholes who bought us, oh—and the Voildi who wanted to eat us. Then we have the bastard back there who couldn’t even give us the information we needed to find Charlie without screwing us over.”
I turn to the guys and jerk my head, gesturing for them to give us some space. They move away, talking quietly amongst themselves.
“I know,” I say. “But we have to focus on what we can control. Now we know where Charlie is.”
“Oh yeah, now we just have to find a fucking dragon.” Nevada laughs, and a tear leaks from her eye. I stare, stunned, panic making my palms sweat. Nevada never cries. Nevada’s our rock. She’s the one who has kept us all going. If she breaks down, how the hell will we get out of here?
“It’s not ideal,” I say slowly, “but Alexis made a choice.”
“Alexis is a mechanical engineer. She’s our best hope of getting off this goddamned planet.” Nevada kicks a rock, a fierce scowl on her face, and even Asroz gives her a wary look.
A mechanical engineer. No way.
“Do you think she could fix the spaceship?”
“I have no idea. But she wanted to take a look at it. Now we’re fucked.”
“Okay, let me think.” I wrack my brain furiously. “We can’t do anything until we find the other women anyway.”
Nevada nods. “If there’s a chance we can get out of here and get to a planet where we can contact the Arcav, we can get home. But I’m not going without them.”
I nod. “Me neither. Okay, so we know Alexis is safe, right? That huge asshole promised she wouldn’t be hurt. That means that we just need to get everyone else together first. As soon as we have the other women, we can find a way to break Alexis out of that camp.”
Nevada stares at me. “You’ve changed,” she says. “And I like it.” She blows out a breath. “Okay, you’re right. Alexis chose to go so we could get information about Charlie. Now we just have to find the other women, save Charlie from a dragon, break Alexis out of that camp, and get our asses back to the ship.”
We stare at each other, and I nibble my lip. “No problem.”
“Yeah,” she says. “Piece of cake.”
Terex approaches and pulls me close, nuzzling my hair. “We were just discussing another option to find information about your friends,” he says. “There is a camp just one day’s ride from here. We can’t all go—Rakiz needs me to return to camp. But Asroz and Deraz think they can make it by nightfall. We do not know the leader of the tribe well—he recently took over from his father. But they may have more information about the Voildi.”
“I’m going with them,” Nevada says, and Terex studies her.
“They will be taking no breaks. It will be a fast trip with no sleep.”
“I can do it.”
Terex nods, and Nevada turns to Asroz and Deraz.
“Let’s go.”
My head whirls as they gear up to leave. I don’t like that we’re all splitting up.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay?”
Nevada gives me an impatient look and then throws her arms around me, careful not to knock my arm. “I’ll be fine. I’ll see you back at camp. You know I need to be doing something, Ellie.”
I nod. “Be careful.”
Within moments, they’re gone, and Terex and I are on our own.
“Are you okay?” he murmurs into my ear as lifts me onto the mishua and climbs up behind me.
“Yeah. I’m fine. Just worried about Alexis and everyone else, you know?”
“I will do everything I can to help you find your friends, tiny female.”
I smile at his nickname for me. “I know.”
We’re mostly silent as we head back toward camp. We’ll be stopping to sleep in the same area as last time, close to the river. For now, I’m content to lean against Terex as he points out animals I’ve never seen before and plants that look like they’re out of a movie—all while we travel under a turquoise sky.
I had a quiet life in New York. After escaping my tiny town in Louisiana, I was swept away with the hustle and bustle of New York when I arrived—desperate to see all the attractions I’d dreamed of for so long. But once I started working, I fell into a routine, only leaving the city to go back to Louisiana when my mother convinced me she was sick or guilt-tripped me into visiting.
Agron is so different to anything I could have imagined on Earth. I’ve heard stories of Arcavia, and the technology the Arcav have provided humans with is incredible. But I forgot that there would also be alien races that are far less advanced than ours.
Part of me wishes that we crash-landed on a planet with the technology to contact the Arcav and get us home. But another part of me instantly rejects that thought because if I hadn’t landed here…I never would’ve met Terex.
“Tell me about your life, Ellie.”
I smile as Terex’s strong arm tightens around my waist, ensuring I won’t slip. I keep a death grip on the front of the saddle with my good hand, since I’m still not entirely used to the jolting movements of the mishua.
“Well, I live in a big city. Think of a camp that stretches over all the land we’ve ridden and into the distance, with buildings that rise into the sky.”
