Ayrie: An Auxem Novel

by Lisa Lace

  A sense of vertigo gripped her as she gazed at the breathtaking violet and marigold scheme of the Runic territory fringe. The landscape was free from the pollution and smog in the city. A body of sparkling, flawlessly cerulean water was in the center of the land, surrounded by purple rock formations the size of small hills. Beyond the dreamy landscape were additional mountains and cliffs similar to hers. Slanting her head to one side, she began to relax.

  Eden thought she could see the distinctive facial features of her sister Janine carved into the natural creases and crags on the side of a distant mountain. Of course, it was only a trick of her mind. In fact, she couldn't even see the resemblance unless she had her head positioned at a particular angle. Still, Eden tilted her head to the right again, a sense of nostalgia compelling her to take one step forward.

  Mesmerized by the rock formation, she didn't notice she had stepped over a broken line on the cliff's edge. The ground began shaking from her weight. By the time she realized the danger, it was too late. The floor crumbled under her feet. Her twisting stomach churned at the sudden plunge.

  Eden's arms flapped forward, managing to grab the jagged edge of the cliff. She kicked her feet as they dangled underneath her uselessly. Her voice sounded strange to her ears as she screamed and the color drained from her face. Terrified, she glanced up at her reddened fingers and white knuckles.

  "Help! Thiago! Hercules! Help!"

  Her fingers began to slip.

  "Anyone..."

  Chapter Thirteen

  Eden's palms clung to the ragged edge of the cliff. She winced, rivulets of blood oozing from her palms and down her arms. Her feet swung helplessly underneath her. As she kicked out her legs in desperation, her loosened left boot wriggled completely off her body. She glanced down and immediately regretted her decision. The boot plummeted through the air, bouncing against the edge twice before disappearing in a bed of saw-toothed rock formations below.

  "I'm slipping..."

  "Take my hand!" The delicately feminine hand of a woman appeared in front of Eden. Ornate rings studded with glowing moonstones and the planet's precious rocks embellished the stranger's fingers. The subtle gray tone to the woman's flesh was nearly translucent, displaying a network of veins under her skin.

  The particulars of the hand flew right past Eden, who was overjoyed to see any assistance. Without a second to waste, she reached for the woman's fingers, her frantic cries slowly fading. The hand yanked her up the edge like a rag doll until she crashed onto the solid ground. She scuttled backward urgently, pushing with the raw palms of her hands.

  "I'm alive," said Eden, cackling manically. She patted herself down, staining her jumpsuit with faint smears of blood. "I'm okay."

  "Your hands are a bit scratched, and you're missing a shoe, but you'll be fine."

  Eden's eyes focused on her savior. She pushed herself off the ground, splaying her arms to ward off her double vision. With her hand clutched over her heart surging with emotion and gratitude, she gushed, "I don't know how I can begin to thank you. I'm grateful you came along. I didn't think it would be right to die out here in this dirty place. I don't even like hiking."

  "Slow down. You're still a little rattled. It's understandable, of course," said the stranger lightly. Her tinkling chuckle was pleasant to Eden's ears. "I think anyone would have done the same thing if they were in my position."

  Eden wasn't sure if it was the close call or if she was simply under the influence of post-trauma hero worship. As she gazed up at her savior, who was at least 6 feet in height, there appeared to be a soft, golden radiance around the alien woman's figure.

  The stranger had humanoid features, apart from the glittery gray of her thin skin, and she reminded Eden of a glamorous mermaid. Her glossy, light pink hair ran straight down her shoulders, stopping around her waist. Additionally, her savior was drop-dead gorgeous. The alien woman was aware of her beauty, flaunting her generous curves in a skintight jumpsuit with a narrow neckline that plunged down her stomach, revealing hints of her buxom chest.

  "On this planet? I highly doubt that," said Eden darkly. She blinked, squinting her eyes at the familiar marking on the woman's forehead. Her eyes widened in realization. She had seen the same set of twin northbound arrows on Thiago.

  Eden quickly concealed her inquisitive gaze, stepping forward with a sheepish smile and outstretched hand. "I'm sorry, I've been rude. I never had my life saved before, so I'm unfamiliar with the proper etiquette. My name's Eden."

  The alien shook her hand and opened her mouth to speak. Before she could say anything, Thiago's gravelly voice came rumbling from behind them.

  "Ardela!"

  Both women turned to see Thiago jogging towards them and Hercules loping alongside him. The woman's peach-stained lips stretched out into a broad grin. She smoothed a lock of hair over her shoulders, waving animatedly at the approaching pair. Thiago dropped his bulky satchel onto the ground next to him. He frowned as his thick, blonde brows met in the middle of his forehead while he scanned the woman up and down.

  "Thiago," the woman replied. She jutted out one foot and playfully placed a hand on her hip. "Well, look at you. You're even easier on the eyes than before."

  "I look the same," said Thiago evenly. He made a face like someone had just shoved a can of tuna under his nose without warning. "What are you doing here? Eden, what happened to you? I only left you for a few minutes."

  He looked back at Eden, whose unruly tangles of ginger hair looked even wilder than usual. They stuck to her sweaty cheeks in clumps, which were flushed red and scuffed with dirt. A filthy sock with a loosened garter was all that remained from her left boot. When his eyes landed on her swollen fingers, he saw open gashes speckling her knuckles and palms. Thiago dropped the amused smile from his face.

  "Are you okay?" Thiago asked. He grabbed Eden's wrists to examine her cuts. "What happened?"

  "It looks a lot worse than it is. I might feel it later," said Eden. Her shoulders shrank forward as she confessed. "I fell, and Ardela here showed up just in time and pulled me to safety. You could stand to be more polite to the woman who saved my life."

  "The girl makes a lot of sense," Ardela piped up, cocking a pink eyebrow.

  "Fell where?" said Thiago, ignoring the woman's remarks. He reached into one of the many pockets in his satchel and produced a large tube of salve.

  Eden gagged as he unscrewed the cap, releasing a stench that smelled like a mixture of excrement and gym socks. Thiago squeezed out a coin-sized dollop and began applying it to Eden's cuts. She sucked in her teeth sharply at the burning sensation. Her breath slowly returned to normal as the burn turned into coldness.

  "I was by the cliff," Eden answered as she massaged her wrists. She motioned toward the edge where she'd fallen. "It serves me right for trying to appreciate nature. In hindsight, it was probably a dumb idea to wander close to an edge without a fence or rail. I don't know how long I was screaming before Ardela showed up."

  "Ardela saved you out of the goodness of her heart, huh?" said Thiago bluntly. He took a long, hard look at Ardela as if he were trying to figure out her end game. "How many credits are we talking about here? What are you looking for?"

  Ardela tossed her head back in laughter as she gave Thiago's arm a squeeze. "Oh Thi-ger, don't be silly. Let's not give your new friend any incorrect impressions."

  The three jumped back in shock as Hercules lunged at Ardela. Thiago jammed his arm between the angry creature's snapping pincers. Eden sprang forward and wrapped her arms around one of Hercules' legs. Her attempt to hold him back failed when she started gasping in pain. She released Hercules as the creature's hair began to dig into her wounds.

  "Come on, Hercules," said Ardela, the smile on her face fading. She took a few steps back, raising a hand slowly. "You remember me, don't you, boy?"

  "Hercules, heel," Thiago commanded, clicking his tongue comfortingly. He wiped the slime of his pet's drool on the side of his pants, his face scrunching up in di
sgust. "Damn it, Herc. Look at this mess. "

  "I don't know why Herc is misbehaving. I've never seen him randomly attack like that," noted Eden aloud. Feeling the heat of Ardela's gaze, she added helpfully, "My sister and I used to have an iguana when we were kids. They shed a lot when they're growing, and they can get cranky. Maybe that's why old Herc is upset." She paused. "I don't know what I'm saying."

  "You could be right," said Ardela, the sweet smile on her face making a reappearance. "That's okay. I'm sure Hercules didn't mean it. You're sorry, aren't you, boy?"

  "Maybe it's the vile boisenflower perfume you insist on swimming in every morning," said Thiago. He unpacked a small container from his satchel and opened it, flinging a slab of meat into the distance. The creature instantly perked up, nearly sliding off-balance on its eight feet before chasing after the treat.

  Ardela stuck her tongue out. She gestured with her thumb and pointer finger, the local equivalent of flipping the bird at Thiago.

  Eden wasn't sure why, but she felt a brush of jealousy at the history between the two. She cleared her throat as she drummed her fingertips against each other. Trying her best to portray careless nonchalance, she commented, "You two seem to know each other well."

  Ardela batted her long lashes as she winked in Thiago's direction. "We're well-acquainted, aren't we, Thiago?"

  "She dabbles in bounty hunting too. We used to do missions together and split the reward," he explained.

  "I'd say I did more than that. Admit it, we made a pretty good team, didn't we?" Ardela insisted. She peeked at Eden, crinkling her nose. "Of course, that was quite some time ago."

  "You weren't half bad," said Thiago flatly.

  He placed two looped fingers in his mouth and whistled for Hercules. The creature trotted back to his owner, licking off the blood from its mouth. "I guess we should pack up and hit the road. I assume you've completed training for the day?"

  "Yeah," said Eden, nodding fervently. "I think I've achieved my adrenaline fix, thank you very much. Ardela, is your ship close by?"

  "Are you still driving around that hoverbike?" asked Thiago, peering around at his surroundings.

  Eden couldn't believe it. Not only was Ardela built like a voluptuous comic book heroine, she apparently kicked ass like one, too. She imagined Ardela on a glinting speedster bike, gliding through a backdrop of heavenly skies as her perfect hair whipped back in the wind.

  "I finally decided to sell my old girl," said Ardela, unfurling her bottom lip. She sighed for effect. "I made sure to find her a good home. I have a ship of my own now. It had been acting up much more recently, so I decided to take it to the repair shop at Runic Central, but of course, with my luck, it broke down. Now it's completely dead. I've tried everything, but that thing isn't budging."

  "Oh no," said Eden. "Where did it break down?"

  "Not too far from here. I was out here looking for help when I found you."

  "I can head back to my ship and call a towing company."

  "You could also hitch a ride with us," Eden blurted. Her heart raced, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she might be inviting trouble. But Ardela saved her life, and Eden felt grateful. She didn't want to leave Ardela stranded. Besides, Thiago and Eden's exclusivity was only sanctified through a shady intergalactic operation involving TerraMates and an underground auction house.

  Wasn't it?

  "I don't know if that's such a good idea," Thiago muttered, scratching the back of his head.

  "That's very kind of you to offer, Eden," said Ardela. Something about the tone of her voice told Eden she wasn't entirely sincere. "I don't want to put anyone out."

  "All right, then don't."

  "You won't be!" Eden reassured her, shooting Thiago a deathly glare. She spoke through gritted teeth. "What Thiago meant to say was, we would be glad to tow your ship. It's the least we can do."

  "It's the least you can do," Thiago pointed out, staring blankly at Eden. Noting the vein bulging out of Eden's temple, he swiftly changed his tune. "Sure. Whatever! Show me your ship, and we'll get it hooked onto the back of mine. "

  "Wonderful! I think I've got an inflatable hovering pad lying around somewhere," said Ardela gleefully. She turned to Thiago, smiling brightly. "Oh Thi-ger, I'll need your help fastening my craft to yours."

  "Lead the way. I'll be right behind you."

  "Don't keep her waiting, Thi-ger," Eden grumbled under her breath. She bitterly crushed a piece of gravel under her remaining boot.

  "What was that?"

  "I didn't say anything," Eden said innocently, her cheeks blushing furiously. "I'll get myself washed up. Herc and I will meet you guys back at your ship. "

  "Right. We won't be long," said Thiago slowly. As he walked away from her, there was an inkling of a smile lingering on his lips.

  "Come on, Hercules, let's go. I need a shower to wash off this stink," said Eden as Hercules settled next to her. She stroked the top of his furry head as the creature nuzzled lovingly against her side. "What were you thinking, scaring Ardela like that? That wasn't very nice of you."

  Hercules blubbered in resentment as if to defend himself.

  "Whatever you say, Mr. Grumpy," said Eden sternly. She nudged him with her knee, easing the creature off the ground. "Come on now, let's get out of here."

  Eden paused, catching a glimpse of Ardela and Thiago out of the corner of her eye. She watched a giggling Ardela touch Thiago gently on the arm. The distance between the pair was steadily shrinking. A twist of dread brewed in the pit of her stomach. Eden averted her spying eyes and began moving back to Thiago's spaceship.

  Perhaps asking Thiago's ex-flame to tag along wasn't a great idea after all.

  Chapter Fourteen

  "Your ship hasn't changed at all since the last time I was here, and that was almost two years ago," Ardela mused, stroking her chin. "Would you like me to set you up with an interior designer? You can have Jacqua's information. The man is a miracle. He'll know what to do to fix this place up."

  "I'm not interested, but thanks," said Thiago from the passenger's seat.

  He pulled back the green lever next to his steering controls. Mirrors from either side of the ship disengaged, mechanically setting themselves into position. He peered into each mirror, wanting to make sure Ardela's luxurious ship was still firmly attached to the hover pad latched to the back of his spaceship. Hearing the familiar sound of Ardela's bustling about behind him as she loudly began to rearrange his furniture, his grip tightened on the wheel.

  "Ardela," said Thiago loudly, hoping to distract her. He checked out Ardela's ship through the mirrors again. It was a luxurious triple-decker vessel with top-of-the-line lights and shields with sleek stripes the color of ruby and onyx. The ship had weapons, too; there was a large turret on the roof and four archer missile launchers fused to the sides. It was a terrifying combination of violence and femininity. "That ship of yours is quite the looker. How much did she cost?"

  "Isn't it grand?" Ardela agreed, beaming in admiration. "You better be extra careful with her. That's my baby you've got back there! It didn't come cheap, but I finally decided something. After all these years on the road, I wasted too much time breaking my back and eliminating one bad guy at a time. I'd never taken any time to do anything for myself, so I decided I deserved a treat."

  Thiago snickered but instantly clammed up and looked behind himself when Ardela fell silent. She narrowed her eyes in Thiago's direction. The tiny diamond hoop around her left nostril jiggled as they flared.

  "Do you find something funny, Thiago?"

  "Not at all," said Thiago. His face lost all emotion as he nodded at her to continue. "Sorry. What were you saying?"

  "I decided to splurge. I put a five million credit hole in my pocket, but it was well worth it if you ask me."

  "Five million what?" Thiago repeated. He was flabbergasted. Thiago's eyes flashed as he turned to question her. "Are you talking about a different type of credit?"

  "Full-fledged, inter
galactically accepted credits. Of course!" replied Ardela without missing a beat.

  "Well then – in that case, good for you."

  Thiago turned back to face the windshield. He kept his eyes straight in front of him as the spaceship glided through the clouds and burnt sienna haze of the sunset. Although he tried not to show any emotion, something didn't feel right. Warning bells were ringing in his head.

  He had only been with Ardela for a short time, but for the six months they decided to join forces and work together, he'd gotten a taste of Ardela's deep-seated gambling addiction. Although he'd caught onto her vice soon after their partnership began, he initially refrained from interfering because she was a terrific fighter.

  Like Thiago, she had grown up without her parents. The difference between the two was that she had no recollection of them at all. After she bounced around from one foster home to another, each with living conditions and harsh environments more deplorable than the next, she finally ended up on the streets.

  A Thymore alien named Demitri took Ardela under his wing when she was twelve years old. A disgraced monk from one of the most famous monasteries on the planet, Demitri banded a group of homeless street urchins together in an organized gang. The children scoured shops and broke into residences for food and valuables under their leader's direction. The group stayed together for years until Demitri's sudden and unexplained disappearance.

  With no manipulative glue to hold the children together, they disbanded. At the time, Ardela was seventeen. Armed with years of monastic martial arts training and street smarts honed to near-perfection, she set out to take the world on by herself.

  Ardela had some of the quickest reflexes Thiago had ever seen. She had pinned him down on multiple occasions when they regularly trained together. But when Ardela began showing up late to their missions from late-night card games at underground casinos, half-awake and grumpy from another substantial loss, Thiago grew weary of her. When she failed to show up for the third mission in a row, and he found her barely lucid and immersed in an all-night card game, it was enough for him.