Page 25 of When the Universe Sings

Lesephous sat up, swinging his legs down until his sandaled feet slapped onto the ground. He assessed Captain Ruciyah like a piece of artwork, head tilting this way and that. “Now the rest.”

This time when Greabes gave another grumble of indignation, Captain Ruciyah didn’t silence him. He only shook his head, head tipping down as if in apology.

“You know I can’t.” His tone was almost teasing as he leaned forward, one hand resting on his thigh, fingertips brushing the fabric of my skirt while he rested his elbow on the other.

Lesephous flattened his lips like a scolded child who knew they would not be punished. “You will, of course, have to remove it for the gala. It’s Federation law.”

Captain Ruciyah’s expression hardened and then it was gone, so quick I wondered if the male saw it. “I’m afraid I haven’t heard of this new ruling.”

Halo orb light cast rainbows onto the table in front of us as the male folded his hands in his lap and admired one of his ostentatious rings. “Any appearance-altering apparel is strictly forbidden within gatherings sponsored or hosted by the Federation for the safety of those in attendance. Crime is on the rise, Captain, haven’t you heard? Mercenaries popping up this way and that, desperate for any shiny thing they can get their grubby little hands on.” He wiggled his pudgy fingers in my direction and I wondered how much effort it would take to bite them off.

“A gala is hardly cause for—” Greabes started behind him, but this time Captain Ruciyah did raise his hand for silence.

“Of course, thank you for informing me.”

White brows ticked up and Lesephous clapped his hands together. “Wonderful, wonderful! Of course, I’d be happy to host you and your pet the evening before, as the gala lasts the whole next day.”

I dropped my attention back to the helm in my lap, wondering how I could extricate myself from this meeting. My chest couldn’t expand wide enough for my lungs and sweat dewed the back of my neck. But I forced a breath and relaxedmy shoulders, erasing the image of what that sort of invitation might insinuate.

There had always been talk on theDaskquahof what happened at parties yeskas on the ship were hired for. Parties that could last for days, the orgiastic performances sometimes set up on a little stage for the amusement of those in attendance. They were always well paid, of course, and most of them returned to the ship with smiles on their faces, arms overflowing with gifts—even if the light in their eyes was a little dimmer than before.

A gloved hand curled again around my neck, giving it a squeeze, and I was grateful for the years I’d spent in Ebyd III learning to destroy any ounce of feeling. I would not allow myself to sink into the comfort he offered with the simple touch.

Comfort was dangerous, especially in the palm of a monster.

“We’d be happy to accept your invitation. However, I should warn you I’m not one for public displays.”

Lesephous gave a jovial chuckle, and it was clear he wasn’t really listening. “Of course, of course. There are a handful of others I’ll be hosting as well, and one of the most beautiful Venyan males you’ve ever seen. Your pet will be in very good?—”

The hand on the back of my neck tightened and I looked up in time to catch a dangerous flash across the top half of Captain Ruciyah’s face. “Juniper ismine.”

The male blinked in surprise, lips moving without words for a moment as they stared at one another, some unspoken conversation passing between them. “O-of course. We would still be happy to host you both.”

But I couldn’t shake the feeling of my name on his lips, the fervor in those words, as though it was another brand on my skin. I wanted to scream, to grab the quara blade on his hilt and shove it through his throat.

To be owned was one thing. I had been owned for most of my life. I belonged to the Federation and was to be discarded the moment I was no longer useful. But to be possessed was something different—something so much more treacherous. To be possessed was to be destroyed, to be mangled past all recognition and linger on the edges waiting for death.

I’d watched it happen countless times through my time onDaskquahand had understood it even on Ebyd III with the games the guards played.

It’s an act, I reminded myself as the two males fell into an easier conversation about the pieces we would see on display, Captain Ruciyah careful to avoid any mention of the stone but prodding for it all the same.This is a means to an end.

And yet something pulsed in the back of my mind, the knowledge that this was merely the beginning of a very dangerous game.

CHAPTER

EIGHTEEN

The cruiser wassilent on the journey back to theKuxatana.

Captain Ruciyah had donned his helm the moment we’d left Lesephous’ presence with a visible tremor in his fingertips. Anger washed over him in waves, so palpable it was a wonder I couldn’t feel the heat from where I was seated in the cockpit. He had not released me for the rest of the meeting with the Louxurian, long after the male had lost interest in me.

It was not protectiveness—I wasn’t naïve enough to believe Captain Ruciyah kept his hold for my safety. But it took me longer than I would admit to remember this was a male who craved power, who wanted the world right there at his fingertips. For now, regardless of how much he insisted he was not my master, his contract with Lunastra meant he owned me. I was at his disposal, which meant in his mind I was his.

Beiste Lesephous’ lewd remarks were an offense to his ego.

As soon as the engines shut off, I jumped out of my seat. Greabes, universe bless him, initiated the ramp sequence early. I hopped the last foot or so before it had fully extended, wanting to be anywhere but near Captain Ruciyah. A pulsing started in the back of my head, an instinct curling up my spine that told me to get as far away from him as possible.

Burn it to the ground.