Chosen by the Dragon Alien (Zarux Dragon Brides #2)

Chapter 21

TWENTY-ONE

Fivra

Kaelen’s hidden outpost was nestled within the jagged terrain of a rogue planet. It stretched out across the uneven rock like a web. The planet’s surface was a patchwork of glowing veins—minerals or gases that snaked through its crust in fiery ribbons of gold, red, and blue. Jagged peaks and ravines crisscrossed the landscape. The outpost itself blended into this chaotic beauty. Its structures were carved into the rocky terrain. Some buildings dug deep within the cliffs, while others molded into the land as if they were natural formations.

“Wow, Kaelen,” Fivra said. “This is like a city.”

Kaelen crossed his arms. His sharp golden eyes gazed through the viewport of the fortress ship’s command center. “I never said I wasn’t good at hiding,” he replied with a grin. “Ravak Outpost isn’t just hidden—it’s a fortress. The outpost’s cloak extends deep into the planet’s crust. Even if the Axis managed to get ships within scanning range, all they’d detect is rock and mineral deposits. They could scan this planet for centuries and never detect us.”

“Good thing, too,” Turi added from her spot near the corner, where she leaned casually against a wall. Her distinctive green eyes glinted with humor. Reuniting with Turi had been like another homecoming. She and her friend had spent cycles catching up and sharing stories while Cyprian recovered. Turi had stared openmouthed when Fivra told her about living at Erovik. For two females from a farming community, their lives had taken surprising turns. “Otherwise, I doubt you’d be enjoying reunions and offers of rebellion.” Turi winked at Fivra.

Ellion closed his hands behind his back as he observed the outpost, his sharp silver gaze studying its every detail. “It’s impressive.” His voice was calm but carried a weight of approval that Fivra suspected didn’t come easily.

Cyprian stood silently beside her. His strength had returned and his wounds had healed during the four cycles it had taken them to reach Kaelen’s home. The ship they’d lost on the moon was still there, for now, but Kaelen had sent a recovery crew to retrieve it. He liked that ship.

Ellion’s fortress descended beneath a series of jagged overhangs that concealed the outpost from above. He had a small crew of beings called Hecrons, who were large and had fur that trailed from their head, down their spine, and who piloted the behemoth ship with ease.

Fivra caught glimpses of towers rising from the rock, each adorned with beacons that pulsed with soft amber glows. Beneath those subtle warnings were rows of defensive turrets tucked discreetly into the rock. Their barrels gleamed faintly under the planet’s flickering light. Fivra couldn’t help but feel a mixture of awe and relief. This wasn’t just a hidden sanctuary—it was a stronghold, fortified and formidable. For the first time in what felt like ages, she allowed herself a sliver of hope.

The fortress landed on the outpost’s primary docking bay, a cavernous space carved into the side of a cliff. The walls were reinforced with a patchwork of metal plating and rock. Glowing veins of the planet’s minerals provided an eerie ambience. The docking bay teemed with life—beings of all shapes, sizes, and species moved about with purpose. Some carried crates stamped with markings Fivra didn’t recognize, others tinkered with small vessels suspended midair by magnetic fields. The sounds of a typical docking bay filled the air, punctuated by the sharp hiss of steam vents and the occasional clatter of tools.

“Welcome to my humble abode,” Kaelen declared as the Hecrons powered down the ship’s engines. “Ravak Outpost. Not much to look at on the outside, but it’s what’s below the surface that counts.”

Ellion moved toward the ship’s hatch with his characteristically measured steps, his purple wings shifting slightly. “If we’re to make allies here, we must tread carefully,” he said, his voice even but firm. “Trust is not easily given in places like this.”

“I’ll handle the introductions,” Kaelen replied with a casual wave of his hand. “These are my people. And they’re not in the business of asking too many questions.”

Fivra followed as Kaelen led the group down the ship’s ramp and into the docking bay.

As they moved toward the exit, a figure ran through the opening in a burst of bright color. It took Fivra a moment to realize that it was a female—wild hair of every color that seemed to move like tentacles, a flowing dress of layered, multihued silks, and a long, lithe form that closed the distance between them swiftly.

“Kaelen!” she squealed and launched herself into the smuggler’s arms.

He grinned and caught her deftly, apparently used to this type of greeting. She wrapped her arms and legs around him and they kissed deeply, oblivious to everyone around them.

“Xentia,” Kaelen said when he came up for air. “We have guests.”

She looked up and blinked at Fivra, Turi, Ellion, and Cyprian. Her stunning face quirked into a mischievous smile when she laid eyes on Cyprian. “You brought the director here?”

“Not the director anymore, love,” Kaelen said. “He’s not on the Axis’ good side anymore.”

“About time,” she said cheekily, not budging from her spot, wrapped around Kaelen. “Welcome to our little paradise.”

“Thank you, Xentia,” Cyprian said smoothly. “I’m glad to see you well and happy.”

“Oh, I am.” She pressed another hard kiss to Kaelen’s mouth. “Now you are sticking around for a while,” she said to her mate. “I have plans for us.”

“Hmm. Let’s get our guests settled in their rooms first,” Kaelen said, placing her on the floor, but keeping an arm locked around her waist. He led them to the corridor toward the guest quarters.

Cyprian pulled Fivra close as they walked behind Ellion and Turi. One hand drifted to her bottom and squeezed. “I have plans for us, too.”

Her skin shivered with anticipation. “You’re still recovering, Cyprian,” she said with a grin. “You mustn’t hurt yourself.”

He leaned close to her ear. “It hurts to be near you and not have you. I can’t wait any longer.”

Neither could she.