Stars in Nova (The Sable Riders #6)

Secrets Beneath the Surface

T he Cephei broke through Orilia XIV’s thick atmosphere, its sleek hull glinting in contrast to the planet’s burnished tones below.

Four days of snarky, laughter-filled flight had brought the trio to the edge of the Thalassa continent, its vast shoreline stretching along the horizon.

The land here was rugged and primal, the dark magma boulders scarred by ancient eruptions that had shaped the region.

Waves of cobalt-blue water crashed against jagged cliffs, their spray misting the air with the briny scent of the ocean.

Kisan piloted the smaller flyer toward the blackened expanse of a massive crater.

The flyer descended, the volcanic walls rising around them like a fortress of craggy stone.

Samira leaned forward, her gaze focused on the surface below as she spoke. ‘The rock here is dense enough to block Corilian scans. It’s one of the few places left they can’t penetrate.’

Sax, sitting in the backseat, snorted. ‘Convenient. Let’s hope they don’t figure that out anytime soon.’

The craft touched down with a soft hiss, the engines powering down as silence enveloped them. Outside, the crater felt otherworldly, the ground underfoot radiating warmth from long-cooled lava.

The sky above was a muted gray, and the clouds swirled with ash-like tendrils, indicating Orilia XIV’s fiery battles.

Both men followed Samira into the network of caves that stretched beneath the hollow, their footsteps echoing against the stone walls.

At first, the Sarabaite fell silent, taking in the bioluminescent glow that lit their path.

Streaks of azure and emerald shimmered across the ceiling, reflecting the light in the still pools of water on the cavern floor. The air was cool and damp, carrying the scent of moss and mineral-rich earth.

‘This is freakin’ mad,’ Sax muttered, running a hand over the smooth, glistening rock. ‘Never seen anything like it.’

Samira glanced over her shoulder, a smile tugging at her lips. ‘It’s home.’

The shrouded man matched her stride, his glowing aureate eyes scrutinizing their surroundings. ‘Your people built all this?’

‘ Nada ,’ she replied. ‘The caves have always been here. We just adapted them—made them ours when the surface was no longer safe.’

The cowled Sableman prowled the caverns, his steps slow and deliberate.

The bioluminescent glow cast eerie shadows on the walls, and the sound of water dripping from stalactites filled the air.

He stopped on occasion, his sharp gaze scanning for weak points or hidden threats.

‘Something about these grottos is stunning, of life thriving despite the odds.’

‘You’re impressed,’ Samira said.

‘Much as I hate to admit it, I am. You fish people have more ingenue going for you than I thought,’ Sax snarked back.

They emerged into the central cavern. The space opened into a sprawling underground city alive with activity.

Waterfalls cascaded into luminescent lakes, their sound a soothing contrast to the hum of energy shields and the occasional clang of tools.

Children darted between stone pathways, their laughter echoing like music. Merchants haggled over goods at makeshift stalls, their voices blending with the distant murmur of conversations.

Samira quickened her pace, her steps lighter as she neared her family’s dwelling.

The moment she stepped inside, two tiny figures hurtled toward her with cries of delight. Samira laughed as her son and daughter threw their arms around her, their faces radiant with joy.

‘Mama!’ Malik shouted, his voice high and clear.

‘You’re back!’ Liora added, her limbs encircling her mother’s waist.

Samira dropped to her knees, pulling them close as tears filled her eyes. ‘I missed you both so much.’

Kisan stood just behind her, smiling as the children turned their attention to him. Malik hesitated only for a moment before launching himself at the tall warrior.

Liora followed suit, clinging to his arm like a long-lost uncle.

‘Kisan,’ Malik said, his eyes dilated in awe. ‘You came back! Did you bring us anything from Galicia?’

‘Why would I?’ he teased.

He laughed when the girl shot her hip out and planted her hands on them.

He glanced at Samira, who gave him a slight nod.

With a smirk, he reached into his bag for a small pouch and handed it over.

Liora squealed, hugged him, and peered in, removing a stunning fidget spinner crafted of glowing glass. ‘Wow, all my friends will be so jealous.’

‘I figured you’d like one. More?’

He handed her a second package, and she ripped it, pulling out a sequence of miniature cute furry toys, sighing in happiness. ‘The Nest series, so adorable!’

‘How about me?’ called out Malik.

Kisan arched a brow at the boy, hedged, and tossed a pouch at the lad, who leaped up and seized it.

Malik opened his prize, revealing two glowing handballs and a small helo that powered at the touch of his finger.

‘Awesome haul,’ Samira called out. ‘Now, where is the appreciation? I’ve taught you better manners than that.’

Both kids ran for the Rider. ‘ Sante ,’ they breathed into his neck as he caught them in his grasp.

‘You’re welcome,’ Kisan replied, his rumble hoarser than usual.

Nearby, Samira’s aunt appeared, her warm embrace pulling her niece into another round of tearful greetings. ‘You’re back,’ the older woman muttered, thick with emotion. ‘Thank the waters.’

Sax stood with eyes on the family from a distance, his broad frame leaning against the entrance.

His expression was skeptical, though there was a flicker of something softer in his eyes.

‘Who are you, man?’ he muttered to Kisan, shaking his head as he sidled alongside his mate.

For once, the Rider dropped the snark and lightheartedness he shared with his long-time friend, his face sobering. ‘I’m a soul that can finally exhale deep beneath a scorched earth.’

Samira locked her eyes with her man and waved him over. ‘ Kralji , bring Sax to meet my family.’

The endearment brought an arch to Misandra’s brow. ‘ Kralji, ay?’

‘Stop it, aunt. I’ll tell you later.’

‘That you will, child,’ her aunt said, waggling her brows suggestively.

The Sarabaite approached with some reluctance, his imposing presence drawing curious stares from the children.

He greeted them, eyes crinkling as they went to town with questions about his meta ink and all the relics and jewels hanging off him.

In no time, they’d snagged the reluctant monk and dragged him to a rock, where they got caught up in a slew of scary off-world tales and anecdotes he spun.

They marveled at his belt, which contained carved amulets that glowed with an inner light as if alive and touched his shifting tattoos.

‘Kisan has the same type of tattoos. Are you brothers?’ Liora asked.

Sax tilted his head in thought for a moment. ‘We’re closer than siblings, as we’ve shared blood, death, and gore.’

The kids squealed in mock horror. ‘Tell us, please!’

He laughed, a rumbling chortle, spinning them more stories suitable for their age.

‘He’s a natural with children,’ Samira observed.

Kisan nodded with a huff. ‘That’s because, under all his badass ink, rebellious unholy man mask is a man who cares. Kids can sense a pure soul. He’s one of the purest I know.’

Samira glanced at the Sarabaite for a long time, then linked her arm with her lover’s and led him deeper inside her home.

They passed a sleeping alcove hidden by a curved rock face.

‘This my pad?’ Kisan asked.

Samira shook her head. ‘Soldier, you’re with me in my chamber. Sax sleeps in the alcove.’

Kisan’s lips curled as she ushered him to her private quarters.

Shutting the door, they fell on the bed, kissing long and hard until her aunt shouted that dinner was ready.

They broke apart with soft laughs. ‘Later, commander,’ Kisan growled, patting Samira’s ass as she led him to the dining table.

Where the family gathered for a boisterous meal.

The table was laden with simple but hearty fare—fresh fish, roasted root vegetables, and a savory stew that filled the air with its rich aroma.

The room was alive with conversation and laughter, the children’s voices rising above the clatter of utensils and the occasional burst of incredulity.

Sax ate his fill, his narrowed silver eyes darting around the room as if he couldn’t quite relax.

Finally, when his plate was clean, he pushed back his chair with a grunt. ‘Good food. Sante . I’m gonna take a walk.’

‘You just got here,’ Samira said, her tone teasing.

‘And you’ve loved ones to catch up with,’ the Sarabaite grunted.

He nodded toward Kisan with a smirk. ‘He can entertain you. I, for one, am keen to explore the natural wonder of Thalassi.’

Before she could respond, he opened the door to the intimate home and disappeared into the shadows, his footsteps fading into the labyrinth.

Leaving the group to settle into the warmth of family.

Samira led her man through her chamber, the soft glow of bioluminescent moss casting shifting patterns on the stone walls.

Her fingers brushed over a hidden latch, and with a click, a section of the rock slid away to reveal a narrow staircase spiraling downward.

‘Follow me,’ she whispered, her voice inviting.

He served her an arched brow as he followed.

The air grew cooler as they descended.

The steps opened into a small grotto where an underground pool gleamed in the natural illumination of luminescent algae.

The water glowed, casting ripples of blue and green across the jagged stone ceiling.

‘Does this lead to the lake?’ the Rider murmured, his bass rumble echoing against the cavern walls.

Samira nodded, stepping into the pool, its coolness enveloping her as they waded deeper.

Her dark hair shimmered under the light as she turned to him, her expression tender. ‘Tonight, this is just ours.’

The world above faded away as he reached for her, pulling her to his front.

‘Woman, lips,’ Kisan growled.

Samira shifted and gasped in pleasure as his mouth fell on her.

In between fiery kisses, they tore off their clothes, and with a growl, the Rider had his woman up against the wall of the underground pool, sucking on her tongue.

He gripped her thighs, lifted her, and in seconds, he was sliding inside her.

‘Fokk,’ he groaned as he thrusted into her, deep.

She threw her head back as his heated length hit and slid all the way, scorching, so hot in her.

The pressure building in her core and at the base of her spine ratcheted.

Her hands scrabbled for his back, head falling to his shoulder.

Eyes on the most sensual, glorious view of Kisan driving into her, moving hard.

One hand encircled her waist, the other at the crux of their joining, tweaking her clit.

She tilted her hips and pistoned to meet his intense thrusts, just managing to hold onto him, living the guttural groans coming from deep within him.

When he bent to suckle her nipples, with his groin twisting into her, she couldn’t bear it.

The pool surged and crashed into them as their lovemaking intensified, adding to the sensual pleasure.

Kisan’s meta ink was shifting in wild shapes as he powered up.

Then, the water around them began to vibrate, to ripple into tinier, more agitated waves as their combined kinetic power overtook them.

‘ Kaissa , fokk, I adore you,’ the Rider grunted, claiming her lips as Samira moaned.

Her body shuddered as she combusted, groaning into his mouth as they ground against each other.

Her pussy milked him hard, and he groaned even harder, ‘Samira,’ hips working as he also fell into a whirlpool of pleasure.

On and on, they slicked in and out of each other as they came off their high, the water rippling against their thighs.

‘ Fokk ,’ Kisan growled. ‘Woman, you ignite me.’

Samira just smiled and slid her grasp into his locks and pulled him close for a long, sweet lip meld with his length still buried in her.

When their mouths parted, she pressed her lips against his nape, loving the scent of his musk. Hands gliding over his back, pussy pulsing and squeezing his cock still implanted inside her, and her ear burning as his jagged breaths heated her lobe.

‘I like this water magic, this freakin’ fluidic kinesis,’ he growled.

He pushed out behind him, her still in his arms, buoyant and light in the luminescent depths. ‘I like it a lot.’

‘I love it too.’

‘Sounds like a plan,’ the Rider rasped, lips falling over hers once more , their whispers and laughter mingling with the gentle lap of waves against the stone columns.

The war, the Corilians, and endless responsibilities fell away for a time.