Crystal

Obviously Drelix can look after himself. He's a seven-foot dragon alien with skin like diamonds, claws which would put a velociraptor to shame, and a growl which could strip paint…plus he can turn into a dragon. I don't need to worry about him.

I'm worrying about him as I hurry through the back passages in order to get to my quarters. I am attempting to kid myself my concern is due to anything he does being brought back to my door. I already have a hard enough time scraping by here, so the last thing I need is a bigger target in the shape of a massive Sarkarnii.

The Lepke owners of cafe Kraznik fluttered their wings and their feathery antennae went wild when I had to admit my "friend" who needed to use their place for a meeting was a Sarkarnii. The mention of Drelix's species caused a stir, a rushing around, and the offer of the cloak. I'm relatively sure it wasn't a compliment.

He wants you to go with him.

I poke the voice at the back of my head away with a shake. Drelix thinks he wants me to go with him, but as for me trusting he has my best interests at heart…that isn't going to happen as long as I'm in this galaxy.

Trust no one, give nothing, take everything. It's the unofficial motto of Station X42 and mine as well. If I'm alive today, it's because these are the rules I follow.

The doorway out of the service passages slides open, and I'm hit with the usual wall of heat and stink as I step into the narrow street. A quick glance around indicates nothing out of place, so I race across and into the corridor leading to my quarters.

The light above flickers as it always does, maintenance being something Station X42 isn't hot on, and in the blinking light, I see the door to my place is open.

I didn't leave it that way.

My stomach hits my boots and I feel sick. I mean, it wasn't my home, but it was somewhere I could feel safe. Tucked out of the way, I made sure no one, literally no one, knew where I was.

But someone knew.

I really want to believe it wasn't Nayl. He might have sold me out in his workshop, but he surely wouldn't send the heavies here, would he?

I approach my door with extreme caution, listening for anything which might indicate whoever has got here is still inside, but other than the distinctive background hum of the station, there's nothing to indicate anyone is still around.

Stepping forward, I do a quick check inside. The place has been ransacked. I resist the urge to bowl in and lament. That's the way you lose your breathing privileges. The single windowless room with its tiny sanitary facility wasn't much at all, but it was my safe space.

For several beats, I wait. There's no movement or noise. Finally, I fling myself through the door, ducking and rolling until I get to the casket where I keep my daggers. It's been spilled onto the floor, but the contents are still there.

Armed, I spring to my feet and gaze around.

My quarters are empty of any assailants, but it's also been completely trashed. Mattress ripped open as if by a wild animal, my meagre belongings flung everywhere. The scent in the air is of old sweat and burning flesh.

Habosu!

Lord Makkan wasn't leaving anything to chance, and it seems he might have survived being barbecued by Drelix, like a cockroach. I rummage around on the floor and find a fresh-ish pair of trousers. Having executed a quick change, I look for the various items I need because I can't come back again.

Having located a bag and tossed in a few essentials, I activate the scanner. The handheld screen in the dark black metal activates and it pulses for a few seconds before indicating there are movement sensors, which are not mine, installed in the walls.

"Fuck!" I leap for the door and run as hard as I can into the depths of the station, putting as much distance between me and the Habosu who are coming for me.

Or rather they're coming for something they think I have.

Whatever it is, I want it, and I have to get off the station, so there's only one place I can go.

Nayl is alone in his workshop. Head bowed, he stares at the worktop.

"Psst!" I say, causing him to lift his head, and his eyes widen. "Is it safe?"

"Chrissy!" He moves far faster than I was expecting, and I'm caught up in a slithery hug. "I thought the Sarkarnii ate you."

If I could stop the blush, I would, but I can't. Fortunately Nayl has never understood human emotions and he doesn't react.

"Not really," I say honestly. "In fact, apparently I'm married to him now."

"You have mated with a Sarkarnii!" Nayl gasps. "The Sarkarnii who was on the station? The Sarkarnii who are space pirates?"

"His name is Drelix. I helped him get back on the station so he could complete his transaction, and I'm hoping he's going to let me tag along when he leaves," I say with a nonchalance I don't feel inside.

Space pirates?

"The Sarkarnii is back?" Nayl asks carefully as I make my way to the back of his workshop and activate the hidden chamber. "Here?"

"He's meeting with his contact at cafe Kraznik, why? You going to sell him out too?" I growl as I extract the bag containing my swag and credits, stuffing them into the larger one I have with me.

"They told me they had Hayla and my young" Nayl wails.

"And you believed them? How long have you been on Station X42?" I spit at him. "I thought you were my friend, Nayl."

"I am! I am!" he exclaims "And as your friend, I'm telling you the Sarkarnii is in trouble. The Habosu wants him for their personal collection. You need to get him away from here."

I shoulder my bag, turning to face the naga who was my friend.

"And why should I believe you?" I ask, my voice cold. "You could be lying to me again."

"I'm sorry, Chrissy," Nayl hisses. "I didn't think they'd try to hurt you. But if you're mated to a Sarkarnii, I definitely don't want to piss him off."

"So, you're scared and I'm supposed to believe you?" I glare at the snake in the station.

But there is something in his posture, something in the way his unblinking eyes plead with me.

Fuck! I need to warn Drelix!