Gemma

Iexplored the small cabin, but there wasn"t much of interest. Just a basic bunk, a small dresser, and a utilitarian refresher unit. The walls were bare metal, giving the space a cold, impersonal feel.

As I ran my fingers along the dresser"s surface, I noticed scratches and dents marring the material. This wasn"t guest quarters, but more like a...cell. Realization dawned on me. Kaelith had brought me here as a prisoner, not a guest.

The door swished open, and the imposing Vinduthi filled the entrance, his massive frame blocking out the light from the corridor. His red eyes bored into me, pinning me with his fierce gaze. Kaelith"s nostrils flared as if scenting the air, and I couldn"t help but shudder at the predatory way he regarded me.

"Follow," he commanded in a deep rumble, turning on his heel.

I hesitated for a moment, my heart pounding, but something in his tone warned against disobedience. I trailed after him, my footsteps echoing hollowly in the narrow hallway.

He led me into what appeared to be a combination galley, mess area and general storage room. The space was cramped, with a small counter, a narrow table, and a few basic appliances lining the walls. Despite its utilitarian appearance, everything looked meticulously maintained and organized.

"Sit," Kaelith gestured toward the table, his tone clipped.

I slid onto the bench, my hands clasped tightly in my lap to hide their trembling. He moved with an effortless grace, rummaging through a cabinet before producing a few ration bars.

"I have no fresh provisions," he said, his deep voice laced with an edge of...regret? "These will have to suffice."

He placed the bars on the table in front of me, and I stared at them, bewildered. Why was he being considerate? I was his captive, wasn"t I?

Kaelith seemed to sense my confusion. "Eat," he ordered, his brow furrowing. "You require sustenance."

I stared at the ration bars, my stomach churning. Kaelith"s apparent concern for my well being seemed so at odds with his fearsome reputation and the circumstances under which he"d taken me.

"I..." I took a breath, tried again. "I can"t eat more right now."

Kaelith"s brow furrowed, his red eyes narrowing slightly. "You must keep up your strength."

"It"s not that," I said quickly, not wanting to risk angering him. "It"s just...you rescued me from Landar"s compound only a few hours ago. I ate one of those bars you gave me back there, remember?"

His nostrils flared as if scenting the truth in my words. "Of course I do. I was there."

"I"m not used to eating so much," I explained, my gaze dropping to the table.

Tentatively, I picked up one of the bars and took a small bite. The dense bar felt heavy in my stomach, and I struggled to force down another bite. Kaelith watched me intently, his jaw clenched, and I realized he was angry – but I couldn"t fathom why.

He turned away abruptly, pacing the small space like a caged predator. Then, just as suddenly, he whirled back to face me.

"Eat what you can," he said, his tone softer now. "Do not force yourself."

With a few taps on a console, he pulled up a detailed schematic. My breath caught in my throat as I recognized the schematics Landar had pored over, raving about his lost "biggest score."

Kaelith leaned over me, his body heat enveloping me, and I caught a whiff of his scent again. He was so close, I could have reached out and traced the whorling markings on his cheek.

"Show me," he commanded, his breath stirring the fine hairs at my nape. "Where is this treasure you spoke of?"

My heart stuttered as panic gripped me. I had no idea where Landar"s mythical treasure trove was located.

Frantically, I scanned the schematic, searching for anything that might seem plausible, might buy me enough time to find a real clue. My gaze landed on a section labeled "Maintenance Access Tunnels," and I tapped it with a trembling finger.

Kaelith studied the area I"d indicated, his brow furrowed in thought. For a long, agonizing moment, I held my breath, certain he would see through my deception.

But then, to my surprise, he nodded. "Very well. I will find the nearest docking access to that sector."

He leaned in even closer, his lips mere inches from mine, and I could see the faint glow of his red eyes, like twin embers in the dimness.

"Do not attempt to deceive me, little one," he snarled, his tone laced with dark promise. "Or there will be consequences."

I nodded, hyper aware of his overwhelming presence. For now, all I could do was nod mutely and hope an opportunity for escape would present itself soon.