Cinta

CINTA

I stepped into the Eclipse Room, my dress swishing against my thighs, chunky ankle boots a startling contrast to the expected dainty footwear. The opulence hit me like a wall - crystal chandeliers, holographic art installations, and waiters gliding between guests with trays of exotic delicacies.

All of a sudden I felt like that scrawny kid from the Loriesta IV slums again. I took a deep breath, and channeled Elios’s lessons on poise.

“Lady !” A booming voice called my attention to a quartet of Mondian traders, their scaled hides gleaming under the ambient lighting. Perfect. I sauntered over, dialing up the charm.

“Gentlemen, how lovely to see you,” I purred. “I trust business is booming?”

The lead Mondian, a portly fellow with gold-capped horns, chuckled. “Oh, you have no idea, my dear. We just closed a deal that’ll have the competition scrambling for years.”

I leaned in, eyes wide with feigned interest. “Do tell.”

As they bragged about trade routes and profit margins, I filed away every detail. Potential marks, their weaknesses, the works. But after a while, the constant posturing grated on my nerves.

“If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, I simply must freshen up.” I flashed a dazzling smile and made my escape to the bar.

I caught my reflection in the mirrored wall behind the liquor bottles. The elegant woman staring back at me seemed a far cry from the street rat I once was. I closed my eyes, remembering Elios’s voice. “Stand tall, chin up. You belong here as much as anyone.”

“Whiskey, neat,” I told the bartender, then turned to survey the room.

A cluster of young Nerath aristocrats caught my eye. Their tattoos marked them as members of influential houses. Time to work some magic.

I sauntered over, glass in hand. “I couldn’t help but notice your ink,” I said, gesturing to the intricate designs on one Nerath’s arm. “Reminds me of the ceremonial markings my great-aunt received when she brokered that trade deal with your people.”

Their interest piqued, I wove an elaborate tale of my fictitious family’s exploits. They ate it up, hanging on my every word.

As I chatted, snippets of nearby conversations drifted to my ears.

“Did you hear about that Vinduthi? The one by the viewport?”

“Six different stories, all of them dangerous.”

My gaze drifted to where they indicated. There he stood - Klaz. Even from across the room, his presence commanded attention. He looked uncomfortable, out of place among the frivolity.

I felt a pull towards him, curiosity gnawing at me. What was his story? Why was a feared Vinduthi at a fancy gala?

The ship’s captain took to a small stage, tapping a glass for attention. “Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests. We are about to witness a truly spectacular phenomenon...”

As all eyes turned to the captain, I noticed a Fanaith standing nearby, enraptured by the speech. Its iridescent skin glimmered, a valuable trinket dangling from one of its four arms.

Old habits die hard.

With practiced ease, I bumped into the alien, my fingers deftly unclasping the trinket. “Oh, I’m so sorry!” I gushed, steadying myself against its arm. The man barely noticed, still focused on the captain’s words.

I pocketed my prize, heart racing. The thrill of a successful lift warred with a twinge of... was that guilt? I pushed the feeling aside. This was what I did. Who I was.

My gaze drifted back to Klaz. He stood apart from the crowd, nursing a drink, those piercing eyes scanning the room, then our gazes locked.

Before I could think better of it, I moved towards him. As I approached, I saw his posture stiffen slightly. Recognition flickered in his eyes.

“We meet again,” I said, raising my glass in a small salute. “Enjoying the party?”

Klaz’s lips twitched, almost forming a smile. “About as much as a Kra’zak enjoys a bath.”

I laughed, genuinely amused. “That bad, huh? What brings a...” I paused, choosing my words carefully, “...man of your talents to an event like this?”

His eyes narrowed slightly. “What do you know of my talents?”

I shrugged, aiming for nonchalance. “Oh, you know how people talk. Vinduthi have quite the reputation.”

Klaz took a long sip of his drink. “And what brings you here... , was it? You seem more at ease in this crowd than I am.”

“What can I say? I enjoy the finer things in life.” I gestured to the opulent room around us. “Though sometimes it all feels a bit... hollow.”

Something in Klaz’s expression shifted and I glimpsed a flash of understanding, maybe even vulnerability. Then it was gone, replaced by his usual stoic mask.

“Hollow,” he repeated. “An apt description.”

We stood in companionable silence, both outsiders in our own way. I studied his profile - the strong jaw, the subtle green markings on his grey skin. Despite his imposing presence, there was something almost... gentle about him.

“So,” I said, glancing up at him. “Since we’re both finding this party lacking, care to make it more interesting?”

Klaz raised an eyebrow. “What did you have in mind?”

“How about a little game? See that Xarian couple over there?” I nodded towards an elegantly dressed pair. “I bet I can get them to invite us to their private yacht before the night’s over.”

Klaz’s lips curled into something resembling a smile. “And why would we want that?”

I leaned in closer, lowering my voice. “Because, my dear Klaz, adventure awaits those bold enough to seek it. Besides,” I winked, “their wine cellar is supposedly legendary.”

He didn’t respond. Dammit. Was he really going to refuse me?

Then, to my surprise, Klaz chuckled, a low, rumbling sound.

“Very well,” he said. “Show me what you can do, Longdon.”

As we walked across the floor, a thrill of excitement ran through me. This was familiar territory - the con, the game. But with Klaz by my side, it felt...different. Dangerous. Exhilarating.

The Xarians were a striking pair - their iridescent scales shimmering under the soft lighting of the Eclipse Room. As we drew closer, I noticed a flicker of unease in their eyes when they spotted Klaz.

“Good evening,” I said, flashing my most charming smile. “I’m so sorry to interrupt, please forgive me. But your gown, it’s just too perfect. Is that Centaurian silk?”

The female Xarian preened, her crest rising slightly. “Why yes, it is. You have a keen eye.”

“I’m Longdon, and this is Klaz,” I introduced us, placing a hand on Klaz’s arm. To my surprise, he smoothly wrapped his arm around my waist, pulling me close. The sudden contact sent a jolt through my body, and I fought to keep my composure.

“A pleasure,” the male Xarian said, though his eyes darted nervously between us. “I’m Zax’lorth, and this is my mate, Syrena.”

Klaz’s grip on my waist tightened slightly, and I leaned into him, playing up our supposed connection. “We just met earlier today,” I explained, letting out a girlish giggle. “You know what they say about shipboard romances.”

Syrena’s crest quivered, her curiosity piqued. “Oh? Do tell.”

I turned to look up at Klaz, and for a moment, I forgot this was all an act. His thumb traced small circles on my hip, and I smothered a gasp.

“Well,” I said, forcing myself to focus on the con, “they say the stars align differently in space. Makes for... unexpected connections.”

Klaz played along perfectly, looking down at me with a softness that belied his imposing stature. “Indeed. I never expected to find someone like on this voyage.”

The raw emotion in his voice caught me off guard. Was he really that good an actor, or was there something more to it? I pushed the thought aside, turning back to our marks.

“So, what are you looking forward to the most on the trip?” I asked, steering the conversation.

Zax’lorth puffed up his chest. “The Stellar Frost Gala, of course. It’s the event of the season.”

“Me too!” I gushed. “I’ve heard it’s absolutely breathtaking.”

As we chatted about the upcoming gala, I noticed Klaz’s grip on me never wavered. His touch was warm, solid, reassuring in a way I hadn’t expected. It was becoming increasingly difficult to concentrate on the con with him so close.

“You simply must join us for the viewing,” Syrena insisted. “We have a prime spot reserved.”

“That’s so kind of you,” I replied. “We’d be honored.”

The conversation flowed easily, and soon we were all laughing and sharing stories. The Xarians slowly warmed up to us - to me, certainly, but even to Klaz. His dry wit and unexpected charm were winning them over.

As we discussed our plans after the cruise, Zax’lorth’s eyes lit up. “Say, why don’t you two join us for a solar cruise on our yacht once we disembark? We could show you the rings of Sastreus Prime.”

I feigned hesitation, glancing up at Klaz. “Oh, that sounds wonderful, but I’m not sure if our schedules will allow...”

“We’d love to,” Klaz interrupted, surprising me. “If we can make it work.”

I nodded, smiling. “Yes, we’ll certainly try. That’s so generous of you.”

After exchanging contact information and promises to meet up for the gala, Klaz and I excused ourselves. As we walked away, his arm still around my waist, I felt a curious mix of exhilaration and unease. The game had gone perfectly, but something felt... different.

“Shall we head to the promenade?” Klaz suggested. “It should be quieter there.”

I nodded, not trusting my voice. As we strolled through the opulent corridors of the Empyrean Explorer, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was in over my head.

And for once, it had nothing to do with the con.