28. Alyssa

CHAPTER 28

ALYSSA

" A lyssa," Maar says as he walks into the living room the next morning. "I want you to go with Laar and pick up a package from Nueva Lostra."

My interest is piqued. Neuva Lostra is known as the pre-eminent wedding jewellers on Glimner's northern hemisphere.

"Oh?" I ask with a smile. "What for?"

"It's a surprise," he says with a smile. "You'll see when you get there."

I'm feeling like garbage. This baby is causing me to vomit my guts out. But I can't resist squealing and going up to Maar and getting on my tiptoes and giving him a kiss.

"Laar is waiting for you at the casino hangar," Maar says. "Better hurry."

I practically skip down to the casino hangar, my heart fluttering with excitement. The thought of Maar surprising me with something from Nueva Lostra sets my imagination running wild. Could it be...? No, I shouldn't get ahead of myself.

Laar's waiting for me, his tall frame leaning against the sleek aircar. As I approach, I notice his usual cheerful demeanor seems off.

"Morning, Laar! Ready for our little excursion?"

He nods, a weak smile not quite reaching his eyes. "Of course, Alyssa. Please, after you."

The aircar takes off smoothly, Glimner's neon-drenched skyline stretching out beneath us. I can't help but chatter excitedly.

"I wonder what Maar's up to. He's been so secretive lately. Do you know anything, Laar?"

Laar's grip on the controls tightens. "I... I'm not at liberty to say, Alyssa."

His subdued tone dampens my mood slightly, but I chalk it up to Laar being his usual stoic self. As we approach Nueva Lostra, my excitement builds again.

The aircar touches down on a landing pad, but before I can hop out, Laar turns to me, his expression pained.

" Alyssa, I... I'm so sorry."

I frown, confused. "Sorry? For what, Laar? You didn't scratch Maar's precious aircar, did you?"

That's when I notice movement outside. My eyes widen as I see an IHC Marine in full combat gear standing there, rifle at the ready.

"Laar, what's going on?" My voice rises, panic setting in.

Before he can answer, a thunderous roar fills the air. A massive troop transport descends, kicking up dust as it lands next to us.

"Oh god," I whisper, realization dawning. "They've come for me, haven't they?"

Laar nods, unable to meet my eyes. "I'm sorry, Alyssa. It was an anonymous tip. Maar... he wanted to keep you safe."

My world spins. Maar. He planned this. He's sending me away. Anger, betrayal, and a confusing surge of love war within me as the transport's ramp lowers, revealing more Marines.

"Miss Dash," a stern voice calls out. "Please exit the vehicle. We're here to take you home."

My heart races as I step out of the aircar, the cool metal of the landing pad beneath my feet. The Marines surround me, their laser rifles at the ready. I scan their faces, searching for a hint of humanity behind their visors.

"Miss Dash," a gruff voice barks. "Where's the Vakutan who kidnapped you? Where's Raaj?"

I swallow hard, my throat dry. "I... I don't know what you're talking about."

The Marine takes a step closer, his rifle inching upward. "Don't play games, Miss Dash. We know he's here. Tell us where Raaj is, or things could get ugly. We came for a Vakutan warrior and a human woman and we're going home with a Vakutan warrior and a human woman."

"I told you, I don't-"

"Jail time," another Marine cuts in. "That's what you're looking at if you don't cooperate. Aiding and abetting a known criminal."

The laser rifles hum to life, their sights trained on me. My hands shake, and I fight to keep my voice steady. "You don't understand. It's not what you think-"

Suddenly, Laar's voice rings out behind me. "I am Raaj."

I whirl around, shock etched on my face as Laar steps out of the aircar. His Vakutan features could easily pass for Maar's, and for a moment, I'm stunned by his sacrifice.

"Laar, no!" I cry out, but it's too late.

The Marines move in, their weapons trained on Laar. "On your knees, hands behind your head!"

Laar stands his ground, his eyes meeting mine for a brief moment. There's a flicker of something - regret, determination, fear - before he lunges forward.

Everything happens in a blur. Laar's sudden movement, the shouts of the Marines, the sizzle of laser fire. I scream as Laar's body crumples to the ground, smoke rising from a charred hole in his chest.

"No!" I sob, trying to run to him, but strong arms hold me back.

"Target neutralized," a Marine reports coldly. "Secure the package."

I'm dragged toward the transport, my legs barely working as I struggle to process what just happened. "You killed him," I choke out. "He wasn't- He didn't-"

"It's over now, Miss Dash," a softer voice says as I'm guided up the ramp. "You're safe. Your father's waiting to see you."

The transport doors seal shut, cutting off my view of Laar's lifeless body. As we lift off, leaving Glimner - and Maar - behind, I curl into myself, overwhelmed by grief, guilt, and a gnawing uncertainty about what comes next.