9. Maar

CHAPTER 9

MAAR

I have not felt so light hearted in a long time as I do with this human female.

For a moment, I am able to forget that I must kill her.

The Martian night air nips at my skin as we stroll back from the restaurant, but Alyssa's presence beside me radiates a warmth that seeps into my bones. Her laughter echoes in the quiet street, a melody that tugs at something deep within me.

"I can't believe you've never tried ghorba before tonight," she says, nudging my arm playfully. "Your face when you bit into that pepper—priceless!"

I chuckle, remembering the inferno that exploded in my mouth. "In my defense, it looked harmless. Who knew such a tiny thing could pack such heat?"

"Oh, come on. A big, tough guy like you, taken down by a little spice?" Her eyes sparkle with mischief. "I thought Vakutans were supposed to be fearless."

"We are," I protest, puffing out my chest in mock indignation. "Just... not when it comes to Alzhon cuisine, apparently."

We reach her quarters, and suddenly, the lightness of the evening evaporates. Reality crashes back, reminding me of who I am, who she is, and what I'm supposed to do. The guilt twists in my gut like a knife.

Alyssa turns to face me, her smile soft and genuine. "Thank you for tonight, Raaj. It was... unexpected, but wonderful."

I swallow hard, fighting the urge to pull her close. "I'm glad you enjoyed it."

She steps closer, and I can smell the faint scent of her perfume. My heart hammers against my ribs. "You know," she says, her voice low, "when you talked about jalsaghar earlier... I felt it too. I wasn't just saying that."

Before I can respond, she leans in and presses her lips to mine. The kiss is soft, tentative, but it ignites a fire in my veins. For a moment, I forget everything—my mission, my lies, my very name. There's only Alyssa, her warmth, her taste.

I pull back, breathless and conflicted. Her eyes search mine, filled with questions I can't answer.

"Alyssa, I—" The words catch in my throat. I want to tell her everything, to confess, to beg for forgiveness. But I can't. Not yet. Maybe not ever.

She touches my cheek, her fingers gentle. "It's okay, Raaj. I know this is complicated. We don't have to figure it all out tonight."

I nod, unable to speak past the lump in my throat. She gives me one last smile before disappearing into her quarters, leaving me alone with my turmoil.

As I walk back to my own room, her kiss lingers on my lips, a bittersweet reminder of what I can never truly have. I've fallen for her, hard and fast, and there's no going back now. But how can I protect her from the very danger I represent?