Shooting Meteors and Emeralds

The following night was perfect for a gala event.

The setting sun, a master painter, brushed the sky with hues of pink and orange, creating a breathtaking backdrop for the grand resort where the ball would take place.

The temperature was warm, a gentle caress on the skin, as the trees in Enia's park came alive with a thousand sparkling fairy lights.

Like a trail of stardust, they illuminated the pathway, leading the way to The Grande's entrance, beckoning the guests to the gala.

‘She'll recognise you, though, unless you mask your face,' Mirage commented, raking her digital eyes over him onboard the Tachy.

The stealthed ship hovered high in the skies above the sprawling park and hotel.

‘I don't intend to hide my identity from her,' Xion told the Sable consigliere. ‘That's the point. To give her a little scare and perhaps finagle some intel on why her gems stole data from us.'

‘A solid plan, khan. Finish getting dressed; the gala begins in less than an hour.'

The Rider did as commanded, and before long, he was back on the bridge.

‘How do I look?' he asked the AI.

‘Like a delicious treat.'

Xion took a mock bow. ‘I'm glad you approve.'

He sported a sequined, slim-fitting, tailored, single-breasted tuxedo suit with silk duchesse details. He wore no shirt under the jacket, which left nothing to the imagination regarding the flow of his muscles and the tautness of his abs.

It also showed off his meta tattoos that shifted and reformed beneath his skin.

His locks flowed free over his shoulders, and his feet were clad in crystal-embossed shoes.

He resembled a rockstar straight out of the celebrity holos.

Though Xion rarely wanted the attention, tonight, he needed to look like the life of the party. To sniff out the woman whom he suspected was about to ruin said party.

Minutes later, he landed on the surface, back at the park where he'd first set foot on Enia a day earlier.

He arranged his locks, and with a final glance up at the unseen location of his ship, he jerked his chin.

Good hunting.

‘My friend, I'm back,' Xion rasped to The Grande Hotel's friendly bellman. ‘For the Art and Gems Gala.'

The doorman eyed him up and down. ‘Welcome Mister Caelix. Quite dashing. You look the part, that's for sure, sir.'

‘Sante. Now, where's the entrance for this shindig?'

‘Ah, it's the East wing, sir. Once inside the primary doors, turn right and keep walking. You won't miss it. It's crawling with holo media drones, celebrities and hundreds of rubberneckers.'

Jerking his chin in appreciation at the concierge, Xion eased by and entered the hotel's opulent lobby.

The air was heavy with the scent of money and power, mingling with the faint hint of something darker lurking beneath the surface.

He strode past the extravagant chandeliers and sumptuous velvet couches, scanning the room for any sign of Katya in the maze of dazzling faces, wealth, and luxury.

He presented his wrist tab at the ticket check bot and was waved into the event.

He made his way to the ballroom and the grand doorway, catching glimpses of the alluring crimson-clad back of a now-familiar silhouette disappearing inside.

Without hesitation, he followed, his steps silent on the plush carpeting.

However, his mark disappeared, caught in the throngs of attendees rushing in and out of the space.

As the bellman had promised, it was a veritable fantastical art and jewels showcase.

The ballroom was decked in silver and gold streamers, which offset the soft cream tones on the wall, the art-deco-inspired chandeliers and polished brass fittings.

Upstairs, an open-plan gallery invited guests to take a closer look at the curated selections, which included a priceless collection of treasures and masterpieces. Some were just for viewing, and others were to be sold in a series of charity auctions later in the evening.

Guests were greeted with unique cocktails and ushered into a cosmic paradise resembling a galaxy of celestial wonder.

The dress theme was Pegasi's planetary stars, and the guests didn't disappoint.

They satisfied the organisers " celestial theme with intricate ethereal headdresses, wild bedazzled makeup, and dreamy sparkling fabrics.

Some wore crystals from head to toe, layered over silver body paint.

Others were decked out in flowing, embellished, giant, out-sized emperor-level capes and kaftans.

Most bold statements with their jewellery. Typically, a finishing touch to the look, many chose to make their accessories the focal point.

He spotted many precious stones—some huge and worth millions of schills—on the red carpet, shining and dazzling against the holo-razzi flashbulbs.

Xion blended right in with his 8-carat white diamond brooch and a freakin' enormous pearl ring. He'd also donned a limited edition gem watch, cufflinks, and 18-karat gold earrings surrounded by emeralds.

However, his meagre offering came nothing close to the glitterati he rubbed shoulders with.

That's a Sitari yellow diamond that has over 300 carats,Mirage informed him when his brow rose at the sight of one outrageously accessorised guest. Worn by D'Lia Frakan, a leading lady in a famous holo drama show.

The woman in question was undoubtedly beautiful. She preened before the cameras with a broad smile, one hand on her hip, waving the other at her baying fans.

The place is a sea of jewellery. I see five-pear diamonds, cultured pearls, fancy-shaped and pavé-set rings, and even an ebony gem worth millions of schills.

The perfect hunting ground for a cat burglar, nada?

Indeed.

He strode by groups of pouting celebrities vying for camera attention from the holo-razzis.

At one point, a group of women descended on him, giggling, cameras flashing, thinking he was some kind of star.

He conceded that his look this evening, with his physique, chiselled jaw, jewels and close-fitted suit, may have misled them.

On the job and weary of the unwanted female attention his appearance brought, he used his meta-speed to slip away from them before they got to him.

He ghosted into the ballroom, which was packed with swaying bodies and loud chatter, surrounding an empty, glowing crystal dais at the centre of the grand space.

As Hanias said, the Iris is about to be offered for sale this evening. Owned by the Rhesian Royal House, it is one of the rarest rubies on this planet, Mirage told him. Its estimated value is over 250 million schills and will be unveiled as part of the charity auction later tonight.

Xion gave an imperceptiblenod. It's what she's here for; I'm here to find out why.

Xion pushed past a speciality bar serving Shooting Meteor beverages and offering astrological tattoos for guests.

Music throbbed, attendees dancing to lively DJ sets by some of Pegasi's most famed bands.

He kept his sweep going until, at last, his eyes sifted through the churn and found her. Caught up in conversation with a Falasian man clad in an ostentatious get-up of silken flowers sewed into a suit.

She, however, was a vision to behold.

She wore a gold headpiece, a transformable necklace, and platinum and diamond earrings.

Her daring, deep crimson dress flowed over her body like ripping water. Its knockout flare included theatrical puff sleeves, a cut-out bodice, and a side train with a thigh-high split.

Her heels were just as dramatic and styled.

Fokkin' stunning.

He locked onto her like a heat-seeking weapon on her beauty. He drank in her grace as she navigated the crowd of guests, her every movement calculated for maximum seduction and enthralment.

Desire snaked through Xion. His hands twitched, wanting to rip off that dress, push his palms into fistfuls of her hair, and freakin' ride and fokk her senseless until she screamed the rooftop off.

‘Sir, a drink?'

He shook his head from his fantasy and swivelled to see a server thrusting a salver in his direction.

‘May I interest you in our special for the night, a Shooting Meteor cocktail?'

‘That name is on point, brother, Xion growled, still caught up in his sensual fantasy. ‘I'll have one,' he grunted, lifting a glass of wild-hued liquid from the tray, eyes swinging back to where he'd seen Katya.

She was gone.

But only for a short time.

Another flash of crimson drew his gaze to the centre of the dance area.

Where Katya swayed in the arms of the Falasian man.

Xion clenched his jaw as she twirled around the ballroom with her dance partner, her laughter mingling with the music that pulsed through the extravagant ballroom.

An unexpected surge of jealousy gnawed at his insides, but he fought to keep his emotions in check.

This was not the time for uncontrolled feelings.

He moved through the crowd, keeping Katya in sight as she danced with her new companion.

The chandeliers above cast a kaleidoscope of colours over the guests, creating a surreal atmosphere that blurred the lines between reality and fantasy.

Drawing closer, Xion noticed Katya's charming mask was forced and strained.

She scanned the room with tight urgency as if searching for someone.

Xion followed her glance but couldn't see what or who she was looking for.

The Falasian man was oblivious to her discomfort, his grip tightening around her waist.

He held on when she tried to wriggle away, and Xion saw her face darken.

The Rider churned and strode forward, his expression cold with icy restraint. ‘Mind if I cut in?' he rasped, his tone laced with mock politeness.

The Falasian man glared at him, but Katya's eyes widened with surprise, staring at him as if she'd seen a ghost.

‘Fokk,' he heard her whisper.

Without waiting for a response, the Rider reached for Katya's hand, pulling her away from her dancing partner.

‘What the hell do you think you're doing?' the Falasian man snarled.

‘Saving her from a fate worse than death,' Xion growled, meta eyes flashing.

It was enough to have the man shuffling backwards in retreat.

Xion jerked his chin at the kinai, shot him another warning glare and, with his grip firm on Katya's hand, led her through the crowd.

Once they were in a quieter corner of the ballroom, Katya rounded on him, her eyes glinting with unspoken emotion. ‘Are you stalking me, mister -?'

‘In these parts, I go by Lorian Caelix, an art dealer from Eden II, and I just saved you ass there. You wanted out,' Xion said, his tone softer now. ‘I saw it in your eyes.'

Katya's fa?ade cracked, her badass exterior melting away to reveal the vulnerability beneath.

‘I suppose I should thank you,' she said, her voice distracted. ‘Mr Caelix,' she added.

Her eyes narrowed, and she leaned to whisper into his ear. ‘Or is it Sable? Xion Sable?'

His eyebrows rose. ‘So you do know who I am?'

‘Most people in my business know of you, Rider,' she murmured.

Still holding onto his lapel, her husky intonation vibrating against his cheek, sending delicious thrills down his spine and to his stiffening cock.

‘What is your business?' he prodded, leaning into her.

That's when he noticed the halo of gems embedded in her temple pulse with a soft glow and wondered what they signified.

‘I play cards for the love of it,' she breathed.

‘Bullshit,' he rasped back. ‘You do it for the schills.'

She shrugged. ‘Doesn't everyone, including yourself? I admit I was surprised to see the head of Eden II's security at the card game the other day.'

He pulled her nearer, dealing her cards. ‘We're always extra cautious on the rock; I had to ensure it was a clean contest with zero threat potential. That said, your game was quite the play.'

It seemed she was still playing it, given the way her eyes darted away at his words.

‘Question, who are you?' He asked, well apprised of her background, wanting to see what she'd admit.

She cocked her brow and tilted her head, gazing up at him with those alluring eyes, hitting him in his core, hardening his cock. ‘Who do you think I am?'

‘A conundrum wrapped in a freakin' riddle, Katya D'Landra,' he rasped, need colouring his words.

Her eyes widened at the sound of her name, but she glanced away, not saying a word.

‘The question is, what are you doing here?' Xion pressed.

‘I'm a connoisseur of excellent art,' she flipped, slicing her eyes back to him. ‘Why are you here?'

‘You ran so fast from Eden II before we could become well acquainted,' he hedged.

She raised an eyebrow. ‘So this is personal. You don't seem the type to chase skirts, Rider. By all accounts, they come chasing you.'

‘Maybe.'

‘The problem is, who said I wanted to get to know you?' she breathed, a gleam in her eye.

His eyes gleamed with devilish desire. ‘I do. I want to know you, Katya. All of you.' And also why you stole from The Sable Group.

His words lit a blaze in her. He tagged how her eyes dilated, and her soft lips parted. Her halo of gems glowed brighter, and he tweaked.

She was feeling this shit as much as he was, the same desire that was thrumming through him.

He had to bite his bottom lip to stop himself from crashing his mouth on her. Instead, he leaned and brushed them over her ear. ‘Don't you want to know all of me? Perhaps we can go somewhere together tonight -'

She tensed up. ‘I can't,' she murmured and tugged out of his clasp.

Her eyes swept the heaving dance floor, and he sensed a rising desperation in her eyes.

Undaunted, he pulled her close. ‘Looking for anyone in particular?' he grunted.

She hesitated for a moment prior to lifting her face to his, her expression caught between rebellion and vulnerability. ‘It's none of your business,' she retorted.

He tagged a finger under her chin and studied her, tagging a flicker of fear passing through them before she masked it with defiance. ‘What or who is causing your eyes to cloud over, Katya?'

Her features fell into turmoil as if she'd a secret worry she was trying so hard to conceal.

Yet the glint in her eyes also flamed with a fierce obstinacy.

He tilted his head, realising there was more to her than met the eye. More than just a cat burglar and femme fatale who thrived in the glitz and glamour of high society events.

The realisation sent a shiver down his spine.

‘I don't like to see anyone in distress, Katya. May I be of assistance?' he murmured, his eyes searching hers.

Katya's defences faltered for a beat before she shook her head, a bitter laugh escaping her lips. ‘You? Help me? You're part of the same world that's suffocating me.'

Xion felt a rare emotion at her words. Something about this woman stirred a long-buried ache in him, a desire to protect her from whatever demons haunted her.

He stroked her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. ‘Looks like you need assistance to free yourself from it,' he rasped.

Katya's eyes searched his, uncertainty flickering in her beguiling depths.

Before she could respond, an announcement sounded over the ballroom speakers.

‘The auction for the Serpent's Iris, the most exclusive red ruby to have ever been found in the mines of the Skatitta Fields in Falasia, will be going up soon. In half an hour, we'll ask you to clear the dance floor for its unveiling. It will be on show for an hour preceding the public sale and bidding.'

Katya jolted in his arms. ‘I have to leave,' she murmured.

She tore herself from his encircled embrace and powered away, her figure melting into the throng, leaving Xion alone in the corner of the ballroom.

He let her go and huffed. Mirage, I think this is it. The pre-auction is less than half an hour, and Katya's done a runner. I'm going after her. I think the heist is about to go down.

Copy. I'll be on standby for whatever you need.

Xion pushed through the crowd, determined to find the elusive woman before she slipped away.

He navigated his way through clusters of socialites and power players, his meta-vision scanning every corner of the room in search of her distinctive figure.

Finally, he caught a glimpse of crimson as Katya sidled through a side service door, her eyes narrowed with urgency.

With an inhale, he moved after her.