Page 19 of Found By the Alien Warrior

A Zephyrean from the VIP section flapped his wings in irritation, causing a few feathers to fly. “Where are our drinks?”

Feeling the weight of Aurik's words, I left the male fighter's den and returned to the ship, searching for more ale to bring to the VIP section. My body had a current of new energy, something to do with the connection between Aurik and me that seemed to grow stronger not just when we were near each other, but also when we were apart. He mentioned a bond. I was tempted to brush it off as poetic language, but was there more to it? A force connecting us?

I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts as I walked through the spaceship’s corridors. The laughter of the crowd outside echoed through the metal walls, providing a contrast to the quiet engine hum in the ship's belly.

As I approached what looked to be the infirmary, I noticed fighters going in and out. Gornoc’s voice carried from within. I passed the door before he could see me. He came out with the medic as I darted around to the other corner.

"Let me look at your arm, Gornoc.”

“I told you, I’ll fix it myself.” The sound of gears whirring furiously echoed in the hall. "There's still information on it that I need."

Information? I strained my ears, trying to catch every word.

The medic gave a loud exhale. “We all work for the Nexus Spiral. Just let me do my job."

I blinked in surprise. The Nexus Spiral? Didn't they work for Korga? Was this some kind of cult?

"Again, the answer is no. I don’t want you triggering anything." Gornoc stomped down the other corridor. I held my breath, waiting until his footsteps faded before allowing myself to exhale.

Triggering was an interesting choice of words. Was there a bigger weapon on his arm? Why wasn’t he worried about it during his match with Aurik?

I'd have to share this with Aurik after I got drinks to the insatiable VIP section.

The moment my feet hit the ground outside, I was met with the cheers and jeers from the crowd. The sun went down as I continued to pour drinks and try to piece together what the Nexus Spiral could be.

"Sonya," a voice whispered in my ear as I headed back to the ship for refills. I nearly jumped out of my skin until I saw it was Aurik. The darkness on planet Zephyra created a haze around everything. "We need to talk. Now."

"Gods, you scared me," I tried to keep my voice low. "I’ve only been gone for a few minutes. What’d I miss?”

His face was etched with anger and another less recognizable expression from him. Lines etched his brow. "Korga just increased the stakes for my final match here tomorrow. It involves you."

"I'm reffing again?"

"It's a cage match. The winner gets to open the cage that you'll be in."

I shook my head at the unoriginality. "That is such an old act. Oh, well. At least I get a break from pouring drinks."

"Sonya, listen to me," Aurik insisted. "You're to be suspended in a cage on the edge of the island. There's a mechanism Gornoc designed that will cut the rope as the match goes on. I have to win in time to save you."

My gaze drifted across the ring, and there he was - Korga - watching me with a smug smile. I couldn't help it; I dropped the empty ale jug I was holding and felt my legs become weak beneath me. "There's no way," I muttered, anger rising in my chest. "Has that asshole lost his mind?"

Others turned to look at me as my curse echoed.

Aurik placed a hand on my arm. "I will get to you in time."

I shook my head, trying to suppress the fear that threatened to swallow me whole. "It's not happening. I'm about to come down with a horrible stomach bug tonight and pass out. "

"You think that would be enough for Korga to cancel the match?”

The truth brought tears to my eyes. I rarely cried in front of anyone. I was terrified, and I hated how vulnerable breaking down in front of Aurik made me feel.

He pulled me into his arms. "I could rip out Korga's larynx right now if I knew you'd be safe. Sonya, I'm sorry there's no other way out of this. But we'll get through it."

"You're not the one dangling from a nightmare bird cage," I choked out.

"I won't let you fall," he promised, his grip on me tightening.

I gathered myself. I glanced towards Korga again and saw that he had guards coming to escort me back to the ship, to make sure I stayed there until the match tomorrow.

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