Page 24 of Stardust Paws and Alien Claws

Snarling, I whirled on the raider, fists clenched and ready to unleash every ounce of my fury. But the blaster pointed squarely at my chest gave me pause.

“I wouldn’t try anything foolish,” the electronically garbled voice taunted. “Unless you want your pretty little human to join my growing collection of exotic trophies.”

My jaw clenched so tightly it ached. With supreme effort, I forced my temper back under control - for now. Cassidy’s safety had to be my priority.

Keeping one eye on the motionless raider, I hurried to Cassidy’s side and cradled her in my arms. Relief washed over me as I felt the steady rise and fall of her chest. Stunned, but alive.

A harsh, grating laugh crackled from the raider’s helmet. “Well, isn’t this rich? The great Doanor Ostrail, captain of the legendary Koloss, brought to his knees by a mere human female.” The raider shook their head in mock disbelief. “And here I thought you Zemaitozii were made of sterner stuff. Who could’ve imagined the mighty minotaur had such a soft underbelly?”

My fingers tightened protectively around Cassidy as fury simmered in my veins. “If you value your miserable life, you’ll watch your tone,” I bit out through gritted teeth.

With a deft flick of their wrist, the raider thumbed the release on their helmet. It slid off with a hiss of depressurizing air, and a cascade of familiar pale green tendrils tumbled free.

I felt the blood drain from my face as Liora Vesh’s luminous features were revealed, her bioluminescent patterns flickering with smug satisfaction.

“Hello, Doanor.” Her full lips curved into a cutting smile. “Did you miss me?”

CASSIDY

Iblinked rapidly, my mind spinning as I tried to process what was happening. Liora’s familiar face stared back at me, her expression cold and calculating behind the transparent visor of her environmental suit.

The shock of her betrayal hit me like a phaser blast to the chest. This was the woman I’d shared meals with, who had seemed so passionate about protecting endangered species. Yet here she was, threatening the very creatures she claimed to care so deeply about.

Doanor’s arms tightened around me, the only thing keeping me grounded. His body trembled with barely contained rage as he glared at Liora. “Why?” he growled, his voice a deep rumble that reverberated through his chest. “After everything we fought for, how could you betray our cause like this?”

Liora scoffed, her lips curling into a mocking smile. “Cause? Don’t be so naive, Doanor. This was always about the money.” She waved her blaster dismissively. “A government salary could never afford me the life I deserve on a paradise planet. But with the fortune these Lazamai will fetch...” She trailed off, her eyes glinting with greed.

I struggled against Doanor’s hold, my anger flaring hot. “If you were just going to steal them, why hire me as a caretaker? What was the point of this whole charade?”

“Insurance, my dear.” Liora’s gaze flickered to me, and I felt a shiver run down my spine at the cold calculation in her eyes. “A human with no connections to the underground trade – you’re the perfect scapegoat. When this is all over, you’ll take the fall, and I’ll be long gone with my prize.”

The air seemed to still around us, tension crackling like static electricity. Doanor’s fingers dug into my arm, his jaw clenched so tightly I could see the muscles straining beneath his ruddy skin.

“You won’t get away with this, Liora,” he snarled, his voice low and dangerous.

A sharp bark of laughter escaped her lips. “Won’t I? Face it, Doanor, you’re outmatched here. My crew has taken over your ship, and you’re surrounded.” She gestured with her blaster, and I noticed for the first time the dozen or so armed figures emerging from the shadows, their weapons trained on us.

Doanor shifted, shielding me with his body as a low, rumbling growl vibrated in his chest. His fingers found mine, giving a reassuring squeeze that belied the tension coiling through his muscles.

“Don’t do anything foolish,” Liora warned, her tone mocking. “Just hand over the Lazamai, and this can all be over painlessly.”

Doanor’s grip on me tightened further, his warmth seeping into my skin. I could feel the pounding of his hearts, steady and strong despite the dire circumstances.

Trapped, with no way out and the fate of the Lazamai hanging in the balance, I found myself clinging to Doanor’s strength.

We were together. We’d find a way through this.

The tension crackled through the air, thick and suffocating. I could feel the Lazamai’s agitation growing, their usual gentle chirps taking on a frantic, unsettling tone. Something about Liora’s betrayal, the blatant greed in her eyes, had struck a chord deep within them.

A shrill whistle pierced the silence, and my gaze snapped to the enclosure. The Lazamai were swarming against the mesh, their iridescent fur shifting rapidly through shades of crimson and violet. Their tiny wings beat furiously, creating a sound like the buzz of a thousand angry insects.

“What’s happening?” Doanor’s voice was taut, his fingers digging into my arm as he pulled me closer against his broad chest.

Liora’s brow furrowed, and she took a step back, tightening her grip on the blaster. “They sense the tension. Stay calm, or they’ll become more agitated.”

But it was too late. With a resounding crack, one of the Lazamai slammed against the mesh, its tiny body distorting impossibly before snapping back into shape. Another joined in, and then another, until the entire colony was a frenzied blur of motion.

The enclosure groaned, the metal frame shuddering under the onslaught. I clutched Doanor’s arm, my heart pounding in my ears. “Doanor, they’re going to break out!”

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