Page 39 of Maar's Girl

"And the nights?" Laar prompts, wiggling his eyebrows suggestively.

I feel a flush creeping up my neck. "Let's just say we make the most of them. Alyssa's... adventurous."

Laar laughs, clapping me on the shoulder. "I'm happy for you, man. Truly. It's good to see you like this."

"Like what?" I ask, curious.

"At peace," Laar says simply. "You've always been so guarded, so focused on the next mission. But now? You're living in the moment. It suits you."

I nod, feeling a warmth spread through my chest. "She's changed everything, Laar. I never thought I could have this kind of life. Never thought I deserved it."

"And now?"

I smile, thinking of Alyssa's laugh, her touch, her unwavering love. "Now, I'm going to spend every day making sure I'm worthy of her."

Laar's expression shifts, his jovial demeanor fading. He leans in, voice lowering. "Look, Maar, I hate to burst your bubble, but... I've got some bad news."

My stomach tightens. "What is it?"

"My sources say the IHC has zeroed in on Glimner. They think Alyssa's being held here."

The words hit me like a punch to the gut. "What? How? None of my contacts picked this up."

Laar gives me a pointed look. "That's because you've been too busy being happy, my friend. You've slipped up."

I run a hand through my hair, mind racing. "Shit. How long do we have?"

"Not long," Laar says, grimacing. "You need to have some sort of plan. The IHC could start sniffing around anytime."

"Give me a timeframe, Laar," I press, feeling the familiar tension creeping back into my shoulders.

He sighs. "A month, maybe less."

"Fuck," I mutter, downing the rest of my drink. The burn in my throat does nothing to quell the rising panic. "I can't believe I let this happen. I got complacent."

"Hey," Laar says, gripping my shoulder. "Don't beat yourself up. You deserved some happiness. But now it's time to get back in the game."

I nod, my mind already spinning with possibilities. "We need to move. Fast. But where? The IHC's reach is vast."

"I need to go talk to Alyssa. We'll need your help, Laar."

He nods, standing as well. "Whatever you need, I'm here."

As I turn to leave, the weight of our impending departure already settling on my shoulders, Laar calls out, "Maar?"

I look back at him.

"I'm sorry," he says, genuine regret in his eyes.

I manage a grim smile. "Me too, Laar. Me too."

CHAPTER 26

ALYSSA

The next morning, I decide I want to sleep in. Laar came over for dinner and we all had too much Alzon brandy.

"Alyssa, darling," Maar says, nuzzling me. "I have some business to attend to with Boss Sneed."

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