Page 10 of Stars in Nova

She wrapped herself in a lightweight cloak, concealing her face and heritage as best she could.

If Eden II had taught her anything, ‘twas that strangers were welcome, sometimes too much, and the locals’ curiosity was a security risk.

The only person who’d paid her any attention was Ma’Shella - the woman she’d compensated to take an extended holiday on the pleasure planet of Zanyria. While she took over her apartment, life, and job.

As she made her way back through the winding tunnels leading to the surface, she touched the walls with a damp hand, sending kinetic pulses along the rare waterways of the moon rock.

Her mind raced, thoughts still lingering on the Rider. On his strength, his rawness, his kineticism, all of which called to her.

Perhaps it was foolish to trust he was the answer she’d been searching for, but she had no choice. Her people and her loved ones sought hope.

They needed faith.

They requiredhim.

Deep down, she desiredhimtoo, more than she cared to admit to anyone.

The Siren of CyVoda

The ache in Kisan’s soul pulsed with the rhythmic thrum of his boots against Eden II’s polished streets.

The never-ending day was stifling in its constant light cruelty.

His mood matched the pallor of the moonscape at the height of Alphetraz’s summer—disillusioned, drained, bleak, a blend of exhaustion and bitterness.

The infinite chorus of voices of the fallen echoed in his mind, clinging like an unwanted specter.

He needed to escape, if only for a while.

He’d spent the hours after his encounter with the Falasians filling out a detailed report and presenting it to Xion.

They’d discussed the possibilities of further reprisals.

Kisan, dejected and feeling like shit, had grunted his outtake. ‘Perhaps I should leave Eden II, going somewhere where my name does not rankle the locals or turn them into assassins driven by revenge.’

Xion huffed. ‘Brother, running away because you have haters is not the way. Only leave on your terms because you havejust motive and a righteous purpose. Do it because you have a cause to live for. Otherwise, all you’ll do is walk this galaxy with bitterness, regardless of your location.’

The prescient and wise words echoed in Kisan’s mind as he hit the boulevards after work.

The streets burned with relentless brilliance, even in what passed for night beneath the artificial dome of the lunar colony.

Twin suns, harnessed and refracted through the shimmering silvery structure, spilled waves of searing light over the city.

Kisan moved through the gleaming labyrinth of moonscape buildings, a visor shielding his luminous green eyes from the unforgiving glare.

Also, to shield against the unwanted attention he always received.

As Kisan passed, a hush often followed.

The lone Rider was commanding, blending raw strength and enigmatic presence.

However, people perceived more than just his size and might.

They recalled his legend.

He sent his neural node a command to darken his visor, hiding not just from the sun but from their judgment.

What he wouldn’t give to be elsewhere, out beyond the dunes on the moon’s dark side.

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