Page 20 of Stars in Nova

‘Paulito,’ the child murmured.

Kisan ruffled the youth’s dark hair. ‘Paulito, what you did was very courageous. You’re safe here, and so is the hopper. Go well, and thanks for being a hero. Have your ma let you come by the Eden Guard Station on Fourteenth Street. We’ll show you around, maybe even give you a ride in our flyers, champ.’

Paulito’s eyes lit up as he grinned and chuffed, puffing out his chest as he was led away, the tiny creature cradled in his arms.

At one point, Paulito glanced back, his eyes brimming with awe.

Kisan gave him a salute, which he returned.

A small smile played on the Rider’s lips as he and Samira stepped outside, the harsh light of Eden II’s dome casting long shadows across the shantytown.

‘You were good with him,’ Samira said, breaking the silence.

Kisan shrugged, his gaze far off. ‘So were you. It doesn’t take much to be decent.’

‘It’s more than most offer,’ she said, her tone thoughtful. ‘Especially in a busy city.’

Their gazes locked, the substance of unspoken words hanging between them.

The sounds around them faded for a moment.

The Rider’s eyes lingered on her as the fading sun’s golden and crimson hues caught the fiery streaks of the sunset, shimmering with threads of copper and mahogany.

The rays kissed her skin, painting her cheeks with a soft, almost ethereal blush.

Her eyes, deep and reflective, held the last glimmers of sunlight.

The glow brought out the flecks of gold in her irises, which danced with the light, making her appear otherworldly and achingly real.

Kisan stood in silence, transfixed by the sight.

Every curve of her face appeared touched by the heavens—the soft arch of her brow, the elegant line of her jaw, the delicate shape of her lips.

Fokk, she was stunning.

The shadows lengthened, and the sunset’s lingering rays framing her in their brilliance created an aura that set her apart from the world around her.

She smiled with a warmth that jolted Kisan. ‘Santeagain. For helping us.’

Kisan nodded. ‘De nada. May I escort you anywhere, Samira?’

She shook her head. ‘I’ll be fine to walk from here. I need to get to the market for some groceries. I’ll see you soon, perhaps tonight?’

Her expression was so hopeful that his soul lurched.What in Devansi hell?

‘I’ll see,’ he growled, eager to get away lest the deluge of emotion drown him.

She waved her hand and walked off.

He was left gazing at her shapely backside as she rippled away from him, the lingering scent of her perfume assailing his senses.

Beauty, Wonder, Peace

The Rider leaned back in his chair at CyVoda, his shoulders tense from the grueling day.

His day had imploded after his encounter with the young boy and Samira.

A raid of an illegalkokorepository had almost gone bust.

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