Page 113 of Stars in Nova

Waves of cobalt-blue water crashed against jagged cliffs, their spray misting the air with the briny scent of the ocean.

Kisan piloted the smaller flyer toward the blackened expanse of a massive crater.

The flyer descended, the volcanic walls rising around them like a fortress of craggy stone.

Samira leaned forward, her gaze focused on the surface below as she spoke. ‘The rock here is dense enough to block Corilian scans. It’s one of the few places left they can’t penetrate.’

Sax, sitting in the backseat, snorted. ‘Convenient. Let’s hope they don’t figure that out anytime soon.’

The craft touched down with a soft hiss, the engines powering down as silence enveloped them. Outside, the crater felt otherworldly, the ground underfoot radiating warmth from long-cooled lava.

The sky above was a muted gray, and the clouds swirled with ash-like tendrils, indicating Orilia XIV’s fiery battles.

Both men followed Samira into the network of caves that stretched beneath the hollow, their footsteps echoing against the stone walls.

At first, the Sarabaite fell silent, taking in the bioluminescent glow that lit their path.

Streaks of azure and emerald shimmered across the ceiling, reflecting the light in the still pools of water on the cavern floor. The air was cool and damp, carrying the scent of moss and mineral-rich earth.

‘This is freakin’ mad,’ Sax muttered, running a hand over the smooth, glistening rock. ‘Never seen anything like it.’

Samira glanced over her shoulder, a smile tugging at her lips. ‘It’s home.’

The shrouded man matched her stride, his glowing aureate eyes scrutinizing their surroundings. ‘Your people built all this?’

‘Nada,’ she replied. ‘The caves have always been here. We just adapted them—made them ours when the surface was no longer safe.’

The cowled Sableman prowled the caverns, his steps slow and deliberate.

The bioluminescent glow cast eerie shadows on the walls, and the sound of water dripping from stalactites filled the air.

He stopped on occasion, his sharp gaze scanning for weak points or hidden threats.

‘Something about these grottos is stunning, of life thriving despite the odds.’

‘You’re impressed,’ Samira said.

‘Much as I hate to admit it, I am. You fish people have more ingenue going for you than I thought,’ Sax snarked back.

They emerged into the central cavern. The space opened into a sprawling underground city alive with activity.

Waterfalls cascaded into luminescent lakes, their sound a soothing contrast to the hum of energy shields and the occasional clang of tools.

Children darted between stone pathways, their laughter echoing like music. Merchants haggled over goods at makeshift stalls, their voices blending with the distant murmur of conversations.

Samira quickened her pace, her steps lighter as she neared her family’s dwelling.

The moment she stepped inside, two tiny figures hurtled toward her with cries of delight. Samira laughed as her son and daughter threw their arms around her, their faces radiant with joy.

‘Mama!’ Malik shouted, his voice high and clear.

‘You’re back!’ Liora added, her limbs encircling her mother’s waist.

Samira dropped to her knees, pulling them close as tears filled her eyes. ‘I missed you both so much.’

Kisan stood just behind her, smiling as the children turned their attention to him. Malik hesitated only for a moment before launching himself at the tall warrior.

Liora followed suit, clinging to his arm like a long-lost uncle.

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