Page 84 of Stars in Nova

Kisan’s lips twitched with the hint of a smirk. ‘Long story, Commander.’

‘I bet it is,’ she shot back, the skepticism in her tone tinged with amusement. ‘Let me guess: you punched him first and asked for help later?’

Kisan snorted, meeting her eyes. ‘Not quite, but close. He’s the best soldier, science tech, infiltrator, and gunman I’ve ever met. If anyone can watch my six in Trivina and get me back out in one piece, it’s him.’

‘So you’re just going to show up on his doorstep after years and say, ‘Hey, remember that favor you owe me?’ Samira stepped closer, her gaze locking on his. ‘Sounds like a foolproof plan.’

Kisan tilted his head, his eyes gleaming with mockery. ‘Your sarcasm’s noted. But yeah, that’s what I’m going to do. Some might say we’re friends, soul brothers, even though he might not want to help or be found.’

Samira’s expression shifted to concern, her worry leaking through the cracks of her calm facade. ‘What if he doesn’t want to play? His refusal makes your trip too risky because we don’thave time. The Corilians will only come harder and faster at us until they’ve worn us down.’

‘It’s the best option we’ve got,’ Kisan stated. ‘The mask’s kinetic capability has the potential to penetrate the cyborgs’ shields on a massive scale, shift the balance of power, and turn the tide against the enemy. You witnessed it yourself on the battlefield.’

Samira sighed, her shoulders relaxing even as her brow furrowed in thought. ‘Fine,’ she said at last, her voice begrudging. ‘But one more issue—I’m coming with you.’

Kisan’s mouth quirked. ‘You don’t need to.’

‘Naam, I do.’ She stepped even closer, her chin lifting in defiance. ‘Someone has to make sure you come back.’

His grin widened, a growl rumbling in his chest. ‘You worried I mightfokkoff with my mask and leave you hanging?’

‘Something like that,’ Samira shot back, her eyes narrowing in a challenge.

‘Or maybe,’ Kisan leaned in, his rasp dropping to a teasing rumble, ‘you just can’t stand to have me out of your sight.’

‘Don’t flatter yourself,’ she retorted, though the pink on her cheeks betrayed her. ‘I have to keep you out of trouble.’

Kisan chuckled. ‘Good luck with that.’

Samira stood at the entrance to the armory, her gaze fixed on the Rider.

He was directing a group of her engineers, his deep voice carrying over the hum of activity around them.

He was on a mission to understand the Vaelorian weaponry systems, so once they returned with the schematics, he would know how to integrate the spinel kinetic tech.

She eased into the shadows, into a dark corner where she could watch without being caught gawking at him.

Kisan was beautiful, his strength unyielding, his presence commanding, and his movements precise and deliberate.

He was always clad in black, his tactical gear sleek and molded to his body.

The matte and tech-enhanced fabric absorbed light rather than reflecting it, giving him an almost predatory aura.

She shivered when his eyes met hers in the shadows.

His gaze carried a raw intensity that set her pulse racing.

The electric jade of his irises appeared to pierce through her as though he could see all the thoughts she tried to keep hidden.

It wasn’t just attraction—she felt he understood her in a way no one else had.

She took an inhale to control her wayward emotions.

Kisan was not just her thirst trap,she scolded herself.

He was part of the solution, a key player in their effort to rebuild and secure Orilia XIV’s fragile peace.

She reminded herself of that, repeating the words like a mantra to keep from fawning over him.

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