Page 91 of Stars in Nova

‘Pfft, it’s your lover’s conflict. Remember, ‘’tis the mask that wiped out half of the Fringe, plus thousands across Alloria and Falasia killed.’

‘I’m not using it to harm humans, only to repurpose its tech on the Corilians,’ Kisan rasped, his voice firm. ‘This is different.’

Sax scoffed, his face cast in amused derision. ‘That’s what you told yourself the last time. ‘Virtuous purpose,’ wasn’t it? Look where that got you. Use it, and the Riders might disown you.’

‘Whatever will be, will be. Also, what theyfokkin’don’t find out, won’t hurt ‘em.’

Kisan jolted as he realized he was ready to sacrifice his relationship with his Rider brothers for the cause of a woman who’d drugged him and then enticed him into fighting for her people’s freedom.

‘There it is. You like her. You’re even willing to destroy your link to your brotherhood for her.’

Kisan’s jaw tightened, the familiar sting of guilt flaring in his chest. ‘FokkSax. This isn’t about my fellowship—it’s about saving lives.’

‘The hell it isn’t. Benevolent intentions pave manyfokked-up roads,’ Sax shot back, his voice laced with sarcasm. ‘Not all of them lead where you think.’

The two stared at each other across millions of klicks, the tension crackling like static.

Finally, the shrouded man leaned back, crossing his arms. ‘Sawa. I’ll help you get into the Ccyth workshop on Trivina. Just don’t expect me to clean up your mess if this goes sideways.’

Kisan let out a slow breath. ‘Fair enough.’

Sax tilted his head, his tone turning mocking with fake reverence. ‘May the saints protect your foolish, lovesick soul, my friend. Though I doubt they’re listening.’

The holo flickered and went dark, leaving the Rider alone on the dim bridge.

The ship’s drone filled the silence, and he exhaled through clenched teeth, his frustration simmering.

Sax’s stubbornness hadn’t changed, but the man wasn’t wrong about the risks.

‘Fokk!’ he growled, slamming his hand into the console he was bent over.

He closed his eyes, inhaling with ragged breaths.

He hated being called out by his only ally in his hope-forsaken existence.

When he tagged a scuff on the floor, his eyes flew open, and he twisted his upper body.

To find Samira leaning against the doorway, her arms crossed, her boots too, at the heel.

Her silver and gold eyes glinted, though her expression was thoughtful.

‘Make your call?’ she said, her voice even but laced with curiosity.

‘I did. My mate is grumpy that I’m bringing you along, but he’ll get over it,’ Kisan replied, brushing past her. ‘Sax’s growl is worse than his bite, and he’ll play footsie because I need him to.’

Samira followed him into the corridor, her grav-enabled soles clicking against the polished floor. ‘You think that’s wise? Starting a mission with half the team pissed off at you?’

‘He’s always annoyed at something,’ Kisan said with a smirk. ‘He’ll get over it.’

Samira’s gaze lingered on him, her expression unreadable. ‘You trust him?’

‘I do,’ Kisan said without hesitation. ‘While he’s a freakin’ grump, he’s also the best at what he does, and he owes me for sticking around this long and putting up with his brooding, bearish ass.’

Samira nodded, her tone lightening. ‘Fascinating.’

He glanced at her, his lips quirking into a smile. ‘That he is. Hungry?’

‘Starving.’

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