Page 4 of Protected By the Alien Knight

“Tell me who hired you, or I’ll kill you,” I growl.

He remains silent, his eyes defiant, his fur puffed, and his brush-like tail swishing violently until I put my foot on it. I press my plasma blade harder against his skin, the high-energybeam searing through the top layers with a hiss of vaporized flesh. A thin line of charred, cauterized tissue forms where the superheated blade meets his body, the stench of burnt flesh fills the air. “The ambassador is under my protection. You’ve made a grave mistake.”

I stare down at the Huxarian, my emotions warring within me. On one hand, I want to extract the information by any means necessary, to avenge the attack on Annie. But I know the rules of the STI, and Orion Station... and my fellow knights already judge me harshly.

As security personnel flood the area, I step back and reluctantly holster my sword, allowing the security forces to take the Huxarian into custody. But I need to ensure Annie’s safety, in case this is not an isolated incident.

“Are you alright, Ambassador?” I ask, my eyes searching her for any signs of injury.

She’s shaken, her face pale and her hands trembling slightly. “I’m fine, thanks to you, Crux. But never mind me. You’re hurt.”

I glance down at my shoulder, noting the bloodstained uniform. “It’s just a flesh wound, nothing serious.”

I catch a glimpse of movement out of the corner of my eye and I whirl around, ready to protect the ambassador. But it’s only the arrival of Commander Ru’yn, his face a mask of fury, making his bulk even more intimidating.

“What happened?” he demands, his eyes darting between us.

Annie quickly fills him in on the details of the attack, her voice steady.

Commander Ru’yn’s anger only intensifies, his voice booming through the corridor. “This is unacceptable. The attack on the High Chieftain was bad enough, but now a new attempt to assassinate another member of the STI? It cannot be tolerated. We will find out who is behind this, and they will be dealt with accordingly.”

His words are harsh, and I feel a sense of responsibility. If I had been more attentive, if I had seen the attack coming sooner, perhaps the damage could have been prevented.

As Commander Ru’yn orders a full-scale investigation with the Planetary Police, I stand beside the ambassador, my mind racing. This attack, though unsuccessful, has only strengthened my resolve to protect her.

“Ambassador, you will be moved to an Avenian Order safe haven off station,” Commander Ru’yn says.

Her face pales. “But the Folmodian negotiation—”

“Will be postponed,” he finishes, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I understand his logic, moving her to a safer location will make it more difficult for any future threats, but I’m well aware of her responsibilities.Both personal and professional.

“Commander, my children—” she protests.

“Are adults and not believed to be at risk. If that changes, they will be given sanctuary, but we can’t allow them to jeopardize the STI.” His expression softens. “I’ll give you some time to gather your belongings. Leave for Avenia within the hour. Crux will remain on Orion until the investigation is complete.”

“No. If you want me to go to a safe house, I want Crux there with me,” Annie insists, her jaw set with determination.

“Ambassador,” the commander’s tone is clipped. “The decision has been made.”

She turns to me, her eyes pleading. “Crux, please. Don’t make me do this alone. I can’t trust anyone but you.”

I nod slowly. “Commander Ru’yn, with all due respect, the ambassador has made her wishes clear. I will accompany her to Avenia.”

He considers my words, his face unreadable. “Very well,” he says finally. “You are both dismissed. Pack what you need and meet me at the hangar bay in an hour.”

I turn to the ambassador. “I’ll escort you back to your quarters. The security detail will keep watch until we’re ready to depart.”

“Thank you, Crux,” she murmurs, her voice filled with relief.

As we make our way back through the corridors, I feel the weight of her gaze on me. I know she has questions, and I’m not sure I have the answers. The zone is eerily quiet after the chaos of the attack. Annie’s gaze darts around, her body tense. But I can’t let my focus waiver, not even for a moment. She’s my priority, my responsibility. And I won’t make the same mistake twice. I vow to do everything in my power to keep Annie safe.No matter the cost.

three

Annie

The transport breaks throughAvenia’s atmosphere, and I’m greeted by a breathtaking view of rolling golden plains extending into the emerald horizon. Scattered across the vast landscape are towering spires of pale crystalline marble, their faceted surfaces refracting the jade sunlight into a kaleidoscope of colors.

---