Page 17 of Rescued By the Alien Acolyte

“You both look exhausted,” she says softly. “And starved. Let me prepare some food while you explain… everything.”

I nod gratefully, feeling the gnawing hunger in my belly. As Leera busies herself in our makeshift kitchen, the rest of us gather around the battered table in the center of the room. Finzar sits close to me, his body angled protectively. The others maintain a wary distance, their eyes never leaving him for long.

As we wait for the food, I explain about the Solstice ritual. Finzar interjects occasionally, filling in details I don’t know.

“The Nexus believe they can bring back the sun gods,” I say, watching my crew’s reactions carefully. “They think it will return the rain to Aridium and elevate their power.”

Kuran scoffs, his cybernetic eye whirring as he processes the information. “Sounds like religious nonsense to me. There’s no such thing as sun gods.”

Finzar’s eyes narrow dangerously. “Do not be so quick to dismiss what you don’t understand,” he growls. “There is a darkness in Crimson Ridge, a power that defies explanation. I’ve seen things…” He trails off, a shadow passing over his face.

“What kind of things?” Zax’r asks, his four arms crossed defensively over his chest.

Finzar is quiet for a moment, choosing his words carefully. “Rituals that bend reality. Sacrifices that feed something… ancient. Whether or not you call them gods, there are forces at work in the Ridge that should not be trifled with.”

A chill runs down my spine at his words. The certainty in his voice is unsettling. The crew exchange uneasy glances.

Leera returns with plates of steaming food—a hodgepodge of whatever supplies we had on hand. As we eat, the discussion continues. My crew peppers us with questions, their wariness slowly giving way to curiosity and concern.

“So what’s the plan?” Kuran asks finally, pushing his empty plate away. “We can’t just let the Nexus summon these… whatever they are.”

I exchange a look with Finzar. “We’re going to stop them,” I say firmly. “We’re going to bring down the Nexus and end this once and for all.”

There’s silence as my words sink in. Then, to my surprise, Zax’r nods. “I’m in,” he rumbles.

One by one, the others agree. They’re still wary of Finzar, still processing everything they’ve learned. But they trust me, and for now, that’s enough.

Kuran’s cybernetic eye whirs as he processes the information. “Zax’r and I will work on a plan,” he says, determination clear in his voice. “We’ll have something by morning.”

Zax’r nods, his four arms flexing. “We’ve pulled off crazier heists. This is just… a different kind of job.”

Leera steps forward, her antennae twitching with purpose. “I’ll start reaching out to my contacts in the underground,” she says. “If the Nexus is moving, someone’s bound to have heard something. I might be able to get us some insider information by dawn.”

I nod, grateful for her quick thinking. Leera’s network of informants has saved our skins more times than I can count.

“Good idea,” I say, trying to keep the exhaustion from my voice. “We should all get some rest while we can. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”

My eyes meet Finzar’s, and a jolt of electricity runs through me. He must sense it too, because his gaze intensifies, sending a shiver down my spine.

“I’ll show Finzar where he can sleep,” I add, keeping my tone casual despite the racing of my heart.

As we walk toward my quarters, I’m acutely aware of Finzar’s presence behind me. The others might suspect something, but I don’t care. Right now, all I can think about is the man following me and the uncertain future ahead of us.

We reach the door to my room, and I pause, my hand on the handle. I turn to face Finzar, my voice low. “It’s not much, but it’s private. We can talk more freely here.”

Finzar nods, his eyes never leaving mine. As we step inside and the door clicks shut, the pretense falls away. Talking is the last thing on my mind.

My small room is dim, lit only by the soft glow of bioluminescent plants. As I look at Finzar in this intimate space, a flood of emotions washes over me.

This might be our only night together. Our last night, if things go wrong tomorrow. If this is all we have, I’m going to make it count.

Finzar steps closer, his presence filling my small room.

“Loelle,” he murmurs, my name a caress on his lips.

As we drift toward each other, the outside world fades away. The looming threat of the Nexus, the uncertainty of tomorrow, it all falls away.

We have until dawn to lose ourselves in each other, and I intend to savor every moment with him. Finzar. He’s not sun scum now. Now he’s my sun, and I’m ready to burn for him.

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