Page 66 of Torn from the Alien Commander

“Yes,” I reply without a second’s thought, looking towards Xandor. Our eyes lock, his smile mirroring mine. “Xandor says it’ll last, and I trust his word without a doubt,” I add, distracted, my heart fluttering.

Thalaxia glances between Xandor and me, giving a short laugh. “You must really love him?” she asks.

“Absolutely.”

“Well, he’s coming over here, and he’s far too scary-looking for me,” she says with a light tone, performing a bow before me. “Farewell, lass. I hope we can speak again soon.”

I tear my eyes away from Xandor, rushing to wrap my arms around Thalaxia. “Thanks for everything, Thalaxia. Enjoy the party.”

“You... you too, lass,” Thalaxia stammers, breaking our embrace with surprising haste. Her face once again turns a deep blue as she hurries away.

Strange female, or maybe it’s all Nebians?

Chapter 22

Tyrxie

Culture

“Who was that?” Xandorasks, his powerful voice like music to my ears. He wraps his protective arm around my shoulder, a large drink in his hand, the pungent scent of alcohol wrinkling my nose.

“Curator Thalaxia. She’s the one who let me and the rest of the crew out,” I reply, beaming up at Xandor as he frowns, staring at the retreating Nebian. “But it’s a secret!” I giggle.

“I should thank her, in that case,” Xandor says, glancing around with a grimace. “Thing is, the short-stuffs are avoiding us. Every time we approach one, they make an excuse and leave. You’d think we’d spat in their drinks!”

“Curator Thalaxia!” Noroth spits the words, his voice thick with disdain. “She’s a black-hearted vipertail, that one. Had meand Logarn up against it with that voiding red collar. I swear to the Gods if it were not for this alliance, I’d slaughterer her.” The massive, thick Klendathian shakes with shocking fury. “Isn’t that right, Logarn?”

Logarn nods his blond head, showing no emotion. “Tiny female, brought much pain.” His monotone voice is a stark contrast to Noroth’s rage.

My heart sinks, knowing they suffered so much at Thalaxia’s hands. So much misunderstanding and unnecessary hatred the Nebians had for the Klendathians.

“Peace, brothers,” Xandor interjects, gazing off into the crowds. “Our suffering was necessary for the path to peace.”

Noroth frowns in disbelief, exchanging a look with Logarn, finding nothing. “Maybe next time thesepathscan instead require a relaxing nap, or a stiff drink!” he says with a grin, breaking the tension.

“Speaking of drinks, what have you got there, Tyrxie?” Xandor asks, staring at my cup.

“This?” I exclaim, holding up the translucent cup half-filled with light blue fizzy liquid. “I have no idea.” I let out a short laugh. “A Consul gave it to me before he offered to pay me a ton of credits to model for him.” I take a swig of the sweet, fruity drink. “Tastes yummy though.”

Xandor’s face takes on a fearsome aspect. “Model for him?” he demands, his single golden eye glowing in the dim blue light.Uh oh, I should’ve been more careful!“Where is this little vipertail now, so I can remodel his face into a voiding fried zelatos dumpling!” His gaze shifts over the room, glaring at many.

Is it wrong that I find his jealousy soendearing?

Noroth laughs, almost spilling the many drinks he’s carrying. “What happened to suffering for the path of peace?” His tone drips with sarcasm. I struggle not to laugh, watching Xandor’s face soften.

“Void, Noroth, you’re actually right!” Xandor declares, bursting into laughter, soon joined by us all. “It’s because of insight like that why I chose you as my cupbearer.” He straightens with his head held high. “Cupbearer to the Warrior of Peace! A great honor and burden you carry, Noroth. May the ancestors guide you.”

“Warrior of Peace,” Noroth scoffs. “Warrior who misplaced his arm and eye, more like,” he laughs.

Xandor gives a short snicker. “Warrior whose foot might be misplaced up your ass if you don’t give my Tyrxie a drink,” he says with mirth.

Noroth frowns, glancing at his array of drinks. “Here, Tyrxie.” He awkwardly maneuvers one of his cups to the front. “Try this one.” He grins.

“That looks strong,” Xandor says, eyeing the bubbling black liquid with concern.

“I can handle strong,” I reply, reaching to snatch the slightly frightening liquid.

“Is that so, my sweet little puffrio?” Xandor replies with a raised eyebrow, his glowing golden eye suggesting otherwise, giving me pause.

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