Page 10 of The Alien's Vicious Starflash Manor

“What happens now?” Izzy’s voice remains steady despite the slight tremor in her hands. “Where are you taking us?”

Before I can answer, Lara cuts in. “To hell, basically—if it had frozen over. And had better architecture.”

I arch an eyebrow at her. “I wasn’t aware you’d developed such an appreciation for Icecaix design during your stay.”

“The ice sculptures are lovely,” she retorts. “It’s the company that leaves something to be desired.”

The ribbons at her wrists pulse, responding to the spike of defiance in her tone. I notice how she winces slightly but refuses to acknowledge the discomfort. Such stubborn pride—it makes breaking her resistance both more challenging and more intriguing.

“Wait,” Izzy says, clearly processing everything she’s seeing. “Ice sculptures? What exactly?—”

Before she can finish her question, we emerge onto a broader thoroughfare, and I catch Izzy’s sharp intake of breath as she gets her first clear view of the market’s true nature. Beings of all descriptions mill about—some humanoid, others decidedly not. A Starcaix merchant with too many eyes calls out prices for bottled emotions while another who seems to be made entirely of living smoke arranges crystallized memories in their display case.

“This can’t be real.” Izzy’s voice comes out in a whisper. “It’s impossible.”

If Izzy thinks the market is impossible, she has no idea what awaits her in my world.

Or what she truly is.

“You’d be surprised what’s possible,” I tell her, moving toward the gate.

I glance back in time to see Lara’s shoulders twitch as the ribbons around her wrists tug at her, forcing her to follow me.

“Bastard,” she mutters under her breath.

That’s fine. Let her hate me for the handcuffs.

Better that than having her realize that every step she takes toward my ship brings her closer to her true destiny—and her doom.

CHAPTER 4

LARA

The ribbons are already pulling my hands out in front of me as I rush to catch up with Ivrael, whose long legs propel him through the market much faster than I can walk.

“What the actual fuck is going on here?” Izzy jogs to stay beside me. As long as we’re following Ivrael,

I let out a bark of harsh laughter. “I promise I’ll explain.”

“Good. You can tell me on the way home.” She jerks her thumb over her shoulder. “Let’s go, okay?”

“I can’t.” The helplessness I feel threads through my voice, and my sister squints at me.

“You just said you would.”

All around us, the Trasqo Market vendors and patrons stare as I careen past them with my arms held out straight before me, like a jogging Frankenstein monster on TV.

My cheeks flame as I realize many of the gawkers probably saw the duke kiss me, saw my body straining toward Ivrael. Saw him use that kiss and my traitorous body’s desire for him to distract me.

For the first time, I actually miss the icy touch of the Icecaix land’s air—at least it would cool my burning face.

I get a few feet closer to Ivrael, and the tension in my shoulders finally eases. One more step, and my arms finally drop in front of me.

As much as it hurts to say it, I owe Izzy the truth. “I’m so sorry. We’re not going home.”

“Why not?” Izzy’s forehead creases in confusion.

“Because you’re going home with me.” Ivrael finally speaks directly to Izzy, his voice cool and calm.

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