Page 20 of Devil's Night

In an instant, Sargon was on his knees before me, his powerful hands grasping my shoulders. “Stars, no. I want you more than anything, Nicole. More than I’ve ever wanted anything in all my long years.” His crimson gaze burned with an fervor that stole my breath. “But I cannot rip you away from your world, from everything you know. I won’t do that to you.”

I searched his alien features, my mind whirling. What did I truly have waiting for me back in my reality? A dead-end job, a life of chasing the paranormal that had already cost me so much? Hadn’t I always dreamed of exploring the vast mysteries of the universe, of finding something more?

Lifting my chin, I met Sargon’s scorching stare. “There’s only one thing I need to know.” I struggled to keep my voice steady against the torrent of emotions surging through me. “Do you love me, Sargon? Truly?”

His eyes widened fractionally before softening with an achingly tender expression. Reaching up, he cupped my face in his calloused palms, his thumbs brushing across my flushed cheeks.

“With every fiber of my being, Nicole Carter. You are my destiny.”

Our lips crashed together in a searing kiss filled with unspoken promises and the bittersweet knowledge that our lives would be forever entwined, two souls hurtling into the unknown. When we finally parted, I felt deliriously giddy and terrified all at once.

Sargon rose fluidly to his feet, gaze shining with a fervent light. Grasping my hand tightly in his, he gave me one last searching look, silently asking if I was certain.

I squeezed his fingers and nodded, my heart overflowing. Together, we turned and stepped through the shimmering portal, surrendering to the cosmic forces that had brought us together.

The vortex closed behind us with a resonant hum, and I had only a fleeting impression of blinding light before the world tilted violently…

SARGON

We emerged into a dimly lit room that reeked of stale smoke and spilled liquor. My senses went on high alert, scanning every corner for potential threats as I pulled Nicole closer to my side.

It was a cheap hotel room, the kind of place you’d never want to spend the night unless you had no other choice. Tattered curtains hung askew, the bedsheets were stained, and there were suspicious dark splatters on the walls I didn’t inspect too closely.

I spotted a faded, threadbare cloak hanging on a rusted hook and swiftly grabbed it, wrapping it around Nicole’s slender form. Her wide hazel eyes met mine, full of questions, but I just shook my head and motioned for her to stay close.

Keeping one hand on the knife sheathed at my hip, I led her out onto the balcony overlooking the street below. The reddish evening sunlight filtered through the smog, setting the chaotic scene on fire.

A cacophony of sounds and smells assaulted my enhanced senses - the blaring of vehicle alarms, the sizzle of exotic street foods cooking, the acrid stench of exhaust fumes mixed with the sweet aroma of spices. Vendors hawked their wares in a multitude of languages. I glanced down at her as a thoughtstruck me. I could understand, but Nicole couldn’t decipher a single word.

A translator patch needed to be high on my shopping list.

We made our way downstairs, Nicole sticking so close that I could feel the warmth of her body against mine. At the front desk, a hulking Krolian stood behind the counter, his four beady black eyes fixed on us with obvious suspicion.

“What business do you have here, Vinduthi?” the Krolian spat.

I moved to stand slightly in front of Nicole, shielding her from the Krolian’s leering gaze. She couldn’t understand the exchange, but the hostile undertone was clear even to her. I felt a surge of protectiveness, my instincts roaring to life at the mere thought of her being threatened.

“Just passing through,” I replied curtly, meeting the alien’s glare without flinching. “We’ll be out of your establishment soon enough.”

The Krolian snorted, his fleshy nostrils flaring as he took in Nicole’s scent. “The human female smells ripe. I could offer a fair price if you’re looking to trade.”

A low growl built in my chest as my fingers twitched, longing to close around the insolent creature’s throat. How dare he make such a crude insinuation about Nicole? She was no common commodity to be bought and sold.

Before I could unleash the torrent of blistering threats on my lips, Nicole tugged at my sleeve, her touch like a soothing balm against the fury burning through me. I forced myself to turn away, pulling her along as we exited out into the bustling street.

The midday sun blazed down with searing ferocity, as if focused through a magnifying lens. I blinked against the harsh glare, my eyes better adapted to low light, while Nicole squinted and shielded her face.

All around us, a swarm of beings milled about - seven-foot-tall, fur-covered Hirvath lumbering on reverse-jointed legs; slender, elegant Alauri with their iridescent carapaces shimmering in the sunlight; hulking Gorathi covered in thick scales and bony protrusions. The sheer variety of colors, shapes and forms was dizzying.

Nicole’s grip on my arm tightened as she pressed closer, no doubt feeling overwhelmed and vulnerable amidst this strange new world. I allowed myself a covert glance at her face, unable to resist drinking in her features - those delicate cheekbones, the pert nose lightly dusted with freckles, the full lips parted in awe.

“We need to find somewhere secure to lay low for a while,” I murmured, mostly to myself. Too many potential threats out in the open like this.

“What about that last place?” she asked, tilting her head up to look at me with wide, trusting eyes. “Couldn’t we just stay there?”

I shook my head grimly. “That hovel? If Doar has an alarm telling him that anyone has emerged from the time trap, that will be the first place he checks.”

She considered for a moment, worrying her full lower lip with her teeth. “But if we stayed there, maybe you’d have a better chance of catching him? Taking him by surprise?”

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