Page 55 of Captured By the Alien

“Hey, hang on a tick. What do you mean, you don’t intend to pass?”

“Just what I say. I don’t want to marry the Zhaal.”

“So why the heck are you competing inshaa’baarathen?”

“My father wanted to benefit from the associated kudos.”

Vysh pulled ahead again and Kara raced to keep up.

“So you’re going to throw the competition?”

Vysh didn’t answer. They were now halfway round the arena and far enough away from the other Potentials not to be overheard. Kara put on a final burst of speed and managed to grab the Vraxian by the arm.

“Stop. Stop a minute before I have a heart attack. Jesus.” She put her hands on her knees and took a deep breath. Vysh stretched her hamstrings, unperturbed.

“Do you wish to practice your hand-to-hand skills?” she asked.

“What? No, I want to know what’s going on with you.”

Vysh sighed.

“It’s quite simple. My father forced me to offershaa’baaraso he could reap the benefits. If a contestant does well, it can raise a family’s status. Bring them new business opportunities, social connections, that kind of thing.”

“But you don’t want to be the Zhaalini?”

“Nope. If I get to the combat round, I’ll throw the fight.”

“But why?”

Vysh smiled a little sadly.

“Because I have found mykalehshun. I don’t know if you know what that is, it’s a little hard to explain. It means…”

“It means you’ve found your fated mate. Your one true love.”

“Yes! Youdounderstand!” Vysh was overjoyed. “That is exactly right. I’ve found my true love and he is the only one I want to be with.”

“So why bother withshaa’baara?” Kara was perplexed. “Just marry yourkalehshun.”

“I can’t. He isn’t from one of the noble families and my father doesn’t approve of him. But he says he’ll allow our union as long as I perform well in the challenges.”

“He’s making you do this forhim?”

“If I get through to the third round, he’ll get the respect he wants and I’ll be free to marry my love.”

Kara shook her head in disbelief.

“Wow. I thoughtIhad a ruthless parent but your father takes the biscuit.”

“I’m unsure how carbohydrate-heavy consumables are involved. But yes, my father has given his word I can marry mykalehshunas long as I do well in the contest.”

“Is that why you didn’t want to look at him yesterday? During the ceremony?”

“I didn’t want to be reminded that I’m here under false pretenses. I feel shamed by my deception. I didn’t want to lie to you too.”

Vysh hung her head and Kara reached up to pat her shoulder.

“It’s okay. I get it. I’m doingshaa’baarafor an ulterior motive too. I’m trying to show everyone humans aren’t all monsters.”

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