Page 73 of Fallen from the Stars

“Look,” Theo said, lifting her hands to waist level, palms up, “I know you don’t trust us, but we really wouldn’t do anything to hurt you or the rest of the kraken. And Kane would never doanythingthat would endanger my life. If you have questions about anything the IDC did here, Kane can access that information for you.”

“While we are here, we will help in whatever way we can,” Kane said.

Dracchus’s frown, which seemed to be a permanent fixture on his face, deepened slightly, and he studied Theo for a long while. Finally, he nodded.

Vasil lingered in place for another moment before guiding Theo to turn around. He collected the container and continued down the corridor alongside her, holding her a little tighter, a little closer, than before.

“Speaking of endangering,” Kane said through the neural link, “there are some concerning results to the preliminary diagnostics I’ve run.”

What’s wrong?she asked.

“The most concerning matter is that there’s something off with the air filtration and reclamation system. I’ll need a little more time to run full tests. I don’t want to alarm anyone yet, but there may be a component failure in the near future.”

Are we safe?

“Yes. I will look into it, and we’ll talk after you get some rest, if you want.”

Thank you, Kane. Do what you need to do and let me know.

She trudged onward beside Vasil, forcing her legs to move; walking was no easier than it had been when she first arrived, but her body adjusted to the strain of it well enough to numb her to the pain. They wound through a few similar-looking corridors, passed several signs denoting different specialized rooms, and finally entered a tunnel with large windows looking out into the dark water. Seeing the metal walls of the next building, cast in white light amidst the darkness, made her think of space.

How many times had she seen views like this on starships and space stations? Just a bunch of metal set in a fathomless patch of nothingness, less than a speck in the eyes of the universe.

She suddenly found herself missing the little stretch of beach she’d shared with Vasil. It’d had its discomforts, its dangers, but it had been warm, alive, and beautiful — a little slice of paradise she’d never known she wanted.

The tunnel led them into the next building, designated theCABINSby the sign near the entry.

The difference was immediate when they turned down the first hallway; everything was a little smoother here, a little less rigid. The lines and contours of the walls were more pleasing, and even the coloring was subtly warmer. After a short trip down the hallway, that coloring became vibrant; countless paintings adorned the walls, ranging from intricate patterns to almost photo-realistic depictions of plants, the ocean, and strange animals the likes of which Theo had never seen.

“These were done by Arkon and Aymee,” Vasil said.

Theo started and turned her head toward him. She hadn’t realized she’d stopped to look at the paintings until he’d spoken. Shereallyneeded to get some sleep.

“They’re beautiful,” she said.

Dracchus moved past her and continued down the hall, stopping a few doors down. He glanced back at Theo. “My mate, Larkin, prepared this den for you.” Shifting his container to one arm and a tentacle, he pressed a button on the wall, opening the door before him.

Theo and Vasil moved down the hall to join Dracchus.

She peered into the room, and her brows nearly touched her hairline. “This…is ours? All of this?”

“Yes,” Vasil replied. “Ours.”

His tentacle slipped away as Theo crossed the threshold and gazed around in awe. Though the room she’d had in that last orphanage had been furnished with fancier décor, this place was even better. It was larger than the apartment she’d lived in with her mother, and even if the furnishings weren’t top-of-the-line, they looked practical. Either way, this was a far cry from the cramped bunks she’d shared with other IDC crewmen on-ship and the tiny, often dark rooms she’d slept in while living with Malcolm.

Hell, just this bed alone was awe-inspiring — it looked like it could fit two people comfortably, maybe four if they squeezed together.Andthere was another door in the corner leading to aprivatebathroom; she’dneverhad her own bathroom. She hurried over to it.

“Oh my God, is that ashower?” she asked, looking at Vasil over her shoulder.

He set the container on the floor at the foot of the bed and turned to her, smiling. “Yes. The other humans are fond of them.”

“They enjoy the hot water,” Dracchus said as he entered the room and placed his container beside the first. “I do not understand why it is so important, but I will not deny my mate her enjoyment of it.”

“Oh, youknowI’m about to enjoy the shit out of it,” Theo said, running her fingers over the circular control at her chest. The diving suit sagged. “Right after I take a long-overdue piss.”

She yanked her arms free and shoved the suit down her body as she hurried into the bathroom. It didn’t matter how hungry and tired she was, or that her legs could collapse beneath her at any moment. There washot water,and sheneededto empty her abused bladder.

“Dracchus, out,” Vasil shouted behind her.

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