Page 14 of Krin

He gestured to the quiet warrior by his side. “This is Dril.”

I’d never met Dril before, and he didn’t give me a second glance, so I stayed silent.

Aza’s tail kept flicking back and forth behind him, even though he was seated.

“That is Kimur.” He gestured with his head at the warrior sitting across from him. Then he glanced back at me with bright eyes. “Are you looking for the training ring?”

Shrugging, I chuckled. “Yeah, sure, if that’s what you guys call it.”

Aza and Kimur shared a look.

“Anyway,” I said, stretching out the word. “Is there a spot to work out or maybe have a friendly sparring match?”

Aza stood, and Kimur gave him a warning look.

I looked back and forth between the three of them. Then stuck my hands out to the side. “What’s up?”

Kimur spoke up first. “We were informed by Captain Krin that you are a guest on the ship. The training ring is for the crew only.”

My spine snapped straight.Is he for real?

I remained motionless for a moment until I could talk. “That’s not fair. Krin won’t let me join the crew... so what... am I supposed to sit around doing nothing?” I threw my arms up in frustration releasing a swoosh of air.

Dril spoke up, raising his eyebrows as he fixed his gaze on Aza. “Why not tell her the truth?”

My brows arched. “What’s he talking about?”

Aza quickly brushed his hand over Dril’s head, and I caught a glimpse of his pointy claws.

At last, Dril made eye contact with me. His striking powder-blue eyes made him even more handsome. It was a hue that was new to me when it came to Alaran males.

I may have gasped in surprise. Thankfully, he ignored my response.

“Captain Krin instructed us to avoid any contact with you.”

My hands flew to my hips, my voice raised. “He did what?”

No wonder none of the warriors will speak to me.I shook my head.This is complete bullshit.Shocked and bewildered, my mouth twisted into a scowl.

Krin had no right to say who I could speak to or spend time with. Who the hell did he think he was?

Kimur gulped, and his palms shot up. “I assure you your safety is guaranteed on the ship.”

The silence in the mess hall was interrupted by the sound of my loud voice. My arms shot out in anger. “Seriously? You thinkthat’swhy I’m upset?”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.

“I’m surrounded by Protectorate warriors, for God’s sake. At least a hundred warriors who insist on acting like I don’t exist. Clearly, there is no threat to me here. What I want to know is why he told you to avoid me.” I let out a furious growl.

I had the impulse to march to the bridge and demand an explanation from Krin. But why bother, they wouldn’t allow me access.

Did Krin worry about the possibility of me unsettling the all-male energy aboard the ship? If that was the case why invite me on the ship at all?

My body felt like a tightly wound spring as the truth of the situation sank in.

In a show of defiance, I pushed my chin forward, daring anyone to challenge me. “Who’s up for a friendly sparring match?”

Aza’s laughter echoed through the room. “If that is what you want, I would be delighted to assist.”

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