Page 301 of Scorching the Alien Empire
“That’s because Rocks is a fighter,” Sandra cuts in with a grin. “She’s taken down venefexes, hydraliths—even Klendathiansduring the Proving. And I’ve seen what those beasts look like in Star City. I’d run a bloody marathon to escape one.”
“An impressive feat,” I growl, inclining my head with respect.
“Thefirstoff-worlder to survive the Proving,” Krogoth beams, pulling her closer as if reliving the triumph. “She even slew Xyronath the Shadowstalker. This cloak?” He lifts the edge of thick white fur draped across her shoulders. “Woven from the beast’s very hide.”
My eyes flick between them. How could such a small female achieve such a legendary feat?Xyronath—a monster spoken of in hushed tones. The terror of every Prospect attempting the Proving. The old stories said it was better to leap from a cliff than face its endless hunger. Jaws that swallowed warriors whole.
“He lovestellingthat story,” she says, pale skin flushing, fingers brushing across three claw marks that speak of her honor. Her voice is soft. “I... got lucky. If it weren’t for Cupcake, I wouldn’t have made it.”
Cupcake?
“Snorenath the Shadowclinger,” Princesa says with exaggerated reverence. “Wow. That’s... really something.” Rocks’ hand tightens around her Elerium necklace. “I mean, I only crushed a few dozen Void-pains and a couple thousand murder-bots with my divine barriers.” She shrugs casually. “But you don’t hear me bragging.”
“You just did,” Sandra snorts, looping the garish scarf around her neck.
“Oh, Iknowall about yourdivine barriers, Alexandra,” Rocks snaps, her face flashing with heat. “Like when you nearly killed me with them, remember? And despite our forgiveness, you’re still standing here giving me sass?”
Princesa’s breath hitches. Her fists clench, and through our bond, I feel her silver fury surge.
“Listen—” she starts, voice tight.
I shoot her a look—cold, silent, and heavy as the volcanic Peaks of Scarn.
“Um...” Her gaze drops to the shimmer of Elerium and diamonds on her fingers. “I may have... slightly overreacted.” Her voice a squirming whisper.
“Slightly?” Sandra cuts in, barking a sardonic laugh. “What’smajorthen—a nuclear bomb?”
“Okay,fine,” Princesa snaps, aggressively petting Todd, whose mirror rune pulses with dull silver light. “I overreacted. A lot.” Her voice softens. “I just...” She trails off, eyes unfocusing. “I got a teeny tiny bit jealous. You know, because of the vote and Turncoat Sandra.” Her breath catches. “Maybe you were where I wanted to be... things got messy. But I’m glad you didn’t... you know.Pop.”
Rocks chuckles. “I forgot what it’s like to talk to someone andnothear their thoughts.” She smiles at Princesa, gentler now. “It’s actually kind of refreshing.” Her gaze flicks to Sandra. “I always hoped we’d all be friends. Three Earth girls lost in space and tangled up in Klendathian madness.” She smirks toward Krogoth and me. “Some of usverytangled. So Alexandra, I hope we can move on as friends and fellow Chieftainesses.”
Princesa’s grin flickers back. “My friends call me Lexie,” she says, leaning forward. “And this adorable love-nugget is Todd. The Divine Cherub.” She lowers her voice, shielding her mouth. “He’s a bit cranky today. Pancake overdose.”
“Ah!” Rocks exclaims, reaching an arm out. “He’s so—uh...cute. With his... twitching little legs and... shiny rubberiness.” Her lips pinch as Todd blinks a baleful eye at her, mandibles clacking in what might pass as grubby outrage.
“Isn’t he though?” Princesa beams, hugging him tightly to her chest.
“The wee haggis keeps dropping turd-bombs in my boots,” Sandra groans, flicking her orange hair out of her eyes. “I’veno idea how he keeps skittering into my room.” She shoots my Princesa an accusing glare.
“It’s because headoreshis Auntie,” Princesa coos, smothering Todd in affection until he lets out a protesting croak. “Yes you do, my little bug-burrito.”
“Cyloillar’s skulls are sometimes used as drinking cups, right Korgy?” Rocks asks, casually glancing up at him.
“During the Proving,” Krogoth nods, eyeing Todd thoughtfully. “And as sustenance for the desperate. Though I’ve never seen one so... engorged.”
Princesa gasps, clutching Todd protectively. “Don’t listen to them, my little cherub! You’re perfect just the way you are.”
A faint creak twitches my ears—the vaunted platform embedded in the wall shifts. A reminder: the Nebians are close.
“Consul Juliara,” I growl, glancing toward Krogoth. “She gifted me the stun-ring. She seeks to replace you.” My fists tighten, the memory of her threat against my Princesa still burning. “Her next move may be direct aggression.”
“We know, brother,” Krogoth says with a grim smile, clapping a heavy hand on my shoulder. “She acts under the Imperator’s orders—though he’ll deny all involvement.”
“We knew everything from the start,” Rocks adds with a laugh, tapping her temple. “With Xandor’s foresight and my mind reading,” she sighs. “It was just a matter of making the right moves.” Her hazel eyes glint beneath the twin Elerium and sapphire spheres spinning overhead.
“Wait. Wait. Wait,” Princesa cuts in, raising a hand. “Youkneweverything? Even my...”—she clears her throat delicately—“schemes?”
Rocks nods, lips curled in a smug grin.
