Page 40 of Stars in Umbra
Skiffs and flyers wove between the towering spires, their exhaust trails weaving pale ribbons through the airways like hurried brushstrokes on a restless canvas.
Inside, the hum of ceiling fans stirred.
Alphetraz was in its wane period, so for the next two weeks, the artificial dome of Eden II would light the skies, compensating for the decline.
Despite this, lamps and internal lights were still necessary to combat the constant dusk that now enveloped the moon planetoid.
A single light in Kainan’s office cast long shadows across the dark marble and rich rug, catching on the sleek, severe, burnished steel edges of his desk.
Kainan stood behind it, a colossus of calm authority, hands planted wide on the desk’s surface, his chimeric energy crackling low and controlled beneath his skin.
Kainan’s power wasn’t in motion; it was in his stillness, like a predator about to pounce.
To his right, Zane leaned against the far wall, arms crossed over his chest, posture deceptively relaxed.
The cool tactician was like a panther, eyes penetrating and cold as frost, analyzing, calculating, breaking shit down.
His presence filled the corners Kainan didn’t, silent yet freakin’ probing.
Mirage stood near the window, dressed to the nines in a sequined jumpsuit and heels.
Her spine straight, gaze turned outward, keeping an eye over the streets below, quiet but ever aware.
The party of three was unexpected, and the somber expression on all their faces unnerved him no end.
In response, Mo remained at attention, hands folded behind him, shoulders braced, chin lowered, waiting for the axe to fall.
His mind churned.
Was his time with the Riders at its conclusion? What else would call for such gravitas?
Kainan cleared his throat.
‘We’ve been talking,’ he rasped, his energy a tidal wave. ‘Rather, we’ve got a conundrum and it boils down to this: Xion’s buried in Eden Guard guts these days, juggling local crims, street crime, then going to a home with enough children to fill a battle rig. Kisan, who was going to take on our Chief of Security gig, is now on the fringes of the galaxy, building a quiet life with his family. They’re both exactly where they need to be.’
Kainan folded his arms across his chest, gaze sweeping the chamber like a commander surveying his line.
‘However, the Sable Group’s not slowing down. We’re expanding with new contracts, additional factories, and new adversaries. With that comes exposure. We’ve got more dignitaries cycling through our airspace than the diplomatic fleet can track. We have supply runs, intel convoys, relief operations, and private security for half of the Pegasi elite. Which means one thing: our defense net has to be airtight.’
Mo moved his arms, crossed them over his chest, eyes narrowed, his senses all over the damn place, his insides clenching.Unsure where the fokk this was going.
Kainan went on. ‘We need an operative to work with Mirage on our internal protection. Not just a soldier, not just a tactician. A guardian. One who’s more familiar with our business halls than even ourselves sometimes. A defender who’s been guarding our shit for so long, he knows all our ins and outs.’
He leaned in, his flaming eyes scorching.
‘Akinaiwith a spine of iron, a mind razor-edged as a rail cannon, unpredictable in all the right ways.’
Mo’s inhale caught, but Kainan kept going.
‘Someone who can lead our internal surveillance ops. Not just keep the peace, but read the cracks in it and man our gates from the inside out. The kind of warrior who can play nice with diplomats and royals, then turn around and break bones in the corridor without leaving a trace.’ Kainan’s gaze honed in. ‘You up for it?’
Mo gave a ragged exhale. ‘Are you asking what I think you are?’
Kainan huffed, then a ghost of a smile played on his lips. ‘Naam, brother. We are asking you to join us. Become a Rider. Not just a soldier or a collaborator, but one of us. Besides, you’re already family.’
Mo’s entire being lurched. Kainan was inviting him to join the prestigious Sable Group.
They were a close-knit brotherhood, forged over twenty years ago, and Mo had admired them for years, in awe of their ruthlessness, political finesse, and business acumen.
