Page 34 of Stars in Umbra
Rina adjusted the cut of her bronze uniform jacket, squared her shoulders, and stepped out into the crisp, filtered air.
She sparedThe Osirian’sentrance a glance, wondering, for a moment, ifhe, the man lurking in her silent thoughts and restless dreams at night, was on duty this morning.
They hadn’t spoken since the wedding, almost two weeks now.
She hadn’t expected a call, and it never came.
However, she’d chickened out of reaching out.
So they were at a stalemate.
Most times, she granted short shrift to any men who gave off ghosting vibes, but he was different.
For some reason, she couldn’t get him out of her thoughts.
She raked her eyes once more over the entrance of the infamous bar; however, the bouncers standing guard were unfamiliar.
She shrugged and pushed him out of her mind; she had zero time for distractions.
The heavy glass portals of Sable HQ slid open as she approached, and a pulse of security scans brushed over her skin.
With a breath bracing for the inevitable, she marched across the vast onyx-floored lobby.
Past polished obsidian columns and sleek holo-terminals manned by Sable operatives, each one casting discreet glances her way.
She punched the executive level into the lift controls.
The doors glided shut, and as the elevator climbed, she let out a quiet sigh.
Here we go.
She gritted her teeth as the lift doors closed around her.
When they opened, Mirage was waiting with a smile.
‘This way, Colonel.’
Rina followed the ebony-skinned synth AI, who was dressed in a dark amethyst jumpsuit and impossibly jeweled heels to match.
Rina admired them as she was ushered to Kainan Sable’s command suite.
He stood waiting, dark and commanding, his presence filling the space, his potent meta force simmering under his skin.
The head of the Riders was a chimeric warrior who’d bled peace and war in equal measure.
He gave her a raised chin, his eyes friendly, because after all, they were more than just professionally acquainted.
‘Sit down, Colonel Mendi.’
She stayed standing.
He arched a sardonic brow, then leaned his hip on the edge of his table.
His hands lay crossed over his massive chest, one foot braced on the floor, the other swinging with intentional ease.
‘I’ll start with the pleasantries. Good to see you at Ki’Remi’s wedding.’
‘Indeed. What a night.’
