Page 24 of Fated for the Alien Fighter

His Light flickered.

Danger.

He didn’t put it past Zavorians to meddle. The Quillons had kept the Lightmate Selection as confidential as possible, but Taryn knew information always seeped out.

If Leah was somehow involved with the Zavorians…

He didn’t just have to get her out of the command building. He needed to get her out of the Capital.

Fast.

Quillons kept their secrets hidden for a reason. The Zavorians would strike if they found out the Blaze had returned.

The Quillon elders would take action against any threat, real or perceived.

Taryn had to protect Leah.

Until he found out what was happening, he had to keep her safe.

One wrong move, and he could endanger the entire planet.

One wrong word, and he could endanger the tentative connection with Leah.

Impossible situation.

He needed time.

If Leah noticed the change in his energy, she didn’t say.

“I can’t imagine killing someone you know,” she finally answered.

A kind sentiment. But was it true or an answer she knew he wouldn’t question further?

He clenched his jaw. This wasn’t how this night was supposed to go.

All thoughts ofse-duc-tionandro-manceflew from his mind as they reached the exit and walked out into the garden port.

The heavy, dark walls of the command building widened. The night breeze flowed from the Aran river, steeping the air with a freshness only it could give off. It was indescribable. Heavy and light at the same time.

For Taryn, it smelled like home. Like his new home.

He nodded at the Sentinel guards flanking the exit. They all bowed, heavy helmets shining in Quillon’s twin moons’ light.

Zhictor, the royal Sentinel commander, appeared in front of the exit. For once in his existence, the stoic, unyielding Quillon looked frazzled. His brow ridges were furrowed, his gaze wasn’t as laser-focused as always.

“My Lord.” Taryn had renounced his titles, but Zhictor insisted on using them. And bowing. Zhictor lived for rules, even more than Kyren. “Leaving so soon?”

“Yes, heading for my estate. Do you have a ship ready?”

Zhictor raised his brow symbols. Taryn had instructed him to send guards to the tower where he and Leah should have been enjoying a meal, away from curious eyes.

“Of course,” Zhictor said, with the precision of a battle-worn Quillon. “But a storm is coming.”

“We’ll fly around it.” Taryn looked at Leah, who was busy standing on her tip-toes to look outside. “How does that sound?”

It took her a few moments to reply.

“Oh, me?” she asked, sounding surprised. Her shoulders raised. Curious gesture.A shrug, Taryn’s translator supplied. “Sure. I’d love to get a bird’s eye view of your planet.”

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