He waited for her to say more, but she didn’t. Before he could question her further, their destination came into view. His brow furrowed.
They were ushered into an indoor lot lower on the high-rise, and the second he powered off the vehicle, Vee was already out of the hovercraft and approaching the nearby attendant. Cypher growled and moved to her side, taking her arm.
She stiffened but didn’t pull away.
They were led inside and through a bright, colorful building. On the walls were posters of past championships and players everywhere. Screens played back the latest footage of the Terraform game, including trailers for future updates. There were plaques and trophies, and every person they encountered thrummed with excitement.
Some gave them side-eye looks, and some scurried away as they passed by, but no one said anything and no one engaged either him or Vee.
Put in a lounge laid out with food and alcohol, others stood around eating and drinking. He recognized some of the other Terraform Zero teams. He’d studied them all.
Cypher surveyed the small gathering for Diatrix and found her talking to another participant in the back. He’d taken a step forward when Vee planted her feet and refused to come with him.
“Don’t,” she said. “Let’s just focus on the game, not on her.”
Cypher tore his gaze from Diatrix, fighting a snarl. “I can’t do that.”
Vee reached up and cupped his cheek. “Yes, you can.”
He grumbled.
“Do this for me,” Vee pleaded.
“If she tries anything, she’s dead.”
Vee gulped but smiled. It was her smile that stopped him from needing to feel his gun in his hand, from extending his claws.
“Fine, but do it after the championship, okay? You’re such a bear.”
Cypher flexed his fingers and released Vee’s arm. “There won’t be time—” His lips flattened when he realized what he was about to say.
Vee’s eyes narrowed. “What?”
“Never mind. Want a drink?” Cypher stormed away before she could question him further.
There wouldn’t be time because after the championship, he was leaving.
She won’t be safe if I’m not around.
His jaw ticked as he grabbed two beers and bit off the caps with his teeth.I’ll make sure she’s protected.He handed one to Vee, who studied him with obvious worry in her eyes.Goddamn it!
A well-dressed man entered the room, saving him.
“Hello everyone! Thank you for coming today. As you know, not everyone can make it in person. Some are still traveling to get here or have prior engagements, but they will be here later today.”
Everyone stopped chatting and turned to face the speaker.
The man continued, “My name is Derek Johansburg, and I’m the lead designer for Terraform Zero 19, which will hopefully be on the market sometime in the next twelve years.”
Vee gasped. Cheers and claps filled the room.
Cypher slid his gaze to Vee to see the excitement on her face. Envy flooded him.
Derek waved his hand. “But none of that matters because the yearly championship is right around the corner, and we’re expecting record viewership for the semi-finals leading up to it.”
“When will we receive the planet’s summary?” someone interjected.
“In a few minutes. But first, I’d like to go over the rules.” Derek’s eyes landed on Cypher but darted away. “Not only is this our first year with an all-female team, but we also have a renowned Cyborg in our gaming ranks. One we had no idea even played our dear Terraform Zero. The staff and I are abuzz with excitement! The viewership is going crazy. Unprecedentedly so… So I must reiterate what is expected from all of you talented people—and machines—while representing our prestigious community tomorrow and the championship following…”
