"What the hell?"Krevan's jaw tightened as his fangs pressed against his lower lip."Thanks for your help.I'll sort this out."He stalked across the platform toward the woman standing alone amid her mountain of luggage.His shadow fell across her before he even spoke."Ancelin Trever?"The name came out like an accusation.
The woman startled, her shoulders tensing as she tilted her head back to meet his gaze."Yes, that's me."Her voice wavered slightly.
Krevan's arms locked across his chest, jaw tightening as he stared down at her."This can't be right.Ancelin Trever should be a man."
The woman tilted her chin up, meeting his gaze."And you are?"
"Krevan Vallex," he said, eyes darting past her to scan the terminal."And where exactly is the man who accompanies you?Father?Husband?I made arrangements with an Ancelin Trever, not..."His gaze crawled over her, lingering."Unescorted females don't last long on Verrian."The corner of his mouth twitched upward."Not ones that look like you."
“I’m Ancelin Trever, and if you’re Krevan Vallex, you contracted with me for the sale of your neighboring property.My father is dead, and I don’t have a husband.I don’t need a protector.I can take care of myself.Right now, you’re to transport me to the property and the house as the contract provided.”Her voice was crisp and professional.
"That name belongs to a man.And a woman alone here needs protection."Krevan leaned forward, his shadow falling across her face.His jaw tightened as he gestured at the dusty settlement around them."Look around you.This isn't some civilized Earth outpost or Tylon resort.Verrian's barely tamed—full of men who are desperate for female company."He jabbed a finger toward the massive transport ship still cooling on the landing pad."When that vessel leaves, I strongly suggest you're on it."
"Ancelin is traditionally a woman’s name of ancient origin on Earth, though that shouldn't be relevant.I've transferred the payment to your account and have upheld my part of the agreement so far.I'm here, ready to take possession of the property.Please assist me with my belongings and take me to my house as promised.I appreciate your cooperation, Mr.Vallex, unless you intend to violate our contract.Hopefully, you’re not among the lawless fools you mentioned," Ancelin stated in a calm, professional manner."I don’t understand why it matters to you whether I have a protector or not.We have a business arrangement, don't we?"
"Yeah, you're right, Ms.Trever.I really couldn't care less about what you do.I momentarily forgot and slipped back into my old way of thinking, where I cared.Follow me to my all-terrain vehicle.I'll load my stuff first, then you can load yours.Do you need to stop at the general store before we leave?I suggest you do.Don't expect me to take you to town tomorrow.It's a long drive to any town from where you’ll be living.”He headed towards his vehicle and began loading his boxes.
"Are you going to help me with my stuff?"Ancelin called out to Krevan.
"No, Ms.Trever."Krevan glanced over his shoulder."You made it clear you're self-sufficient.I respect your independence.I'll park closer, though—just to be neighborly."He resumed loading his cargo.
Sweat beaded on Ancelin's forehead as she heaved her belongings into the vehicle.Krevan watched, occasionally barking directions.Later, at the general store, he advised her to stock up on essentials.
They left town with the vehicle packed tight.Miles stretched between words as they drove.The setting sun transformed the landscape with its rosy glow, casting long shadows across terrain that echoed Earth's diminishing wilderness.Vibrant greens, impossibly blue water, and untamed meadows surrounded them—familiar yet somehow heightened, as if someone had adjusted the color saturation.
"The landscape matches the Galaxnet images perfectly," Ancelin observed, breaking the silence.“It’s really beautiful here.”
"If you say so," Krevan muttered.“Appearances can be deceiving, and remember beautiful things are often deadly.”
Undeterred, she tried again."How much longer until we reach the property, Mr.Vallex?"
"Three more hours of driving ahead of us.Silos is four hours from my land.Did you miss the part in my listing where I wrote 'remote' and 'rural'?You're heading to nowhere, Ms.Trever.There's the town of Coti—a handful of buildings closer to the property—but don't expect much there either.Just say the word when you're ready to return to Earth.”Krevan's eyes flicked sideways, measuring her reaction.The silence between them hardened like cooling metal for another hour until the sky cracked open.White-blue forks of electricity split the darkness, followed by thunder that rattled the vehicle's frame as they bounced over the uneven road.
"Is that—thunder?"Ancelin's voice thinned with surprise as she pressed closer to the windshield, looking upward.
"Yes, it's just beginning.The storm has arrived much earlier than anticipated.Welcome to Verrian storms—intense and not for the timid.Experiencing the weather here is a true Verrian adventure.Hopefully, we'll make it home before the roads and fields become too muddy and slippery," Krevan said, glancing at Ancelin.His eyes, reflecting the dim light, had an unusual gleam.
Ancelin gasped."You're not an Earth human or any humanoid I'm familiar with.What are you?Your eyes reflect like those of some carnivorous predators on Earth.What humanoid species do you belong to?"she asked, attempting to steady her trembling hands.
Krevan smiled as lightning lit up his striking face."I'm a Triaxen humanoid.Sorry if my eyes startled you.I assure you, I won't bite," he said, watching her with his eerie, otherworldly eyes.His full smile revealed his sharp, white teeth, especially his prominent canines, which looked like deadly fangs.His smile lacked sincerity.
"A Triaxen—that explains your height and build.I'm sorry for my rude reaction.I've never met a Triaxen humanoid in person before, and I've never seen a humanoid with eyes like yours."It caught me off guard," Ancelin said, trying to steady her trembling hands.
"Are you implying I'm like a carnivorous predator, Ms.Trever?"he asked, his irritation clear as he glared at her.
“No.”She shook her head.
"My ancestors were formidable hunters, and I've inherited many of their deadly and useful traits.But rest assured, I won't harm you unless provoked and I won’t eat you.”
“That’s good to know.”She bit her nail.
"Five years in Hellgate Prison didn't strip away all my manners," he said, jaw tightening."Better you hear about my prison record from me than through Verrian gossip.People here...they keep their distance from me."
Ancelin's breath caught."Hellgate Prison?The place they send people to die?"
Krevan's eyes flickered with something dangerous."Being venomous has its advantages.Survival was one of them.It makes folks nervous and they typically leave me alone.”
They returned to their uneasy silence as thunder rumbled, and rain began to pour down in sheets.
