Torvyn chuckled. "Everyone on that station hates the Corporations more than we do."
I shrugged. "A lot of people think they hate things, until a life-changing amount of money gets offered to them."
Lyrin gently placed a hand on my shoulder and offered a soft smile. "I understand your concern, especially after yesterday's attack. I also know trust is hard, with everything you have been through. If you feel more comfortable staying on the ship, we all understand."
The other three men nodded and offered assorted agreements.
"But we would be honored to show you some of our culture and introduce you to people we have sworn to protect," he said, then leaned closer. "And if you are considering staying with us, permanently, this will offer you valuable knowledge on what your life would be."
I pulled my arm back. "I never said anything about staying permanently."
Lyrin nodded. "Of course, my apologies. I didn't mean to assume anything."
"You've been on this ship for almost a week and a half now. Stretching your legs would be beneficial for you," Kaedren said, his tone direct.
He was right about that. Lyrin was right, too, and I had considered the possibility of this place being my new home. But I didn't want any of them to know that, at least not yet. The tether, four men loving me, a life of fighting the corporations…It was a lot to take in, and I didn't know nearly enough about any of it to make a rational decision.
"Okay, let's see what your world looks like."
We made our way to the airlock, and as we entered, Kaedran moved to the front of me, Torvyn to my left, Vaelix to my right, and Lyrin stood behind me. I felt like I had my own personal police escort. I looked at each of them. They all stood ready and attentive.
"I don't know what this is, but it definitely doesn't make me feel safe."
"It's protocol," Kaedren said. "You are important to us, and we cannot allow anything to happen to you."
"I thought you said this station was safe," I said.
"It is. But please understand that part of what creates that safety is how we present ourselves. You are not tethered to us now, but a Knight Phalanx of the Zorathi reach commands power and respect when it is fully formed," Torvyn said.
"Knight Phalanx?" I asked.
"That is what the Zorathi call a fully tethered group of Knights," Torvyn said.
"Which you aren't."
"That is true. But the people on the station don't know that."
I opened my mouth to respond, but realized he had a good point.
"Fine, but can we at least walk normally after we get onto the station?"
The Knights looked at each other, then nodded together.
That was going to take some getting used to.
The airlock opened, and the station hit me like a physical force. Fuel fumes mixed with frying meat and spices I couldn't name. A dozen languages competed with mechanical clangs and merchant calls. Every surface was scuffed, patched, repaired—nothing matched, and somehow that made it feel more real than any pristine corporate hub I'd ever transited through.
We filed out of the airlock and made our way into the station. We were surrounded by the bustle of merchants hawking their wares, spacers digging through spare parts, and a variety of life forms eatingfood. There was so much food. Living food, cooked food, smelly food, amazing-looking food. I had eaten well on the Starbreaker, but some of these smells were making my mouth water.
The crowd parted around us as Kaedren led the way. He was easily the biggest being in the station. Vaelix's hand on my arm was feather-light as he guided me around a cluster of children. When I glanced up to thank him, he was already looking away—but his fingers stayed a beat longer than necessary.
As we moved deeper into the station, Torvyn's shoulder brushed mine as the crowd pressed closer. "Sorry," he murmured, but didn't move away. When I looked up, his face had gone purple.
"Are you okay? Your heart rate is elevated." Lyrin's hand settled on the small of my back, steadying me. I stiffened—not from fear, but from the sudden heat that spread from that single point of contact. His hand stayed. I focused very hard on breathing normally.
"I'm good," I coughed. "It's just a lot to take in. Can we get something to eat? Is any of this safe for me to eat?"
"Of course," Kaedren said. "They can replicate almost anything you want and ensure it is compatible with your biology."
