He stands aside as we climb into the small cabin.
“Dajzha.” He bows deeply to Chrys. “I apologize profusely for my unwitting part in all of this.”
She studies his face for a moment. “Let me find out what all you did and I’ll consider accepting that apology.”
“I won’t deserve it.” He climbs in behind us and directs the pilot to lift off.
“Are you the reason they altered the Kiro… whatever?” Chrys asks, and he flinches before he looks down, ashamed.
“I am.”
“Why?” I want to know, even though I can guess.
“Like I said, I’ve spent a lot of money trying to undo a certain sin. Unfortunately, it has to be taken before you’ve bonded to ensure that she won’t die… so I have to try any other option available to me.” He looks out the window, grimacing. “If you figure that out for me… I would give you literally anything wanted.”
I look at the three of them and Kissu. “There’s not much I want right now.”
He peers down at the burning outpost as we pass over. “You sure about that?”
Arc clears his throat. “There’s an empty outpost on Paxton Ridge. It needs repairs, but it will suit us when they’re done.”
“Let me know if you need anything. I’ll help wherever I can.” He turns to the front and goes to sit by the pilot, leaving us alone.
I’ll be happy once we’re on the ground. Happier once I have them cleaned up and can take their minds off what it took to get here.
We have promises to keep.
Chrys looks at me, eyes narrowed, and a smile starting to pull at her lips.
CHRYS
We don’t go into Margot’s the normal way this time either.
“Hello gorgeous.” Hannah waits for us at a different elevator, the one for employees. “Hazard mentioned you’d be a little roughed up. I figured it would be better to keep you away from the other riffraff.”
“Thank you.” I don’t want to be around a bunch of other people right now.
“No problem.” She looks all of us up and down, and her eyes go wide at Kissu. “Oh! I would give yousomuch loving, but my Melon would get jealous.”
He huffs, taking a step back, and Arc chuckles. “He completely understands.”
“Youare lucky this isn’t a ‘no shirt, no shoes, no service’ kind of place.”
The elevator only goes up a few floors, and when the door opens, Hannah tells us, “I put you in a party room, so there’s enough space for everyone.”
Looking down at Kissu, she adds, “There’s also a very comfy sofa and some special treats.”
His front paws do a little tappy dance.
When she opens the door to the room, Kissu is the first one in. The others follow, but Arc gives me a knowing smile when I hesitate.
“I think everything you need should be in there.” Hannah sweeps her hair over her shoulder.
“I’m sure it will be, but… I was promised three, and I haven’t had it yet.”
“Oh! Gotcha. Do you want a diagram, or…?”
That makes me laugh. “Actually, yeah. That would be super helpful.”
