I glanced at Ziggy, who was intently watching the exchange with the focus of a predator, but I was obviously missing something. “Why do we care about this angry hydra-looking creature and their crystal collection?” I whispered, eager to know everything he did.
Ziggy shot me a proud look, as if me simply asking the question would get me another certificate on the cockpit wall.
“The Hydrassians use gemstones in their rituals, so their crystal collection is of no interest to me—even withwhatthey are looking for.” He returned his focus to the wildly gesticulatingHydrassian.“However, they are known to be peaceful… I can’t recall ever seeing one behave soaggressively.”
“You have no authority here,” the gem vendor huffed, bringingmyattention back to the drama. “If you have a complaint against my business, you may take it up with the city….”
The vendor trailed off as Ziggy hissed and slapped his gloved hand over my eyes. I trusted there was a good reason for him blocking my view, even though it didn’t sound like anyone was getting gruesomely murdered.
Plus, I’m a supe.
Murder is our love language.
A loud thud, like a body hitting the dirt, was followed by what was obviously the Hydrassian ransacking the stall in search of their preciouskarnilian.
I didn’t get confirmation, as the next thing I knew, Ziggy was star hopping us away from the scene of the crime. When he uncovered my eyes, I saw we were in a different row of stalls that seemed oddly unfamiliar.
“Stay close,” he growled under his breath, in full, boner-inducing mercenary mode. “This bazaar is nowhere near as safe.”
I nodded, confused why we were suddenly on a Stellarian bazaar tour but instinctively knowing now wasn’t the time for my questions.
Even though I am dying to askallthe questions.
Ziggy effortlessly cleared a path through the bazaar, simply by looking mean and tasty, and it was no hardship to ride his armor-covered ass. Unfortunately, I was following so close behind, I almost crashed into him when he abruptly stopped, but I managed to save face by casually strolling around my man to see where we’d ended up.
At another witchy bitch stall.
One that already looks like it’s been hit.
“W-why areyouhere?” The willowy vendor shrank from my man, their oversized eyes widening further. “I did not contact Astrum Force?—”
“Why didn’t you?” Ziggy interrupted. “Were you not the victim of a crime?”
“I-I…” they stuttered, telling us without telling us it was because Astrum Force was terrifying as fuck until recently.
And Zig’s not doing much to change that reputation…
“Was anything stolen?” I gently asked, stepping in to play good cop.
The vendor shook their head. “No.No.I did not have what they?—”
“The Hydrassian,” Ziggy brusquely interrupted.
“Y-yes…” Our unfortunate interrogation subject nodded rapidly. “What the Hydrassian was looking for is something I do not sell—wouldneversell.”
“Karnilian,” Zig cut to the chase once again.
The vendor swallowed thickly and nodded once, as if not wanting to even say the word.
MY INTEREST IS PIQUED!
Ziggy pulled out his Celestial Cube, causing the vendor to gasp in alarm, but my man simply began tapping various buttons, outwardly ignoring the reaction while inwardly soaking it in.
Such a sexy psychopath.
“Did the Hydrassian hypnotize you?” Zig calmly asked, snapping his gaze to his fellow alien, intently watching their face.
“I…” The vendor furrowed their brow and gingerly touched their temple, drawing my attention to how their skin was darker there—as if a bruise was forming. “I do not know. The last thing I remember was the Hydrassian saying they would ‘use whatever force necessary to uncover the stone.’ Then, I awakened to this…” They trailed off, gesturing with elegant fingers to the mess surrounding them.
