“Five chose to be in stasis for the journey.” Lero reported. “And two are feeling unwell. They’re in their cabins.”
“In stasis?” echoed Nayli.
Kora snorted. “They’re missing all the fun.”
Darren hid a smile and placed his palm on the elevator touch pad. The doors opened and he gestured them inside. The women stepped in first; his brothers followed. Darren took the last spot, standing closest to the doors.
The elevator descended smoothly, but Aelanna swayed. Darren’s hand shot out and steadied her elbow. She looked up at him, startled.
“Sorry,” she whispered.
“You don’t need to apologize,” he said, releasing her reluctantly. “Your body is getting used to the shift in gravity.”
Her lips parted as if she wanted to say more, but the elevator chimed, and the doors slid open.
The diner level was busier — crew members moving between shifts, the scent of warm food drifting through the air. Conversations paused as the group stepped out. Curious glances followed them. Darren felt Aelanna inch closer, seeking the comfort of proximity without touching.
He positioned himself slightly ahead of her, shielding her from the attention.
Kora noticed the stares too. “Do they always look at newcomers like we’re exotic pets?”
Lero answered before Darren could. “You are newcomers. And you are exotic.”
Kora spun on him. “Did you just call me exotic?”
Lero’s expression didn’t change. “It was an observation.”
“Well, observe this,” she said, marching past him with a toss of her head. “I bite.”
Lero’s eyes widened — just a fraction — but Darren saw it.
Blayze leaned toward Darren. “Is biting… a threat?”
“From her?” Darren murmured. “Probably.”
Nayli laughed softly and looped her arm through Blayze’s without thinking. “Don’t worry. She only bites people she likes.”
Blayze nearly tripped.
Aelanna’s quiet voice drew Darren’s attention back to her. “Is it always this lively?”
“Not usually,” he said. “But you’re… of interest.”
“To everyone?” she asked.
“To many,” he corrected. “But you don’t need to worry. You’re under our protection.”
Her eyes softened. “I know.”
That simple trust hit him harder than the take-off had.
They reached the diner doors. Darren stepped forward to open them, but paused, glancing back at the women.
“This area can be loud,” he warned. “If you feel overwhelmed, tell me.”
Kora rolled her eyes. “We’re not fragile.”
Aelanna whispered, “Youmight not be.”
