Darren’s chest tightened. It was as he’d thought; she’d been hurt.Was it by another male? He’d tear him limb from limb and then he’d kill him.
He opened the diner doors.
Chapter 12
The Diner
The diner was warmer than the corridors, filled with steam, the scent of unfamiliar spices, and the low murmur of crew conversations. Aelanna stayed close to Darren as they approached the food counter, her fingers brushing the edge of his sleeve, just… anchoring herself, but she felt her caution like a raw wound. She didn’t know how much her nerves were due to the crazy situation she found herself in, or him.
He didn’t pull away. He didn’t look down at her either, but she felt the awareness in him, as though her nearness altered the gravity around them. She wasn’t used to being noticed. Not like this, not by someone who seemed carved from duty and restraint.
The random thought popped into her mind how at her old job, she remembered being on the other side, serving customers rather than being a customer herself. She resisted a wave of homesickness. It was better to accept that her thoughts and emotions were all over the place.
The counter stretched before them, lined with trays of food that shimmered faintly under the lights. Some dishes steamed. Others glowed faintly blue. One pulsed, which she decided not to look at too closely.
Darren reached for a tray, then paused. “Do you have any allergies?”
She blinked. “No.”
“Dislikes?”
She looked up and down the display with confusion. “Idon’t know what any of this is.”
His expression softened. “Then we’ll choose together.” He guided her along the counter, explaining quietly—this one was a grain similar to rice, that one a protein stew, the glowing dish was safe but “an acquired taste,” and the pulsing one was a delicacy he did not recommend for first-timers.
She found herself smiling. “You’re very patient.”
“I’m not,” he said, taking a plate and selecting the grain for her and ladled what looked like chicken stew on top. “Not usually.”
But he was with her and her food smelled divine. She felt his care for her in every assiduous movement.
They returned to the table where Kora and Lero were already mid-argument.
“It’s not that spicy,” Lero insisted, pushing a bowl toward her.
Kora sniffed it. Her eyes watered instantly. “You’re trying to kill me.”
“It is mild,” he repeated, affronted.
“Your definition of mild is a war crime.”
A muscle in Lero’s jaw clenched. “I am attempting to assist you.”
“By burning my tongue off?”
Aelanna hid a laugh behind her hand. Darren didn’t bother hiding his.
Across from them, Nayli was fussing over Blayze, who sat very still as she adjusted the collar of his uniform.
“It was crooked,” she said, smoothing it gently. “There. Much better.”
Blayze looked like he might faint. “Thank you.”
Nayli gave him an approving smile. “You’re welcome.”
Aelanna’s heart squeezed. They were all finding their footing in this strange new world. Kora with fire. Nayli with kindness. And her… with quiet steps and a heart that beat too fast whenever Darren was near.
She picked up her spoon, but her hand trembled. Darrennoticed immediately.
