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That was Kara’s first impression. Until now, the only Vraxian female she’d seen was General Solarun. But while she was certainly tall, her form was lithe and slender. Some of these women were built like the ancient Greek Amazons.

“Um, hi?” she tried after a few moments. “I’m Kara. You must be the other Potentials.”

One of the Vraxians approached her. Her eyes were a very pale yellow and she wore a supercilious smirk.

“It’s the human. I can’t believe the rumors are true. Look how ugly it is.”

Kara took a breath.

“Like I said, my name’s Kara. And you are?”

The Vraxian didn’t answer. She turned to the others.

“I think it’s a disgrace. It demeans the rest of us, having a human as a Potential. It demeans the Empire.”

One or two of the others nodded.

“It’s disgusting. It should be in a cage."

“What in the name of Zandarr is it wearing? Are those prison clothes?”

“And look at its head. It’s deformed.”

A voice cut through the comments.

“Scared of the competition, Layahn?”

Kara craned to see who the voice belonged to. A slender female pushed through the crowd, long hair dyed bright pink and tied in a ponytail.

Alien Barbie,Kara thought immediately and tried not to smile. Layahn, on the other hand, bristled like a scalded cat.

“You think you’re such adrek’aaliberal,” she retorted. “But it’s offensive to consider this creature as a mate for the Zhaal. It’s bestiality.”

“She’s not an animal,” Alien-Barbie protested. “She’s just a different species.”

“I heard it might be part of an intergalactic breeding plan,” piped up another. “My cousin heard from her brother who heard from her friend who serves with General Solarun that they have too many people on Earth so they’re sending some here in exchange for resources.”

Everyone rolled their eyes.

“Don’t you ever get your information first-hand Inyria?” someone asked.

Layahn shot Kara a poisonous look.

“WellIhave first-hand information. My uncle says the Zhaal’s gone soft on humans andthat’swhy it’s here.”

Uncle. The penny dropped.

“You’re Baelon’s niece?” asked Kara. Layahn’s eyes narrowed.

“Yes. And I’m the one who’s going to make sure you fail at the first hurdle. With extreme pain and humiliation.”

She stalked to the food table, followed by several of the others.

Alien-Barbie grinned at Kara.

“I’m Vysh. Welcome to the mad house. Sorry about Layahn, she thinks she’s in charge because she’s a Vantrax.”

“That’s okay. Thanks for sticking up for me.”