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His eyes darkened. “Because no female—or child—should ever be treated like that. And no one else here would intervene.”

She found she believed him. Still, she couldn’t prevent herself from looking past him to where the hatch remained open, giving her one last opportunity to leave.

“I promise you will be safe,” he said again, and she finally nodded.

“Very well.”

He closed the hatch, and she fought down another flicker of panic as she reminded herself that she had just made the decision to stay. Rory tugged at her hand, looking around at the ship with wide, solemn eyes.

“You like the ship?” she asked softly, and he nodded before reaching for Thraxar’s tail again.

“I’m sorry. He doesn’t usually…” She hesitated, not sure how to explain her son’s behavior. “He doesn’t typically respond to strangers this way.”

Something shifted in Thraxar’s expression—a subtle change she couldn’t interpret. “Perhaps he recognizes safety when he sees it.”

“Perhaps.”

He gestured to the narrow corridor in front of them.

“My ship is small. I do not have a passenger cabin, but there is a crew cabin that the two of you can share. This way.”

The ship’s interior surprised her. Unlike the rather battered outside, everything inside was neat and clean, painted in soothing colors and with soft lighting that didn’t hurt the eyes. They reached a modest cabin with a sleeping platform built intothe wall. Although it was spotlessly clean, something about it suggested it had been uninhabited for a long time. Did he always travel alone?

“The sanitation unit is through that door.” He hesitated. “I am afraid it was only designed for a single crewmember?—”

“That’s fine. Rory and I are used to sharing.”

Before he could respond, a loud clang echoed through the ship, and he hit a button on the control panel next to the door. The screen showed two guards at the base of the ramp and more activity behind them.

“Either the guard has been found or they have noticed your absence,” he said. “They are searching vessels.”

Her heart thudded against her ribs so painfully she felt sick. “Are they looking for us?”

“It seems likely.”

“What if they come aboard? What if they search?—”

“They will not find you,” he interrupted, his voice calm but firm. “This vessel has… modifications. Remain here.”

He disappeared down the corridor before she could question him further. She immediately crouched beside Rory, who had begun rocking slightly at the commotion.

“It’s okay,” she whispered, though she didn’t believe it herself. “We need to be very quiet now, okay? Like our hiding game.”

Rory nodded, his fingers finding hers to squeeze three times. The familiar gesture steadied her. Whatever happened, she would protect him.

Thraxar returned, his expression grim.

“They demand entry for inspection.”

Her stomach dropped. “Are you going to let them in?”

“I have little choice without arousing suspicion.” His tail lashed agitatedly. “But there is a secure compartment beneaththe floor panels in the cargo hold. It will shield your heat signatures and scent.”

“A smuggling compartment?”

The corner of his mouth twitched, lightening that stern face. “A privacy feature.”

Despite everything, she almost smiled. “How do we access it?”