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Darkness. Endless darkness.

Cold sweat – and someonebeside me.

Something!

I thrash out, shoving the creature forcefully away from me before it can fulfil whatever deadly purpose it has.

“What thefuck?”

Instead of the beast’s snarl, I hear the sleepy, shocked cry of an oh-so-human voice – sounding out from beside me. I blink, getting my bearings as I realize I’m not under assault.

“Oh, Gods! I’m so sorry, Tessa!”

I finally remember where I am – and that thethingin my bed is as close as I have to a best friend in the entire universe; even though I’ve only known her a matter of days.

As alertness grips me, I catch my breath and murmur:

“Lights, twenty percent.”

My mouth is dry and my lips are nearly cracked. The comforting warmth has now turned arid – similar to the desert climate of the Aurelians’ home world of Colossus.

Then, I lift my fingers to my head – which had received more than one blow in the last day.

Why doesn’t my head hurt anymore?

Surely, I should have a pounding headache still – from the goose egg-sized lump I’d had cracked into it. My fingers massage painless flesh, though.

As the light slowly brightens, I try to get my bearings, remembering where I am. I’m reassured to confirm that it’s just Tessa beside me in this oversized bed – the Aurelians are still on the other side of that steel door.

“It’s okay,” Tessa mumbles sleepily, turning away from me and letting out a snore as she falls instantly back to sleep.

I watch her lie there for a moment or two. I don’t blame her for sleeping so soundly. It’s been a long day – fuck, or what she said earlier: It’s been a longlife.

That’s what she’d said, and I feel it deep in my bones.

But at least I’m not in my tiny sleeping compartment of the transport ship any more, or floating in space. Even more nightmarish would be the thought of waking up in a Bullfrog aquarium – or not waking up at all!

It wasn’t all a nightmare.

How long was I out?

I can’t even remember the last time I’d felt so well-rested. I must have conked out for over a full, standard day. My body is covered in a light glistening of sweat from the heat, and now the pleasure dress is really sticking to me. As I awaken, so do the squirming tendrils of the dress – gently coaxing me from sleepiness to an infuriatingly sensual view of the real world.

Then, all thoughts of sensuality disappear. My breath instantly catches in my throat.

Both Tessa and I had failed to notice a huge figure now looming in the corner, watching us.

Watching me.

I jump to my feet, hands balling into fists…

…then, I let my fingers loosen.

It’s Marcel.

Thank the Gods! It’s just Marcel.