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“You can quit staring,” Vynia says with a hint of venom.

“My apologies.” He smirks, a foreign glint in his eye. “I forgot that you can look like a proper female from time to time.”

“Watch yourself, doctor. I’d hate for one of my crutches to slip and bruise that pretty face of yours.”

“You think I’m pretty?” His smile widens wickedly.

“Not particularly. I prefer a more rugged look on my males, but you don’t seem to lack in female company. They must see something in you.”

I look at Neev, who watches the bantering in fascination. I’m used to their back and forth vitriol. It’s been going on since we were kids, though today seems a bit more pointed than usual, even as it continues as they walk into the hall.

“Do you think Hyva knows her crutches hide two blades? He might not want to antagonize her like that.”

“He knows. He made those especially for her. They’re full of little surprises she could use to defend herself.”

She smiles. “Do you think they know they’re in love with each other?”

“What?” I couldn’t be more surprised if she ran me through with my own sword.

“The flirting?”

We walk down the hall, far enough behind the two bickering back and forth in front of us that they won’t overhear.

“That’s not flirting,” I say. “They’ve been like this since we were kids.”

“And?” She laughs. “It’s funny that I can see it, but you can’t.”

I truly don’t think there’s anything there, but I’m going to keep an eye on it. I’m not sure what Altis would think of his sister and one of his best friends becoming involved. Especially when that friend happens to have a long history with females.

Altis sits in the pilot’s seat of the transport as we board. “Took you long enough.” He begins flipping switches as the doors whoosh closed behind me.

Vynia takes the seat next to him, probably ready to take over the task of flying, but he shakes his head, telling her to just relax. We all know how she feels about watching the Bak’hura and how she always has to subjugate herself while we’re allowed to walk in wearing all of our military decorations.

I take a seat next to Neev while Hyva drops down across from us. The slit in Neev’s dress parts high up on her thigh, and I notice a strap wrapped around it. She notices my gaze and parts the slit further, showing a small blade strapped high on her leg.

“Vynia gave it to me just in case.”

I meet the gaze of my pilot over Neev’s head and incline my head in thanks. I’ve been too distracted thinking about other males just looking and lusting over her to think about her physical safety beyond that threat. Not that she’ll ever be without one of us by her side tonight.

Hyva settles back into the seat. He looks relaxed, but I know he’s anything but. Having been born without a twin, he was spared from the brutality of the blood rite, but he’s been forced to watch it unfold. Having chosen medicine and dedicating his life to healing, this is torturous for him to watch.

Only barbarians treat the Bak’hura as a spectator sport. Unfortunately, that’s who we’ll be surrounded by this evening. Not only that, I’ll have to help Neev navigate the layers of society and meet other Lords tonight on top of witnessing the brutality of the rite.

She must be feeling the pressure because she slides our palms together and interlocks our fingers in the way she likes to do. It’s a human form of connection and affection she told me. It does bring a certain level of warmth to my body as she smiles up at me. I lift her hand and kiss the smooth skin of her knuckles.

“Oh, you’re grotesquely cute.” Hyva rolls his eyes dramatically. “Stop that before I get sick.”

I do it again, giving him a lighthearted smirk. This is what we need to ease tension hanging around our shoulders like a noose. At least we’re together for this.

CHAPTER32

RAIZ

* * *

As Altis slows the transport, I look out into the docking bay, taking in which Lord’s ships are here already. Most of them used their private vessels. I’m the only one who is an active member of the military at the moment. I’m also the youngest by a good twenty-five rotations.

Both factors lead to me being a deeply unpopular Lord among my peers. My hatred for all our rites and rituals doesn’t help either. I’ve never been accepting of the status quo, a trait that’s served me well in my military career at the very least.