Page 2 of Jorax (Arixxia Fields #4)
Chapter Two
J orax
I look up from the microscope to see Icaron leading a petite human female into the lab. She has chestnut hair and fair skin with a sprinkling of freckles across her nose. Icaron introduced her as the new researcher who will work with me.
Of course, he neglected to mention that to me. Typical Icaron, keeping me in the dark. Ever since we were younglings in school together, he’s enjoyed lording his charm and social status over me. Things only got worse as we got older.
He was always one to take advantage, use a person’s weaknesses against them. After I was badly injured in an explosion when we were lab partners in chemistry, he seldom missed an opportunity to subtly demean me about my deformities.
As Icaron guides the human out, I sigh, running a hand over the short hair on the top of my head, avoiding the exposed hardware on my forehead.
Syrryn tried hard not to show her emotions, but I saw the shock in her expression when she first laid eyes on me.
Not that I blame her. With my hulking frame, brilliant green skin, and forlorn expression, I’m used to being seen as a monster.
Still, a part of me wishes that just once someone would look past this wretched exterior and see me for who I truly am. But such fantasies are foolish. Instead of seeking humanoid company, I’ve embraced my research. It’s all I have .
I’ve poured everything I am into my work, determined to develop a cure for Eryxi disease. The debilitating illness has plagued our galaxy for too long. Preying mostly on children, it leaves misery and death in its wake.
Those who survive it are often disfigured. Because I know what it’s like to horrify people with my appearance, I’ve chosen to channel all my passion into curing this deadly and demoralizing disease.
Because Syrryn managed to hide the disgust she had to be feeling, perhaps she’ll be able to work with me without issue. I’ll request her resumé from Icaron to assess her strengths, then assign her tasks she’s best suited for.
After clearing a space on the counter for Syrryn, I tidy the lab. Although she appeared unsettled by me, she seems kind. But I dare not hope for more than professional courtesy from anyone.
With Icaron as our supervisor, he’ll surely charm her, as he does everyone. I push down the familiar bitterness at that thought. All I can do is dedicate myself to this work and try to make the galaxy a better place—even though there’s nothing that can repair the damage already done to me.