Chapter 19: Chapter 19

Raven

The music was just right—loud enough to feel, but soft enough to allow conversation. Raven spotted them when she returned from the restroom.

They were so engrossed in each other, their scents intertwined.

It smelled like home and fresh-baked cookies—snickerdoodles, like the ones her mom used to bake before she passed away and her dad vanished on a mission.

It was also a stark reminder that she didn’t fit in here. If Arenk and Lyka’s circumstances were different, Raven wouldn’t be in the picture. She left them to their chat and headed to the bar.

Raven was thankful for the translator Dhol had given her as she ordered a drink. Naturally, she told the bartender to put it on Arenk’s tab.

He gave her a skeptical look but slid the drink over when she offered a generous tip.

She didn’t order anything strong like at the party or when she drank with Arenk and Laro. If she had to guess, it was more like a beer. The bartender knew his stuff; he’d chosen this one.

It tasted like vanilla coffee, sweet and creamy.

She was surprised Arenk hadn’t noticed her absence yet. It had been a good few hours. Dhol wouldn’t have let her out of his sight for a moment.

Raven watched some soldiers walk in, grinning from ear to ear, bringing in a wave of different scents. This was a perfect opportunity to gather some intel.

Raven finished her drink and ordered another. She had to compose herself, conceal her motives, and do what she was best at.

The nighttime crowd started to fill in. Some found seats, while others congregated at the bar. As she sipped her drink, Raven felt the gaze of a few. Some came close enough for her to sneak a peek at their hips. No keycards.

“Not much of a drinker?” a soft voice inquired.

Raven turned to her side and found herself looking at a woman. She resembled Lyka, with dark brown hair and blue eyes. But Raven could tell they weren’t the same. This woman’s scent was bitter.

Her eyes weren’t a light blue but a deep, dark abyss that no one could escape.

“I suppose not,” Raven replied.

“Jaji. And you are?”

“Raven,” she responded.

“I haven’t seen you around the dorm. What’s your symbol? Or are you spoken for?”

“Why do you ask?”

She raised her hands in a playful surrender and grinned.

“You’ve caught the eye of some big shots here, and I need to score tonight, to be honest,” she said, sliding closer.

Raven chuckled to herself. She could sense the dishonesty radiating off her. There was something familiar about her that Raven couldn’t pinpoint.

The fact was that Jaji was too eager to get her to do something, but what? Black market? Recruiting women for the lower ranks? Whatever it was, it could bring her closer to her goal.

Raven stood up with her drink and headed to the dance floor. She let the music guide her and began to move with the rhythm. As she suspected, Jaji was right behind her.

“What do you want from me?”

“Just be yourself, have a drink, and let nature take its course,” she said, grinning.

“If I let nature take its course, I wouldn’t be here,” Raven retorted.

“Well, I have this,” she said, handing her a pill. “Nature in a tablet.”

“What does it do?”

“It gives you a euphoric feeling.” Jaji took one and swallowed it dry.

Raven smiled. “What’s it called?”

“SD. Space dust.”

It had been a while since she had partied. It was probably an alien party drug, something similar to MDMA or Molly, an old Earth drug initially used by doctors to help patients recount traumatic experiences before it hit the streets. If their alcohol was safe for her, then this should be too.

Raven decided to take it and earn her trust.

“Sounds like fun,” Raven said, swallowing it with the help of her drink.

As it slid down her throat, the scent of burnt vanilla filled the air. Before she could think twice, her heart pounded in her ears.

A tingling sensation spread all over her body, accompanied by a wave of warmth.

Jaji placed a hand on Raven’s shoulder. The sensation was incredible and made her shiver.

“Damn, I wish I was a lightweight like you. How is it?” she asked, smiling.

“I’ve had better,” Raven said, smirking.

It was a lie. This was like Molly, but way better and stronger. Even the air in the room felt good on her skin.

The hairs on her neck stood up. She tried to move to the side, but her body felt heavy. A firm grip encircled her forearm. She found herself staring into a pair of angry golden eyes.

“I can’t turn my back for a second. Spit it out, now,” Arenk said so quietly that she had to lean in to hear him.

Raven opened her mouth for him to see.

“A few hours,” she said. “You can’t turn your back for a few hours.”

Jaji stifled her giggle.

“Don’t you have a lap to warm?” Arenk asked, glaring at her.

“I do, actually. Maybe next time, Raven,” she said, walking away.

Arenk guided Raven toward the front door. His ponytail swung behind him, brushing against her. She grabbed the end and almost squealed at the softness.

It felt like the finest silk, but the scent was off.

“You smell like burnt cookies,” Raven said, examining his shirt.

“Is she okay?” Lyka asked.

Raven smiled and nodded.

“Yes, no thanks to Jaji. I have to take her back. Do you need a ride?” Arenk asked.

“No, I have an appointment soon,” she replied.

The ride back was silent, but Arenk let her stroke his ponytail until they arrived. Well, it kept her from sticking her head out the window. The wind on her face felt amazing.

By the time they reached his place, she had hoped he would be in a better mood, but she was mistaken. His face was stern, but his actions were gentle.

“Get some sleep. We can talk it out in the morning,” Arenk suggested, slipping into his pajamas.

“I can’t just sleep this off. There’s only one thing that could possibly help, and I’m pretty sure you’re not up for it,” she retorted, making her way towards the balcony.

Unexpectedly, he secured the sliding door. He scooped her up in his arms and gently placed her on the bed. Sliding in next to her, Arenk switched off the lights.

“Sleep. You’re going to need your strength for tomorrow,” he murmured.