The Alien's Equal (Drixonian Warrior #7) - Ella Maven Page 0,33

pulled on a loose board in the dirty floor and a trapdoor opened leading underground. Some Uldani flew down the now visible stairs while Gram pointed. “You have to hide.”

Nero’s eyes darted from the door to the stairs, but he didn’t move. “How do we know this isn’t a trap?”

Gram’s eyes narrowed. “It’s time to make a decision, Drix. Trust me, even just a little bit, or take on the army of Kulks searching this city. They have orders to kill any Drixonians on site, but to keep any humans alive.”

With a growl, Nero hoisted me in the air and trudged down the steps. Gram followed and the door closed behind us. We were only in darkness for a few seconds before someone ahead lit a lantern, lighting up a dank, dirty tunnel. Heavy footsteps sounded above us, and the vibrations sent a shower of dust and dirt down on our heads.

After Nero placed me on my feet, we were led through a few more tunnels, away from those footsteps that meant nothing but pain and imprisonment. I wanted to trust Gram, but I understood Nero’s hesitation. We were at their mercy now. This was not in his control or mine. But it had to mean something that Gram didn’t turn us over to the Kulk guards. He knew Sax and Val. He’d helped them escape, even though he’d made a deal with them too—Sax had to kill the head medic and Gram would get them to safety. The only thing keeping me going was knowing Gram had held up his end of the bargain.

We entered a cavernous room which was occupied by more Uldani. With a start, I realized some were women. They looked nothing like what Val described when she’d seen a royal female, but these Uldani were nonetheless female with breasts and petite facial features. A few had scrawny Uldani children clinging to their legs. All looked at us with alarm while some females hissed at the sight of Nero, baring teeth that would do about as much damage as mine. I didn’t blame them. He stood a full head taller than the largest Uldani male, and his machets were still out, the black glistening with a sharp threat in the flickering lantern light.

There looked to be around fifty Uldani in this room, about the size of half a football field. Some were eating, others were washing clothes, and behind them I saw a few other tunnels branching out from this main room. I could only assume there were more Uldani than this down here.

The male Uldani who’d came with us fanned out, standing between us and the families while Gram once again approached us. He stood in front of us with his arms crossed over his chest. “Ready to hear me out now, Drix?”

Nine

Nero

I glared at the Uldani. He was smaller than the others, which surprised me as he spoke up as their leader, but his eyes were cunning. While he put on a brave front, I detected a hint of fear behind his words. He was scared of me, and I wanted to keep it that way. I’d learned long ago that the Uldani were good manipulators.

I raised my brows. “You trust me down here with your females? Your young? This line of six Uldani is nothing for me.”

“I know that. This is my show of faith.” He gestured around the small cavern. “I have no doubt if you gained a whiff of betrayal you wouldn’t hesitate to take my head off. You have to remember; I saw what Sax could do. I was there. I slipped in the blood from the bodies he left behind.”

He was genuine. I didn’t sense deception, but I kept my guard up. “How do you think you can help me?”

“There’s only one reason the Drix would send in one warrior. You’re looking to gain access to the mainframe to shut down our security so you can attack, right?”

I didn’t like that he figured that out, so I stayed silent.

Gram inclined his head in acknowledgement, like he knew I didn’t want to admit my purpose. “Well, I know where it is.” Justine jerked against my side. Gram’s eyes slid to her before returning to me. “I can get you inside.”

He was offering me exactly what I wanted. What I needed. “And what do you want in return?”

“You’ll let us live.” He glanced over his shoulder. The room was silent, everyone watching this conversation. “After rescuing your brother, I had to