arriving on Kall—they would have even more cause to question his decisions.
Walking her through town in manacles would help keep her safe, as there would be many witnesses to verify that he wasn’t treating her as an equal. Though it would pain him to do so, he would occasionally push her and grab her hair during the walk to the slave office.
But once he got her home, he intended to spend the rest of the day holding her and comforting her. He hoped she would truly understand the necessity of what he was about to do.
The pilot turned to speak to him, and Zamek caught Layla looking up.
He tugged on her hair. “Eyes down, slave, unless you want another whipping.”
She whimpered and immediately dropped her eyes to the floor. His heart clenched at the sight of her lower lip wobbling. Fluxx, he hated this. But the pilot couldn’t be trusted.
“Head for the landing pad nearest to the slave office in Sumlin,” Zamek directed the pilot. “Once we complete our business there, you will take us to my home on the mountainside.”
“Yes, General.” The pilot spun around and pressed at the controls.
A moment later, the airship lifted in the air and sped out of the hangar, over the skies of Sumlin District.
Zamek had never imagined returning home with Shessema’s body in tow. His chest tightened with grief, but he was starting to come to terms with her passing. It had been a horrible tragedy and he would miss her forever, but he sensed her acceptance of Layla, and he sensed her approval of his plans to keep the little human and protect her, no matter what he must do.
He treasured the vision he’d had of Shessema in the afterlife, and whenever he remembered the last time he’d prayed over her body, peace settled in his soul.
I’m bringing you home, wife. I’m sorry. Ancient gods, I’m so sorry. But I’m bringing you home where you belong. He closed his eyes briefly, praying Shessema could hear his thoughts.
Now that the auction had ended, the streets in Sumlin were mostly clear, which brought him great relief. The last thing he wanted was an audience to gather outside the slave office as he processed Layla inside. News of Shessema’s death had likely already spread to Sumlin, as well as the events that had transpired in the courtroom. Anyone who saw him marching Layla down the street would know who she was in an instant—the wife of a human murderer and member of the rebel cause on Earth. Most wouldn’t see her as a person. Most would view her as an abomination that needed to be destroyed.
More reason to make her my wife.
Marrying her would afford her the ultimate protection.
He was determined to make it happen one day.
The airship descended with a gentle hum and landed within sight of the slave office.
“We will return soon,” Zamek said to the pilot as the hatch lifted. “Come along, slave.” He jerked Layla out of the vessel and walked her rapidly toward the building, anxious to get her inside. The sooner they completed this distasteful business, the sooner they could reach the safety of his home.
A handful of passersby paused in the street, but thankfully they moved along once Zamek pushed Layla into the slave office. He peered out the window of the building, cursing their curiosity, and breathed a sigh of relief when they all moved along.
Aside from the official at the counter, the slave office was empty. Zamek dragged Layla forward and pushed down on her shoulder once they reached the counter.
“You will kneel, slave,” he said in a biting tone.
She continued obeying, dropping to her knees, keeping her head lowered as she took up a subservient position. Despite the gravity of the situation, pride swelled within him to see her obeying him so readily. She finally understood the risk she faced—and the risk he faced—during this unfortunate but necessary trip into town.
He gave Layla’s name to the official, though he suspected the male already knew Layla’s details. News from Earth traveled to planet Kall fast, as warriors stationed on Earth sent messages home frequently.
The tracker injector looked ominous and Zamek frowned at the sight of the long, wide metallic object. A fresh tracker was placed into it and the official gave Zamek an expectant glance.
“Ready when you are, General,” the young Kall male said, holding up the device.
“May I do it?” Zamek asked, reaching out a hand.
The official appeared surprised, though he soon passed the injector