Retribution (Kall Alien Warriors #3) - Sue Lyndon Page 0,9

him as his footsteps approached. When he walked by her, his dark eyes fixed on her.

Despite the horribleness of the situation, and her deathly fright of the Kall male, she was suddenly struck by his otherworldly beauty, as well as his massive size.

Like most Kall, his skin was a deep shade of red that reminded her of a blazing sunset. Taller than most males of his kind, he towered over her like a conquering giant. He possessed high cheekbones and elegant yet masculine facial features, and his black and gray warrior’s uniform clung to his powerful body like a second skin, accentuating his impressive physique.

She spotted streaks of white in his otherwise black hair, though she still thought him rather young looking to have risen to the rank of general. If she had to guess, she would say he was in his early forties. To become a general at such a young age, she knew he must be a formidable warrior on the battlefield.

The sort of warrior who likely didn’t understand the concept of mercy.

He paused to stare at her, and she flinched when one hand moved to the sword at his belt. His nostrils flared and he growled deep in his throat. He clutched the hilt of his sword so hard his knuckles turned a pale pink.

I think he’ll kill her quickly—likely with his sword.

Whichever spectator had offered this guess might be correct. She glanced down at the general’s belt and blanched when she spotted a battle-ax in addition to the sword. The gilded hilt of a knife also stuck out of one boot. She swallowed hard and once again met his lethal gaze.

“General Zamek,” Merokk said, his tone beseeching. “Remember what I told you about this female. Remember what we talked about.”

Layla appreciated his help but didn’t think it would make a difference.

The general looked far too angry—and he’d arrived armed to the teeth. For all she knew, he’d already informed the judge about his plans for her. Maybe that’s why the tarp had been brought in.

After another growl, General Zamek approached the chair near the podium and took a seat. His unblinking eyes remained fixed on her. Dark and deadly and filled with the promise of violence.

A terrible thought struck her, and she turned to look at Merokk. “Ambassador, you must promise me something,” she said.

“Yes?”

“Whatever happens, promise you won’t interfere.” The last thing she wanted was another death on her conscience. While Merokk was a skilled warrior and a respected ambassador, if he interfered with the judge’s ruling or physically attacked General Zamek, all the guards in the courtroom would converge on him at once.

“There is no need to make such a promise,” Merokk said. “Zamek will spare your life. I’ve known him for years. He’s hurting and grieving the loss of his wife, but he is an honorable warrior.”

“He’s armed,” she said, a quiver in her voice.

“So am I. It’s not unusual for a Kall warrior to walk around with weapons affixed to his belt.”

Well, Merokk had a point. While out in public, most Kall warriors remained armed at all times. But still… a sword and a battle-ax looked like overkill. Pun not intended. Despite her deepening fear, she had the absurd urge to suddenly laugh. She bit the inside of her cheek. Maybe she was starting to lose her mind.

She turned and faced the front of the courtroom. The judge was still glaring at her and so was General Zamek.

The manic urge to laugh soon faded.

Her gut twisted and she started to feel faint.

Judge Commak began to address the courtroom, listing Michael’s exact crimes—the crimes he would’ve been officially charged with had he not killed himself. The crimes that were now assigned to Layla by default.

Murder and possession of rebel contraband.

The judge held the confiscated rebel flyers above his head, then pressed a button and several still images from Michael’s attack on Shessema briefly flashed on a large screen at the front of the courtroom.

She was surprised only two charges were announced. Usually, a couple of extra false charges were tossed at any humans unfortunate enough to find themselves in a Kall court.

She wondered if this was Merokk’s doing, and her eyes misted at the thought. Even if she died today, she would be grateful to him for all he’d done to help her. His kindness gave her hope. Not all Kall were bloodthirsty and hellbent on punishing humans.

But General Zamek?

His eyes still blazed with hatred, and his right hand kept brushing the hilt