as they left the shop, but he couldn’t contain his enthusiasm. Not only had he found the spices he’d hoped for, but the ancient Dantovonian who owned the shop had established a business account with him. It would allow Vax to have more rare spices shipped to him on Kalquor at a reduced price. Not being able to use that account for some time due to being away at war wasn’t a problem at all. “When you make your first order, whether in two weeks or two years, I guarantee you’ll receive it at the agreed-upon rate,” the shopkeeper had promised.
Thinking of the purchases he’d made and how they’d be waiting for him when they returned to the inn, Vax wished he had access to a kitchen on Dantovon. He bubbled with excitement, almost skipping at Bacoj’s side. “Wait until I make you some of these dishes. I’ll be able to perfect them and be among the few chefs who can offer such fare on Kalquor.”
“I look forward to trying everything.” Bacoj smiled. He was indulgent of Vax’s delight, but he wasn’t condescending. Vax could have kissed him right then and there for not making fun of him.
It was clear Bacoj wasn’t in the mood for kissing. Despite his warmth toward Vax, his gaze was severe for everyone they passed. It was a questionable part of town to be sure. The Dramok’s obvious protectiveness was endearing to the Imdiko.
Vax noticed a Dantovonian furtively passing a wrapped packet to an Isetacian. Both were armed with knives, and he had the insight they weren’t trading cookies. There was definitely an element of danger in the area.
Okay, but we’re minding our own business. Don’t act nosy, and no one will take offense. Getting that spice account was totally worth rubbing elbows with the underbelly of Ler.
That optimism fled when he felt hot breath on his neck. Something sharp poked painfully against his ribs.
“What a lovely reunion, Vax. So nice to bump into family.”
The Imdiko’s heart froze. Bacoj cursed as they both stared at the vicious blade jabbing against him. Karil, smelling as if he’d wallowed in garbage and the nearby jungle, leered at Vax over his shoulder.
“Let him go. I swear, if you hurt him—” Bacoj started to move but froze when Karil shifted the blade. Its sharp edge pushed against Vax’s abdomen. He yelped in pain as it dug against him, threatening to slice through his shirt and his skin.
“What are you going to do, Dramok boy? Unless you want to watch his guts hit the street, shut your face and do as I say.”
Bacoj remained still, though his body thrummed with terrified fury. Vax didn’t dare speak. He barely breathed for fear the knife would cut into him.
Karil smirked. “That’s what I thought.” He nodded toward the nearby alley, a tight space filled with refuse. “Let’s take a little walk where we can discuss things in private.”
“Where you can kill us in private, you mean. Fuck no.” Bacoj reached for Vax, but stopped when Karil pressed the knife harder. The Imdiko was forced to cringe against his attacker to keep from being cut.
Fuck. The bastard was erect, his cocks hard against Vax’s buttocks. He swallowed against a hot tide of nausea.
Karil sneered at Bacoj. “Take a good look at me, shithead. Do you think I won’t do it in front of everyone if I have to?”
The knife drew across Vax’s belly, slicing open his shirt. A sting announced flesh had been nicked too, and a yelp escaped the Imdiko. He glanced down, terrified of what he’d see. A slender line of red beaded across his stomach from the shallow cut.
Bacoj went pale. Holding his hands up in a gesture of surrender, he backed into the alley.
“Smart boy. You too, Vax. Let’s go.”
Karil herded them into the alley. Vax had the opportunity to glance down the street, desperate for any sign of help. Others were out there, but if they noticed what was happening between the Kalquorians, they’d elected to ignore it. Even with the sounds Vax had made, nobody paid the slightest attention. He was sure a couple pointedly turned their backs on the scene.
No aid to be found. Vax’s emotions swirled in hopeless anger and fear. Uppermost was the horror that Bacoj might be killed. It would be Vax’s fault. All because he’d wanted to buy spices. Because he’d insisted on finding one of the few gardeners who successfully grew arpik and cemir.
No. Karil would murder Bacoj because Vax had