Chains of Obsidian by Thomas K. Carpenter

Author:Thomas K. Carpenter [Carpenter, Thomas K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Black Moon Books
Published: 2023-07-28T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Four

The date wasn't their first, but it was easily the nicest. The Lime Duck was on the third level at the Lazona, where Vasilisa was currently stationed, managing logistics for the Alliance. Andelei sat across the table in his clan uniform, which wasn't that different than what Razor had worn. A basket of warm fries sat between them while they waited for greasy burgers to arrive. Vasilisa took a sip of lemonade, keeping her eyes fixed on her date.

"Best fries in the Undercity," said Andelei. "Don't you think?"

"I don't know, Andy. The ones in Big Dave's are pretty good."

"I haven't been there yet," he said, hanging his head sheepishly. "Was hard enough pulling strings to get stationed here."

The first time they'd gone on a date, it'd been purely defensive on her part, not wanting to seem like an enemy asset as she passed explosives and other materials to her connections. But in time she found he was quite sweet, despite knowing what he stood for as a member of the Alliance.

"I'm glad you did, Andy," she said, smiling as he covered her hand. She meant it. She did like him. He was handsome and tall, and always brought her something nice whenever he visited. They hadn't fucked yet, but had messed around two weeks ago when he'd arrived in the Lazona. She knew what he wanted but given her situation she wanted to withhold that as a piece of leverage. Despite making herself invaluable with their logistics operations, she didn't feel like she'd be protected if something bad happened.

The owner of the Lime Duck, a half-maetrie named Najani, brought their burgers, dropping them onto the table and returning to the back of the bar. While there were more maetrie being spotted in the Undercity, Najani had arrived long before the Alliance takeover.

"You've really changed since last time," he said, eyes searching her hungrily.

It wasn't the first time he'd said it, but she understood. Her body had been going through changes the last half year, including growing two inches and other more important updates as far as Andelei was concerned.

"I've gotten the hang of the job," she said, purposely not acknowledging his comment. "I like it though it's not my first love."

Andelei brought his burger towards his mouth, and a piece of melted cheese dripped onto the table. The table vibrated from the nearby construction, creating tiny waves on the surface of their drinks. She'd gotten used to the noises from the elevator, but he stared at it with a frown hooked on his lips.

"You know they won't take you," he said, glancing towards her missing hand. "The Alliance Academy is pretty strict about their applicants."

"Strict?" she exclaimed. "I could beat half the new waku with my good arm tied behind my back. I'm a better knife fighter than most, Andy. Probably even better than you."

He flinched, before taking a bite, using the burger as an excuse not to talk.

"You know what I mean," he said darkly, glancing about as if he expected to be overheard despite them being nearly the only people in the bar.

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