Masters of Fate by A. K. DuBoff

Author:A. K. DuBoff [DuBoff, A. K.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Space Fantasy, space opera, Alien Invasion, aliens, Magic, Metaphysical, Teen & Young Adult, Comine-of-Age, Galactic Empire
Publisher: BDL Press
Published: 2018-10-17T23:00:00+00:00

15

Five hours in bed never felt like a proper night’s rest. As I entered the lounge, I tried to shake off the remaining grogginess that my shower hadn’t cured.

I hadn’t been able to get to sleep straight away after my conversation with Kaiden. My mind had kept drifting back to Erusan and my uncertain life path—knowing that I wanted Kaiden to be a part of it but being overwhelmed by thoughts of the logistics. I’d reprimanded myself for losing focus on the mission, in the way I’d promised myself I wouldn’t, which had then only stressed me out more. Ultimately, I’d thought through the key events that had happened since I’d been extracted from my world, and I reminded myself that there didn’t need to be a clear distinction between my life before and my present. Everything we were doing was to fight for our future, and I shouldn’t feel guilty about looking forward to what was to come after the final battles. If anything, that made me more committed.

“Good morning!” Maris greeted in far too cheery a voice for the hour.

I massaged my temples. “I don’t suppose I could get one of those pick-me-ups of yours?”

“Of course.” She smiled.

A shimmering, green wave washed over me, as I felt instantly energized as it passed. Unfortunately, the effects of the spells didn’t last for as long as real rest, but it was marvelous at first. By the time it started to fade, I hoped I wouldn’t remember I’d been so tired in the first place.

“You’re getting good at these spells,” I told her.

She beamed. “Not all that different from bartending in some ways—just tonics of a more magical variety.”

“I can tell you must have been great at your job. How did you get into that line of work, anyway?”

Her smile faded. “Fairly easy money for someone with not a lot of other prospects.”

I tilted my head. “What do you mean?”

She hesitated. “I was on my own since I was pretty young. My mom remarried this asshole when I was fourteen, and after three years I was sick of wondering if that would be the day he’d do more than just look at me.” She took an unsteady breath. “So, I left at seventeen. I had to get used to taking care of myself fast. Realized I was good at putting on a smile, and looks helped. I’m not proud of using those assets, but I did what I needed to, you know? At least waitressing and bartending were on my terms, not him undressing me with his eyes every time I walked in the room.”

My chest constricted. “Sorry, Maris. That sounds awful.”

She shrugged it off, but I could see the distress was still deep inside. Living in that kind of environment changed a person in an enduring way. “A lot of people deal with much worse. I was able to get out before it got bad, and many aren’t that fortunate.”

I looked down. “Guess I had it pretty easy.”

“You were

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