Knightqueen (Oronis Knights #3)

Sten stepped in close and touched her cheek.

The boy pulled back, his gaze curious. He looked at their armor and then Sten’s sword. As Sten dissolved his weapon, the boy’s eyes went wide.

He babbled in a language that her translator didn’t understand.

“You get any of that?” she asked Sten.

He shook his head. “His language isn’t in our databanks. All right, let’s—”

There was a whoosh of noise.

Overhead, a dark Gek’Dragar scout ship swung into view.

Carys’ chest locked and she grabbed the boy.

Energy surged through Sten. “Run!”

He shoved Carys. She scooped up the boy and ran. Sten was right behind her.

The scout ship opened fire—laser chasing them across the hillside.

As he ran, Sten pulled energy to him, felt it increasing. His focus narrowed on the ship. He threw an energy ball.

It hit the ship and the vessel jerked.

Carys swiveled, and formed a shield on her arm. She held it up, protecting the child.

Sten spotted what looked like the entrance to some caves up ahead. “We need to reach the caves.”

She nodded and picked up speed.

Sprinting, Sten lifted the boy from her arms into his own. He clung to Sten, the red skin on his face looking ashen.

Carys formed an energy bow. She held it up and fired several energy bolts at the ship. The ship returned fire, and they ducked behind some rocks.

The boy curled into a ball and Sten kept him close. “We’re pinned down.”

More laser fire hit all around them.

Carys ducked lower. “The caves are still too far away.”

Sten gritted his teeth, trying to find a way out. The ship’s engines whined as it spun around in front of them.

“Protect him.” Carys rose and sprinted at the ship.

No. His chest locked. “Carys, stay in cover!”

She jumped on top of a large rock, then leaped into the air. She landed on the wing of the ship, and ran along it.

He watched the Gek’Dragar pilot in the cockpit arching his head, searching for her.

Her sword glowed blue in her hand. When she reached the central part of the ship, she stabbed downward, cutting into the roof. The metal parted like water under the energy blade.

The ship jerked to the left, and Carys lurched.

Sten froze. Don’t fall. Don’t fall.

She didn’t. Graceful as ever, she crouched, keeping her balance. Then dropped down into the hole she’d cut and into the ship.