The Stars at Dawn

Chapter Two: The Stranger

“I’m not going to kill you, but if you scream when I let you go, I will have to knock you out” I gulped, swallowing any scream I had left in me, blinking back the tears my watery eyes couldn't seem to stop.

“I know your ship is being watched” He had overheard Catania and I’s conversation, and I regrettably wished I hadn't hung up on her, so she could hear what danger I was in, and send any sort of aid. This man knew me, had looked in my eyes and spoke a name I hadn't used in nearly a year and it terrified me. He was in no way familiar to me, I had never seen him before within the planets of the Rivkara systems, despite how many people reside within them, it would be hard to miss such a person.

His voice was deep with an accent that sounded like the people of the southern planets in the Dtrite System, his tan skin and dark features also mimicked those who lived there. He was large, tall and broad and by his strength I could tell it was mostly muscle. It was his clothing that stuck out to me the most, dressed in rags not even those in the less prosperous planets of Rivkara would be seen wearing. He was not from my home city, let alone Rivkara, that much was clear, and that did not help my concern on how this stranger knew me, it only increased the anxiety brewing inside me.

“Have you finished scoping me out, councilwoman?” He spoke again, almost looking annoyed that I had, as if he was not a complete stranger holding me against my will. I didn’t let my cheeks redden at the fact he had noticed me checking him out, but instead rolled my eyes, playing face that I too was annoyed, trying my best to come across as less panicked.

“I just want to talk, if I wanted you dead you already would be” He spoke calmly as if it was such an assured fact and I couldn't help but believe him, despite not knowing him, it felt like the truth. Did not mean I trusted him in the slightest.

“I’m going to let you go, but i’d advise you not to do anything stupid” He spoke well enough for someone dressed in old and quite foul-smelling garments, but I nodded back, a small one and let his eyes read mine, as if he was searching for any bluff. I held his stare, trying my best to not let any weakness or fear shine through them.

After a minute, he pulled back and slowly released his hand from my mouth. I took a deep breath as soon as I was free and watched him hesitantly unclench my arms, taking a cautious step back to give me enough space to move them. I shook the feeling back into my wrists and rubbed a slight sore spot where he had gripped tightly. He looked almost apologetic as he watched me do so but didn't say anything.

“Who are you?” The first thing I had said to him, and my voice felt hoarse after the screaming, I did my best to cough it away as I waited for a reply. He shrugged off his hood, showing his long dark hair, waved and messy, falling just below his chest. Definitely not Rivkaran.

“I’m someone who doesn't want trouble” I scoffed at his reply “You stowed away on my ship and attacked me” The anger was starting to override the fear that still simmered along my bones, but I didn't let it boil over, considering the strength and clear advantage he had over me I didn’t think poking the bear would be beneficial.

“I did not attack you” he said through a furrowed brow, annoyance once again in his tone.

“I simply held you back from attacking me” I rolled my eyes, this time a natural reaction at the ridiculousness.

“I don't care, I don't know you and don't trust you, so tell me who you are” I spoke stern and strong, but still kept a distance from him. This time he stayed quiet, as if debating on what he should say or how to say it but didn’t take his eyes off of me as if he too was cautious of my every move. It made my plan harder to achieve.

“I’m someone who can help” Another cryptic answer I did not care for and my face seemed to show it as he spoke again “I promise” His promise was as good as shit to me, and I felt my frustration grow as each second passed with no answers. I could tell he was watching every little thing I did, very aware of my breathing, my eyes and how I moved, which is why I knew I couldn't outrun him, but I hoped maybe the element of surprise would do.

“I don’t want your help.”

I moved as fast as I could and reached into the back of my pants, where the small knife I usually used for undoing panels and cutting up my apples was tucked away. Too small to be seen but just sharp enough to hurt. I lunged forward with the weapon in my hand but instantly knew I could never have been quick enough. The stranger ducked from the advance with ease and grabbed my arm so fast I didn't realise it was gripped by him and tucked behind my back until I felt the uncomfortable twinge of pain. I sighed angrily at my position, again unmovable and left vulnerable to him.

He mimicked the sigh and said lowly into my ear “I really wish you didn't do that.”

I felt a small zap on the back of my neck before it all turned to black.

The light was blinding and did not help the pain of waking up. My head ached and my body felt worn out and sore as if my limbs were still bound. I slowly came to my senses, noticing large crates and boxes around the room, then looked down at my own position, tied to a chair, my arms and legs bound to it. My captor was seated across from me, watching me as I slowly grounded myself and my environment, which I instantly recognised as the storage room. The back of my neck ached, and I groaned at the fact I couldn't reach up to rub it, my arms laced with thick rope that wound around the arm rests of the chair, the same rope I would use to tie up my cargo, I knew well enough it was unbudging no matter how hard I tugged.

“It'll hurt for a while, but you’ll be fine tonight” I ignored him and he let out a drawn out sigh

“I told you not to do anything stupid” I shot him daggers, anger in full control. This was my ship, my home, my god damn body and he was sitting there smug in his total control over it. I didn't want to hear this asshole out, I wanted him gone, but I knew in the position I was in, that was not going to happen anytime soon. I took a deep breath, calming myself down enough to speak and think clearly.

“Tell me your name” He hesitated, but sat forward in his chair, face still as solemn as ever, and it wouldn't surprise me if he had no other emotion. A minute later he sat up and crossed his arms, staring straight in my eyes.

“Fox Damaris” I didn't expect his full name and barely believed it was a real one either, but I took it anyway, grateful at least something was revealed.

“What the hell do you want, Fox?” I said, returning that stare with every shred of frustration.

“I know how to find your husband.”