Setting Fire to the Stars (a MM Sci-Fi Romance)

Chapter 20: Escape

**note: this chapter contains mature themes not suitable for young readers including references to non-consensual touching and sexual assault, elements of self-harm, and panic attacks. Reader discretion is advised.)

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Lauren
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"Synth?" My confusion echoed within the chambers of the small enclosure. The air in the closet was stale, a cold metallic taste lingering on my tongue. The heavy footfalls of metallic boots faded into the distance, leaving behind only the hushed hum of the ship beneath our feet. "What are you doing here?"

"Please try to be quiet," she whispered, placing her ear against the metal of the door. "We do not have much time. We must act quickly," Synth glanced towards me, her expression falling at my appearance. "By the Starmother, my lord, what happened to you?"

I looked down at the torn front of my dress, my torso on full display. I couldn't help but grit my teeth at the painful imprint on my neck. Adamas had been like a wild animal. My fingers strayed to the bite mark, the area sensitive to the touch. "Adamas. When I wouldn't let him do what he wanted, he tried to—" I swallowed past the acid rising in my throat, choking on the horrifying thought of what might have happened if I hadn't regained my powers. "He-He was gonna—"

A warm sensation touched my hand, and I blinked past my tears to see Synth's crestfallen face.

"I am so sorry. Had I known the Emperor would treat you so horribly—" she hiccuped, a small sob escaping her as she bowed her head. "I should never have left you alone with that monster. Forgive me."

A melancholy smile spread across my lips at her sweet demeanor. She reminded me of Lucy. My younger sister liked to act tough, but she was a real crybaby. I couldn't resist the urge to pat her head. It was what I would always do to calm Lucy when she was upset. Synth's crying ceased the moment my hand touched her silver hair. She raised her head, expression filled with uncertainty. "It's okay," I assured her, hoping to ease her worries. "And please call me Lauren. I'm getting tired of being referred to as a lord."

Synth's chin trembled, sniffling before nodding get her head. "I should have done this as soon as you regained consciousness." Wiping the tears from her eyes, she shuffled through the folds of her black dress. Turning back around, she presented me with a pile of black clothes. "These are for you. I did not think that you would be very comfortable running in a gown."

My eyebrows shot sky-high as she handed me the clothes. I laid them haphazardly against my lap.

"Wait, you're helping me?" The words sounded too good to be true as they left my mouth. "But why?"

Her heart-shaped face lifted confidently even as she nervously rung the hem of her dress between her trembling fingers. "I knew as soon as I saw your eyes. You are like me."

My forehead furrowed in confusion as I tried to understand her meaning. What could we possibly have in common?

"It will be easier to explain if I show you." Synth reached across the space between us to touch my bruised wrists, lifting my palms in her grasp.

Before I could react, Synth withdrew her golden brooch and unclamped the needle, pricking her finger against the sharp edge. My mouth hung open in horror as she smeared drops of crimson over the injury on my wrists.