Setting Fire to the Stars (mxm)

Chapter 19: Escape

**note: this chapter contains mature themes not suitable for young readers including references to non-consensual touching and sexual assault, small elements of self-harm, 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 thundering of heavy boots faded into the distance, leaving behind only the hushed hum of the ship beneath our feet.

"What are you doing here?"

"Helping you," 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 lady, what happened to you?"

I looked down at the torn front of my dress, my torso on full display. Though miraculously the bruising on my chest was nowhere to be found, I couldn't help but grit my teeth at the bite mark on the side of my neck. He had been like a wild animal.

My fingers strayed to the bite mark, the area was sensitive to the touch. "It was your Emperor. When I wouldn't let him do what he wanted, he tried to—" I swallowed past the bile rising in my throat, choking on the horrifying thought of what might have happened if I hadn't regained my powers. "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 in that room 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.

"I'm okay," I assured her, hoping to ease her worries. "And please call me Lauren. I'm getting tired of being referred to as a lady."

Synth's bottom lip trembled, before she nodded her head.

"Thank you, Lauren," She sniffled. Using her hands to wipe away the tears from her eyes, she shuffled through the folds of her black dress before turning back to me. In her hands, she held a pile of silky black clothes.

"I should have done this as soon as you regained consciousness," she said, holding out a neatly folded black shirt and a pair of pants for me. "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, so you're helping me escape?" 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."