Ethereal Lives: A Romantic Sci-Fi Novel

Chapter 32

Ariane parked her bum on the bed, the sole piece of furniture inside her cell, and it was a cell, complete with metal bars for doors. It was hard to believe she was actually on a spaceship and not in some Earth prison. The metal creaked as she leant against the wall. The only other thing in the room was a small partition. At first, she assumed it hid a toilet, but on closer inspection, she found it was just a small enclosed space where Creets dealt with any hygiene necessity. At least she had a means of using the bathroom.

This was a far cry from the treatment she received when kidnapped by Ax. Her new captors appeared to be much more versed in how to treat prisoners.

She couldn't believe she'd been stupid enough to get caught. As soon as the ship sale had been finalised, the men had ushered her aboard and settled her in a room, telling her to stay there until they returned. Jas went to get fuel and Biz went to keep a look out for the others.

After spending a few moments to familiarise herself with the room, which in all honesty was practically the same as Ax's first ship, she sat on the bed and sighed. Unable to find a computer she had nothing to do but wait, and she'd never been a patient person.

When she heard footsteps approaching her room, she hadn't thought twice. Heart racing she rushed to the door and flung it open, expecting to be greeted by Ax. The smell that hit her nostrils made her step back in shock when she realised her mistake. Two Gornneds entered the room and advanced towards her. For short, ugly, smelly creatures they could move damn fast. One second she was punching one in his yellow face, the next second she woke up here.

She gently touched a tender spot on her neck. This habit aliens had of knocking her out was bloody annoying, hardly what you would call fighting fair.

A guard walked past her door, sneering at her and running his tentacles along the bars as he went. So far he'd made three passes since she woke. She couldn't be sure of how long it was between them, but there definitely appeared to be some kind of schedule. Her nose starting to grow accustomed to the smell, she snuck to the bars and watched him turn the corner at the end of the corridor. The past three times no one had walked past until he did his next round. However, this time was different. Movement at the opposite end caught her eye. A Gornned walked through the doors, dragging someone along with him. Ariane's eyes widened as she realised it was an Ethereal. It looked just as they had on her computer.

Fear gripped her heart as she watched them come closer. She grasped the bars with suddenly sweaty palms while the Gornned used the collar to shove the Ethereal into the cell opposite hers.

As soon as the cell lock clicked, the Ethereal floated towards the bars and stood apparently waiting for something.

Ariane watched in amazement as the Gornned produced a key and, reaching through the bars, removed the collar. Instantly the Ethereal changed forms, but it didn't turn into Ax. Standing opposite was a beautiful female, dressed in beige trousers and a white vest top. She was about the same height as Ariane although slimmer. Her form was humanoid. Her skin had a blue tint to it and jet-black hair, resting behind pointed ears, hung to her waist. The surprise was evident in the other woman's eyes as she noticed Ariane.

The Gornned followed the woman's stare to Ariane. "Ah, I see you've noticed you have company, Calis. This is an Earthling. She's now just as rare as you." With an evil laugh, the Gornned turned and walked back the way he came.

Ariane stared openly at the other woman. It was only when she noticed the raised eyebrow and glare of the Ethereal that she grasped she was being rude and lowered her eyes.

"Err... hello," she mumbled, letting go of the bars and taking a step back.

"Hello." The Ethereal sounded wary and untrusting.