The Wraith

--The secret, In just two weeks--

I woke up from my beautiful dream haze. Slowly at first, happy to take my time. Until I realized that a pair of eyes were staring at me. My eyes opened and I looked around to find a wraith commander I didn't recognize sitting across the room at the table, and my body tensed. Painfully.

He simply stared at me, allowing me a moment to settle with the idea of him in here. And as if on cue, "Your commander asked me to watch over you until he has returned. You are in no danger of me." I let out a small sigh and settled back into the bed, though the tension didn't leave me as I continued to watch him warily.

"There is talk among the hive. That your commander allows certain... privileges. And yet. You do not lay with him. If you had, your scent would mask his. And his, your." His head tilts to the side as my heart stops and starts. Stops and starts with a moment of fear. "What kind of privileges do people think I'm allowed?" I ask in a quiet and dry tone.

"Some say you have the ability to understand the wraith language and understand how to fly a ship. Along with that, you can fight with the skills of any other Wraith. And let us not forget how during your meal, you come into this room to eat rather than than the human mess." I felt my breath catch in my throat, and I'm sure my face was pale.

"So tell me, human. What rumors are true. And what are lies?" I took this moment to really look at him. He seemed to be younger, but you could never tell with a wraith. His face smooth and shining. He was large, like all wraith. But came a little short to average. I noticed his tattoo on the right side of his face. Just over the cheekbone than stood high and defined, per usual to a wraith. Though his lips gave a little more of a pink tint than usual, And his hair pulled back into a long ponytail.

He was honestly quite handsome. "Everybody knows that such things are forbidden. I will, however, admit to eating within our quarters. After all, it's not like I enjoy eating around others who intentionally sell themselves out to their masters right in front of me. Really is quite sickening." He quirked an eyebrow at me as I noticed a smile tug at the corner of his lips, though he fought against a full-on grin.

"I must say. I agree. In all my years on this ship, I refrain from going into the human common areas. As it serves no purpose other than to take willing females. Such intentions do not catch my interest. But you didn't fully answer my question." That's why I don't recognize him. Because he never goes to the human populated areas.

"Yes, I did." I retorted in a defensive tone that sounded way too obvious even to my own ears. I just hoped I was a better liar than I felt. "I told you already th-" He cut in, his voice loud, but it was calm. If he was irritated with me, he did not give it away. "you told me what everybody is aware of. You did not, however, say as if to whether or not you broke these rules."

I watched as amusement settled in his eyes as I felt the blood rush through me. "I'll take your obvious reaction as a 'yes'. You're really quite a terrible liar." I felt fear mix with aggression. I may not be in the best of shape, but I'll be damn if I let anyone hurt-

" Good. then this means I can trust you." His words interrupted my thoughts and I felt confusion settle in. "Trust me? About what?" His eyes scanned the room as if to ensure we really were alone. The tone of the whole situation going from nerve-racking to downright conspiracy theorist setting in only a matter of seconds. He stood and walked over, settling next to me.

"there has been word spreading of the queen's plans. Your commander has been preparing. A group of commanders, along with their underlings have pledged loyalties to him in the past. Before he disappeared for so many years." His voice was hushed. Almost as if we could be easily heard. I don't know why, but I found myself moving closer as if we were discussion mutiny. "We are going to join another ship full of men loyal to him. One that does not have a queen."

I blinked at him. "when will this happen?" I even spoke in a hushed whisper. Believing each word was too good to be true. "In two weeks, we will be given our opening. Be ready." He stood then, going to the table again. "What am I supposed to do when this happens? How will I know where to go?" He sat down and looked at me.

"As attached as he has become to you. You will know. He will not leave you behind. He will come for you, and demand you follow quickly and without question. And you will." He didn't say it as an order, or as a warning. But he said it surly and with confidence. I gave him an understanding nod.

Fighting the grin that threatened to spread itself across my face. Astor had men, who would choose him over a queen. Because he worked hard to earn that respect they hold towards him. Astor was going to live. And I would too. Right there next to him.

I watched as he leaned his head back, closing his eyes with his hands resting in his lap, fingers twined. He looked young, yes, but he also looked tired. But It's obvious he hasn't slept well in at least two or three days. I could only imagine the effort in preparation for this plan. To ensure no one finds out. To ensure everything goes as planned. To ensure that every follower gets off and to the ship safely. To ensure the most perfect timing for an operation so delicate. So easily thrown to the dirt.

The door opened and I looked at find Astor... With a plate of food for me. The commander in the chair; Who've I've decided to call Kai, stood. Bowing respectfully to him before leaving. When the door closed I allowed a smile to spread across my lips. "So, how was your day? Assuming more productive than mine I hope." I heard him give a small laugh as he walked over to me, handing me the plate of food.

"It was as it always is. Quiet, frustrating, but progress was made all the same." He sat on the corner of the bed, watching me as I ate. "I heard rumors are spreading about me," I say, worry seeping into my mind and face. "About how I know things I shouldn't." He nodded and said nothing for the longest time.

"then that means you are aware of what is to come." I nodded as I swallowed down the food. My stomach slightly turning due to the bland and depressing taste, mixing with the seriousness of the situation. "Partially. No specific details were given, but I know what to expect. Just follow you and don't get caught." He nodded, confirming my words. A long sigh came from him as I finished my food slowly. Allowing my mind to process everything.

Neither of us spoke for a while. "you know," I said, picking at the last bits of meat on my plate. "I wouldn't mind if the hive coming to get us had better food available. Maybe something that doesn't have depression cooked right into it."

I spoke, laughing slightly at the last few words, trying to lighten the mood. He smiled, chuckling. "We'll just have to see about that." I set the plate to the side and leaned back onto to pillow, watching him as he stood up to walk around the bed, and take his place next to me. " And I'm a terrible liar apparently."

I looked over and saw him smile. "I would have figured." He moved closer to me and I leaned on him, looking down to see him holding a tablet. The tablet containing information about the ship itself, programming, systems for one thing or another. "So, how far along did you get with the detection of the hoffin drug?" I asked, hoping that the progress wouldn't be so far along.

"further than I anticipated, unfortunately." I sighed and felt myself relax, only for him to move his arm so I could lean into his side. He was so warm and made such a great body pillow. "Please don't move for a while. You're really comfortable." I said with a smile, looking up to see him smiling as well. "I believe I've allowed you to become too comfortable with me, Amya."

I giggled and the obvious statement. "Geez, took you this long to notice?" I said as I snuggled closer to him, wincing slightly at the effort and the still apparent wounds that hadn't bothered me until that moment. "So, what are you thinking with the detection of the drug? I mean, you might have to slow down your pace, but no doubt your sudden change of pace would raise questions." He nodded. Saying nothing at first.

" I may have to find some other way to have the queen see value in my life." I closed my eyes, trying to think of some way to string that bitch along. "How?" there was a long moment of silence before hearing, "I don't know. But all we have to do is last two weeks." Two weeks. That's it. Just two weeks. Then everything would be fine. Just. Two. Weeks.

We're so screwed.

Word count:1654