Chapter 46: Unwelcome Instrusions
The door slid open with a soft hiss, cutting off the beautiful and intimate moment between Daphne and Zaeryn. Just as things were about to go further and they were about to start dropping clothes.
Daphne and Zaeryn pulled apart instantly, their bodies still electric from the interrupted kiss.
Daphne's head whipped toward the doorway, eyes wide with alarm—until she saw who had the audacity to badge into her private lab unannounced. And then, when she saw who it was, that worry died instantly, replaced by a cold annoyance. Not even furious, she was just annoyed.
No one else would have the audacity to do something like this, except for her friend, Kira who always finds new ways to be annoying.
Kira Thorne lounged against the doorframe, a triumphant smirk playing at her lips like she'd just uncovered state secrets. She was all confident curves and sharp angles.
"Well, this explains the silence," Kira said, tapping her gauntlet with theatrical casualness. "Soundproofing's solid, but my synth picks up everything."
Heat flooded Daphne's cheeks, but her voice came out coldly. "Kira. Get out. Now."
If it were anyone else, seeing Daphne teetering on the edge of her patience would have been enough to make them retreat. But not Kira.
"What? That cafeteria kiss wasn't private enough for you two?" Kira's gaze flicked over Zaeryn, who settled back into the chair beside Daphne's workstation—a plush, adaptive seat that automatically adjusted to his body, the smart-foam conforming to provide perfect ergonomic support. He didn't even bother fixing his shirt properly after being caught in such a compromising position with the chief scientist. "Had to find somewhere with better… privacy?"
Daphne slid off the diagnostic chair and zipped her top to hide the cleavage in one sharp motion, each movement controlled and precise. The kind of control that screamed barely-contained rage.
Zaeryn, meanwhile, found himself oddly relaxed in his seated position. His initial spike of concern had evaporated the moment he'd seen Daphne's reaction.
Naturally, someone would panic after being caught in such a situation, but not Daphne. She was annoyed, not panicked. No scrambling for explanations or cover stories. Just pure irritation at the intrusion itself.
Besides, what was there to worry about? They were both consenting adults. If anything, Kira's behavior reminded him of catching a sibling in an embarrassing moment rather than witnessing anything truly scandalous. He doubted Kira was a threat.
"You know," Kira continued, pushing off the doorframe, "I came to discuss some urgent matters with our brilliant scientist here. But this..." She gestured at the rumpled room, the askew chair, the lingering heat in the air. "This is far more entertaining."
"This is a breach of privacy," Daphne snapped, her professional composure cracking. "My lab is a private space. I'm filing a formal complaint."
Kira's smirk came off slightly. "Alright, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to just badge in like that."
"Sorry, doesn't cut it." Daphne's jaw was iron. "You know the protocols. You don't just waltz into someone's workspace uninvited."
"Alright, alright , I'll behave… mostly." Kira's tone softened into something that might have sounded apologetic—if it weren't dripping with mischief. "But you've got to understand—when the galaxy's most notorious workaholic suddenly goes silent for over an hour, I start to wonder. I thought something might be wrong."
Her gaze slid to Zaeryn, lingering far longer than polite. "Turns out, you were just… occupied." Her lips curved in a slow, deliberate smile. "And seeing who was occupying you… mmm, I can't blame you, Doc. If it were me, I wouldn't have been able to keep my hands off him either."
Daphne's glare could have melted hull plating. "What you saw doesn't leave this room."
"Of course, do you take me for a gossiping cadet? Besides, you're the only friend I gossip with." Kira's attention drifted to Zaeryn, her eyes taking a leisurely tour from his partially open shirt to his amused expression as he leaned back comfortably in the chair. The mischievous glint in her gaze lingered far longer than professionally appropriate.
It was safe to say she was intrigued by him—captivated, even. It was not just that he was cute to look at. There was something about him, something unspoken, that pulled her in.
Just looking at him stirred a strange mix of curiosity and heat, as if he were a puzzle she wasn't sure she wanted to solve… or maybe didn't need to.
"See something you like?" Zaeryn asked from his seated position after noticing her stare, his tone walking the line between serious and playful.
Kira didn't look away, instead she met his eyes with a playful glint. She tilted her head slightly, assessing him like a prize on display. "Maybe… just a little. Do you want to do something about it?"
"Yes, I think I should do something about it." Zaeryn answered, shifting slightly in his chair.
Daphne's cold, furious glare immediately snapped from Kira to Zaeryn. He had no right to be flirting with her colleague, not after what they had just done, and not with the situation still hanging in the air. "Zaeryn, stop." Her voice was a low, dangerous command.
Kira's grin only widened. "What's wrong, Daphne? A little jealous?" she teased, taking another step into the room and making herself at home. "Don't worry, I won't steal your toy." She winked at Zaeryn. "Unless you want me to," she added under her breath, just loud enough for Daphne to hear.
Zaeryn, however, just let out a light laugh from his comfortable perch. "There's no need for that. I think your friend here has me covered," he said with a playful glance at Daphne. "For now."
Daphne ignored him, her attention laser-focused on Kira. "You've had your fun," she said, her voice like ice. "Now, what did you actually want? You said something about a report?"
Kira's playful demeanor shifted slightly, a flicker of professionalism returning to her eyes. "Right. The report. You seem… busy, so I'll just transfer it to your console. Look at it whenever you get a moment."
"You should've done that instead of barging in here like you were high," Daphne shot back.
"Geez, I said I was sorry," Kira replied, rolling her eyes. "But that's not the only reason I'm here. I also came to let you know I've been invited to the Lumina Royal Gala."
Her voice took on a deliberate lilt, the kind people use when they're showing off. "You know, the one hosted by the Lumina Royal Family."
"Oh, you got an invite?" Daphne's surprise was genuine. As far as she knew, Kira wasn't exactly the type to receive invitations to the royal family's events. To be blunt, she wasn't that important at the Citadel.
"Of course," Kira replied, her tone dripping with smugness. "I'm a big deal now—I get all the invitations." She let the words hang for a moment before adding, with a smirk that was equal parts teasing and prideful, "Did you get one too, or is that a little above your pay grade?"
'Hmm, the Lumina Royal Gala?' Zaeryn thought from his seat, suddenly understanding why Kira was bragging. She wasn't exaggerating—the gala wasn't just any event; it was the event.
A dazzling affair where power brokers, sector elites, and the nation's most influential figures mingled beneath a gilded ceiling. Invitations were rare, fiercely coveted, and often served as political currency.
And, of course, it was hosted by Princess Athea's family. And most times than not, the princess was the face of the gala, the center of attention. Receiving an invitation was a mark of prestige. Even Sage's wealthy family had never been invited—a clear signal of where real influence truly lay.
Daphne didn't even flinch at Kira's teasing. "Of course I was invited. Not that it matters—being the chief scientist of this sector and a permanent member of its council tends to come with certain privileges." She let the words hang, a subtle but unmistakable reminder to Kira of her influence.
"Show off." Kira rolled her eyes, then glanced at Zaeryn with a pointed look. "Careful," she said lightly,"The chief scientist isn't just any woman. She's powerful and well-connected. Consider yourself lucky she's letting you be this close."
Zaeryn met Kira's gaze from his comfortable position. "Noted."
Daphne watched the exchange. "You don't know anything Kira," Daphne said, her voice now calm, devoid of all earlier annoyance. "Perhaps he's the one who's special, and that's why I would let him get as close to me as he wants." The line wasn't a question or an accusation.
Kira did not expect to hear such words from Daphne. A flicker of jealousy in her eyes. "Really?" Her tone was sharp, more than just surprise. Seeing Daphne claim that kind of influence over Zaeryn stung more than she expected.
Although she had only met Zaeryn, she had her eyes on him, so hearing that Daphne was interested in him was not a nice feeling.
Daphne walked to the door, "Yes, now you can leave. I have work to do."
Kira teased, "Yeah right, work to do. Does it involve him?" She pointed at Zaeryn, "If not, I think I might have some use for you Zaeryn."
Before Zaeryn could even speak for himself Daphne spoke up. "No."
"Oh my, so possessive already are we?" Kira teased as she shook her head. "Whatever. I'll see myself out."
After Kira was out of the room, Daphne made sure to close the door. "I'm just going to change the code now, so she can't sneak in here," she murmured, pressing some keys.
"Do you think you can trust her? To not tell anyone about us?" Zaeryn asked from his chair, watching as Daphne moved from the door toward him.