Chapter 3

The panther raised his right front paw and tapped a metallic collar around his neck.

A holographic blue screen flickered to life.

"Coordinates: Dustlands, Sector 4 Abandoned Basement. Get your asses down here now!"

He roared into the comm-link and instantly cut the connection.

"Pack up your junk. We’re heading to Neo-Haven. I'm getting you the best food money can buy."

I had nothing to pack.

Except for the steel flask Dad left me, I had absolutely nothing.

I clutched the flask to my chest and whispered, "Will your family really come for you?"

"My boss is a cold-blooded tyrant. But considering I’ve worked for him for years, he’ll show up."

In less than ten minutes, a deafening roar echoed over the Dustlands.

It wasn't the cheap buzz of a commercial airship. It was the deep, thunderous rattle of a military-grade dreadnought. The vibrations shook the dust off the basement ceiling.

I ran outside and looked up.

A massive, pitch-black military starship hung directly overhead, completely ignoring the Dustlands' no-fly zone.

The ship's main hangar doors slid open, and a brilliant tractor beam shot down.

Several heavily armed soldiers in black power armor descended, instantly locking down the surrounding streets.

Then, a tall, imposing man stepped out of the light.

He wore a pristine, custom-tailored black military uniform. The insignias on his shoulders gleamed under the harsh artificial lights, and his sharp, handsome features looked as if they were carved from ice.

He walked over to the panther, his cold gaze sweeping over the wounds.

"Still alive. It seems the space pirates' firepower is getting weaker."

His voice was deep and baritone, carrying a chilling authority.

The panther nudged him with his massive head.

"You heartless bastard! I almost died out here. If this kid hadn't fed me water, you'd be collecting my corpse right now!"

Caleb's gaze finally shifted, crossing over the panther to land on me.

I shrunk back against the wall, covered in dirt, looking like a starved, fragile stray.

His brow twitched almost imperceptibly.

"She saved you?"

I nodded slowly, terrified of the sheer aura he projected.

The panther immediately used his thick tail to gently push me toward Caleb.

"Her parents dumped her in this hellhole. Your dreadnought is huge, Caleb. Give her a room."

"She saved my life! You have to adopt her!"

Caleb looked down at me from his towering height.

"I don't have a habit of taking in strays. Especially human kids."

He raised a hand, gesturing to the soldier behind him.

"Give her one hundred thousand credits. It's more than enough for her to survive here until she's an adult."

One hundred thousand.

That was a number I couldn't even comprehend.

My parents had abandoned me for a mere twenty-thousand-credit relocation allowance.

Yet, I didn't reach out to take the gleaming gold credit card.

I looked up at Caleb, my voice trembling but stubborn.

"I don't want your money. I saved him because he was bleeding, and he was going to die."

I took a step back, retreating toward the darkness of my basement door.

"I have to stay here and wait for my parents."

Caleb's hand froze in midair, a strange, unreadable emotion flickering in his dark eyes.

The panther began pacing frantically, letting out frustrated grunts.

"Wait for what?! They are not coming back! They traded you for a stupid lyre and some suitcases!"

He bit onto the hem of Caleb's uniform trousers, pulling hard.

"Caleb! If you don't take her with us today, I'm staying here too!"

Caleb looked at the giant war beast throwing a tantrum on the floor, and then at me—standing in the shadows, stubborn as a weed.

He knelt down, bringing himself to my eye level.

His gaze locked onto the rusted steel flask in my hands. On the metallic surface, a few words were crudely scratched: Come home safe.

Dad had carved those words before they left. I had traced them every single day until the edges of the letters were worn smooth.

Caleb stared at the carving for a long moment. He reached out, his gloved finger gently brushing over the words. Then, he stood up.

"Get on the ship."

"From now on, your last name is Vance."

I was escorted into the starship's medical bay. Several sleek medical droids immediately surrounded me.

They washed away years of grime and dressed me in a soft, white thermal dress that felt like a cloud.

A droid brought me a tray of premium food.

There was a steaming plate of real steak and a glass of sweet, freshly squeezed juice.

I had never tasted anything so delicious, but I ate very slowly.

I wasn't sure if this was a dream.

The panther, now heavily bandaged, walked in. He hopped onto the seat across from me, making himself comfortable.

"Why are you eating so slowly? Eat up! Drain Caleb's bank account; he's filthy rich anyway. From now on, you're a Vance. You can walk with your head held high in Neo-Haven!"

Just as he finished speaking, the ship vibrated slightly, landing smoothly.

We had arrived at Neo-Haven.

Caleb pushed the door open. He had changed into casual clothes, but he still looked incredibly commanding.

"Let's go. Time to see your new home."

He naturally took my hand. His palm was broad, calloused, and incredibly warm.

The port of Neo-Haven was massive and breathtakingly beautiful, filled with flying vehicles and brilliant holographic advertisements.

Caleb’s starship was docked at the most exclusive VIP terminal, far away from the crowded public sectors.

But just as we walked down the private terminal exit, a sharp, screeching female voice pierced through the crowd.

"Amber?! What the hell are you doing here?!"

My entire body went rigid.

I turned toward the sound. Standing at the barrier of the public transit lane were four people.