{"product_id":"blades-of-arris-falkion","title":"Blades of Arris: Falkion","description":"\u003cp\u003eOur relationship is complex.\u003cbr\u003eHis ancestors took over my planet.\u003cbr\u003eI’m descended from the few who survived.\u003cbr\u003eNow the worst thing has happened.\u003cbr\u003eI’m panicking and out of time.\u003cbr\u003eMy enemy is hunting.\u003cbr\u003eObsessed with one prey.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cem\u003eMe\u003c\/em\u003e.\u003cbr\u003eAnd somehow this might actually be fine...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Incredible final chapter! I can’t get enough of this series. And I’m sad this is the last book. Loose ends are beautifully wrapped up.\"  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Reader\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRead if you love:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrimal Mating Mark\/Bite\u003cspan\u003e💜\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEnemies to Lovers ⚔️\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDiverse Heroine\u003cspan\u003e🦋\u003c\/span\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpice 4 out of 5\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"A must read! It is not typical to have a series where every book is as great as the first. The world building, the characters. I am just so sad this is the end. Please consider more or a spinoff!\" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Reader\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSample from Chapter Five:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e~ZEERAH~\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpFirst\"\u003eThree kortans ago, Falkion was bonded to me against his will with a twisted mating spray.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eAnd he’s finally figured out the way to get to me.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003e“Zeerah.” He comes to my door and knocks politely. Like he’s a human now, just with gray skin and silver eyes and black spikes on the tips of his ears. “You finished studying for the Needle-class. Do you want to practice flying one?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eMy heart squeezes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eNo, no.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003e\u003ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003eNo.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eHis drug is wearing off. Getting attached is pointless.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eAt first, he couldn’t allow me out of arm’s reach. Then, he couldn’t handle me being outside his line of sight. Finally, he couldn’t handle a separation longer than a few clicks.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eNow, he can go clegs. Almost a full shift. I just need to stretch us apart a little more, and the bindings will snap. We’ll both be free.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eI should definitely \u003ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003enot\u003c\/i\u003e go flying with him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eNot even to become an officially certified pilot of the empire, one of my impossible girlhood dreams.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eHe looks at me expectantly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eOh, H. “I’m ready.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eHe reaches out a hand. “Let’s go.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eMy chest twists.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eI do not take his hand. \u003ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003eDistance, Zeerah, distance. \u003c\/i\u003eI stride past him. “I know the way.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eHe ambles beside me.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eIn the past, he’d argue. Insult me. Forcefully close our distance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eThat was the drug, though.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eHe’s always been a relentless man, so I mustn’t react because he’s relentless in pursuing me.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eFalkion takes me to engineering. The main engineering bay opens up in front of me. It’s massive, like standing on the street in Cloud City and staring up at the skyscrapers. I’ve never spent much time here. My supply officer gig didn’t require it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eHundreds of ships dock on the different levels. Far below my entrance, parts of a hull sizzle as the engineers make repairs. This whole area is crawling with busyness and noise.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eHe signs out the small vessel, and we cross from the main grating to a miniature grav tube. I step into air and shoot up like I’m flying out of a cannon.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eFalkion tugs me onto the correct level, about six floors up, and I wobble on the scaffolding. We stride past pristine, gleaming ships that dwarf us until we reach the tiny little two-person Needle-class.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eArrisan ships have teeth.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eAll the better for biting onto their targets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eHere, the bottom teeth seal to the dock. Only the color difference shows where they connect in a smooth zigzag fit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eI duck beneath the fangs and enter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eThis is my first time in a Needle-class. It’s my first time in the captain’s seat since the Eruvisans wrecked my Harvester and my first time ever piloting a new, well-functioning Arrisan ship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eI tug the glass-like wall. It morphs beneath my fingertips, transforming into a console that surrounds and cups me. Controls appear on the armrests and across the panels above and below.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eFalkion sits in the other console. I could run over and throw my arms around him and cry with thanks, but I strictly do not. He leans back, rests his ankle on his knee, and crosses his arms. Like me, he wears his hood down, fully protected in case of a sudden depressurization or other catastrophe.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eMy heart rate quickens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eThis is a long way from launching out of a dusty airfield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eI follow the protocols to seal up the ship and undock us, then I wait attentively as an engineer on a small sled tows our ship through the bay, moving us around the hundreds of other ships docked here. She uncouples at the atmosphere veil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eMy stomach pitches with excitement.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eHere we go.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eI ease forward.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eWe slide through the atmosphere veil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eCables from the dreadnought’s massive guns and communications arrays dangle around our external passage like vipers. They automatically train on us, evaluate us as a target, and then rotate away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eWe clear the obstacles, and space opens up around us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eMy fingers dance over the unblemished dash.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eThe ship moves richly under me, so responsive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eI zoom away from the dreadnought. Away from the support ships, away from the battlefield, away from lessers-who-should-know-their-place and look-she-thinks-she’s-an-ally.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eThe stars are limitless.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eThis peace is beautiful.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eI could keep going.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eJust fly away.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eFree.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eFalkion makes a guttural noise, clears his throat, and shifts in his seat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eAh, no. I guess I couldn’t.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eAlthough, in the quiet moments, when the world is so peaceful and I can almost smell his electric male scent, I wonder if being stuck to him for the rest of my life would really be all that bad.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eHe’s almost human underneath that skinsuit. I’ve seen him nude. I think it would feel—\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eAh! What am I thinking?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eI check my angles and take evasive action, practicing the quick movements Needle-class ships are designed for, but mostly to evade my own thoughts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eBut illicit feelings thrum below my belly…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eI veer back toward the dreadnought.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eIt hangs in space like a massive jellyfish being eaten by a sea urchin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eSupport ships, including a Starbreaker-class warship holding thousands, orbit the dreadnought like angry bees.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eThey’re so small in comparison, it’s crazy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eThey’re also mostly here to study the sea urchin ship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eIt’s an \u003ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003eH-alien\u003c\/i\u003e ship.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eIt popped out of the Vanadisan’s secret research base in the middle of their epic final battle, paralyzed and ate the other dreadnought, then came for us.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eThe Arrisans about had a massive empire-wide coronary.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eThey thought the H-aliens had come back from a thousand years ago to finish the job.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eThe Vanadisans actually just found it abandoned and got it working again, somehow. It gave them a massive psychological advantage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eFalkion missed it because he was out of his mind from their drug. We barely managed to deactivate it. It still drifted \u003ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003einto\u003c\/i\u003e our dreadnought.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eIf his blades can slice through almost any substance in the universe, the H-alien ship can slice through all the rest.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eThe Arrisans are obsessive about the H-aliens. They have a little indicator light on every ship in their empire, including this one, which will light up as soon as the real H-aliens are spotted.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eI coast back into the main bay. An engineer tugs us back to our slip. I complete my docking procedures.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eFalkion remains in his seat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eI consider leaning across and stroking his arm. Following the line up to his jaw. Pushing back the hood and looking him in the eyes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eThose pure, relentless silver eyes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eAnd thanking him so much for letting me pilot a ship again.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eHe takes a deep breath and leans forward, catches me looking at him.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eHeat enfolds me.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eAwareness streaks to my center.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eI jolt to my feet, retract the control console, and head to the door. “Welp, thanks again. See you later.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eI lift my hand to the door controls.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eHe darts forward, impossibly fast, and blocks me. “How do you feel about me now?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eThe electric scent of him makes my heart tremble.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eIt’s been over three kortans since he was sprayed.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eSince he stuck himself to me.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eAnd I can’t stop noticing the broadness of his inflexible jaw, the fierce sharpness of his cheeks. His silver eyes are so clear. Honest, and forthright like his blades, and very pure.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eI want to lick that cheekbone. See how he reacts. Or maybe I just want to nibble on his lips. Same reason. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eThe rare women with Arrisan partners seem normal. Happy, even.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eSo, it’s possible to be happy with an Arrisan for a partner…\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eUgh, this is why I have to get out of here.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003e“The flight is over,” I say, ignoring his question. “Time to go our separate ways.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003e“I want to grow your desire for me, Zeerah.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eI swallow hard.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003e“I can’t take any more showers,” I say, as much for my benefit as for his. “I’ve shaved my head, scrubbed down to raw skin. I’d rip out my fingernails if that would help you.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eHe frowns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003e“Because \u003ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003ethis\u003c\/i\u003e isn’t you. And I’m sorry, Falkion. I don’t know how else to help you.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003e“If you desire me like a human…” His silver eyes fix on me, his logic as arrow-straight as his determination. “Then you will remain at my side.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003e“But I can’t because you hate me.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003e“No.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003e“You do hate me.” Again, I remind myself as much as I remind him. “You just don’t remember.”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eWe’re stuck.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eI hit the button to open the door of the small passenger shuttle. Its jagged lower teeth sink into the dock, melting seamlessly.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eFalkion, who does \u003ci style=\"mso-bidi-font-style: normal;\"\u003enot\u003c\/i\u003e remember that he hates me, still blocks my exit. “Do this again tomorrow?”\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eOf course we’ll do this again tomorrow. I want to be a pilot more than anything.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eIf he would only scream at me like before, and growl and threaten to dismember me again, I could keep him at a distance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003e“Maybe,” I mutter, avoiding his gaze. Which happens to cause me to glance back at the Needle-class ship’s main control panel.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003eThe H-alien warning light suddenly glows a bright and deadly green...\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"MsoNormalCxSpMiddle\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTRIGGER WARNINGS:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\"Reading the final story in this series is bittersweet. Loved this couple. Loved how the series wrapped up. This was one of my all time favorite series and I’m lost that there won’t be more.\" ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Reader\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis series has been really fantastic, and the last book does not disappoint. The thing I love most about Starla’s stories is that I can always find some part of myself in her female characters. That ability has me invested in the story, escaping reality for a while.\"  ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ - Reader\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Starla Night","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45620326924587,"sku":"BOA6EBDSSHOP","price":5.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0786\/0990\/8011\/files\/9_bc73aa00-6171-4cc2-8ae4-b6d375ce4695.png?v=1791846576","url":"https:\/\/www.thenightbookstore.com\/products\/blades-of-arris-falkion","provider":"The Night Bookstore","version":"1.0","type":"link"}