#Starfield Delgado

[atonalginger]

That young punk from Akila City... Delgado at around 18? 20?

In my Libertatia series Delgado has become the guardian of his younger sister's oldest child, Manny. Manny is an NB teen who was being stifled and constantly misgendered by their parents and grandparents before Del and his growing family took them in. And working with that character has me thinking about what kind of teen he might have been.

Then I remembered I'd saved a screenshot of a face study I'd done on a screenshot by bearlytolerant back in January. It was when I was cleaning up the framework and I thought, "boy Del's a pretty boy."

and I'd meant to go back and do a young Delgado pic. Well...*motions to the top imagine* I got around to it.

I kept the iconic scarf because, well...iconic? And the scar because while we don't know where he got it or when it does look old so sure, he got it as a teen/young adult.

[bearlytolerant]

I say I played starfield. This is all I did.

[fangbangerghoul]

W I P W E D N E S D A Y S

Hello one and all and welcome to my wip wednesday post.

I've been jumping back and forth between a few wips but the one I am sharing below has been calling to me more than the others recently.

(gif credit to @bearlytolerant)

I saw a character authority post the other day and it inspired me to make sure the word was out for Delgado lovers. I have my own Delgado Masterpost that will have more added to it soon.

tagging for wip wed and adding fic recs:

the grandfather of Delgado content:

@spookyspecterino ao3 Check out the fic that inspired Fleeting Pleasures and my unending obsession for the Pirate King: New You also 100% suggested Pieces of Me, Locked Away

the muse of Delgado content:

@bearlytolerant ao3 Not only does she take the best screenshots but she has an amazing series called Split Skin. Not only does it has delicious Delgado content but that was where my favorite OC of hers Valentine Blanche was born.

Even more Delgado enjoyers/writers:

@staticpallour - ao3 Renegade Hearts (on hiatus but worth the read): Starborn choosing a different path with Delgado (she also writes incredible OCxHadrian fic) @toxiclizardwrites - ao3 Love and Rage : Based on the UC SYSDEF quest with a bit of drama (lots of del content on their Ao3) @atonalginger - ao3 The Ranger and the Deputy : Delgado in an AU, "dirty cop" vibes (if long format is for you, they got it)

“Fuck you.” She hissed as she faced him, she noticed how he was leaning in to steal her lips. For her amusement she slipped from him with the smoothness of a cat and continued into the open doorway. She heard him curse under his breath at her impulsiveness before she was 3 steps ahead. His irritation fueled her in a special way. There was something about it that was addictive. Ghoul steps were soft and barely made a patter as she slinked into the room. The occupants had yet to notice her presence even as they talked amongst themselves aware of enemies on their ship and the fact their ship was in disrepair.

Ghoul decided to use the surprise to her advantage before Delgado ruined it. She braced herself before using her left foot to launch herself from a seat and into the air. Her body vulnerable, flying towards the enemy. She landed on the closest of the four and chaos ensued. There were sounds of shots being fired, grunts, shouts, and weak threats as she swung the body over her as she hit the floor with them. The man above her was heavier than she anticipated but she did not let that stop her from using them as a human shield. One of her hands freed and unsheathed a blade to slit his throat before she threw it at the man that was furthest from her. There was a rip at her green tasseled hair as all four were focused on her. Once it seemed they stopped firing shots she used her legs to propel the dying body off from her and sending it away to trip up whoever was in its path.

Ghoul’s side burned and her thigh felt a shatter of pain as one of the men managed a few blows. She elicited a growl and as she pushed herself up the one who ripped at her hair had his arm around her throat before she stood. The constriction around her throat made her insides burn with fury and lack of oxygen. Her hands grabbed for the man’s arm that was around her throat and with precise movement she used his weight to flip him forward. The strain in her own arms stinging silently. He groaned and before the other could come after her again there was a loud bang and the man slunk to the ground, dead. Delgado was now in the room firing shots at those who still moved. Ghoul had successfully distracted them, so they did not expect the Crimson Fleet leader to appear with vengeance.

Everyone was subdued within minutes and even though she was still on the ground her breathing was heavy, feeling the weight of the lack of oxygen on the ship. Ghoul’s head felt light and dizzy, and it took her longer than she cared to realign herself. During this small moment her eyes were closed and once they opened a gloved hand was reaching out towards her. Her eyes stared at the hand and then up into the pirate’s syrup eyes before deciding to give in to his offer. She gripped it with might and as he lifted her up, she felt the tenderness in the pressure he returned. Though they had successfully taken out the last of the passengers, Delgado’s nostrils were flaring.

Last night this chapter was published! Feel free to check out the rest the series on Ao3! Heavy Metal Lover. Chapter 1: Metal Coffin WC: 2762 Ghoul and Delgado are back! Ghoul is stealthy, aggressive, indulgent, and stubborn as hell. Delgado is rough, creative, intimidating, and a manipulative Crimson Fleet leader. These chapters will be windows into Ghoul's Crimson Fleet life if the ending of Fleeting Pleasures never happened.

[toxiclizardwrites]

YOU JUST REMINDED ME TO DO THIS. For the WIP game, you KNOW I gotta hear about Tattoo. Pleeaasseeeee and thanks. :)

Your wish is my command! It is a WIP, but here is an excerpt:

Delgado and I walked into the room, and I immediately took a seat on the raised black leather chair in the center.

“There's even an actual tattoo chair, impressive,”

Delgado chuckled. “It was here when we found this starstation. I guess the UC has an affinity for tattoos as well.”

His eyes scanned my body carefully, like an artist surveying their canvas, taking in every detail and making mental notes about every curve and imperfection. I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks. I knew he was just trying to see where I would get my tattoo, but there’s just something about those amber eyes that melts your composure.

“Where do you want it?” the question pulled me back into reality.

“I was thinking on my side,” I said, pointing to the area just beside my right breast and slightly under my arm.

His lips curled into a mischievous grin. “It’ll be hidden, are you sure?”

I nodded and focused on his eyes. “It won't be hidden from everyone.”

His grin widened. “Sure, if that's what you want, let's get started.” he took of his jacket and placed it on a countertop, revealing a black fitted t-shirt underneath.

I slowly lifted my shirt off my body, and placed it at the end of the chair. I leaned back and shifted my weight to get comfortable.

“You’ll have to take your bra off as well,”

I hesitated. It was difficult enough being in front of Delgado with just my bra and pretending it was no big deal, but completely topless? My face turned red. “Can't you just move the side of it?” I asked.

“No, it's too tight against your body, I need a clear space to work or it's going to look like shit,” he replied, busying himself with the ink, cloths, and other supplies that he would need to complete the tattoo.

“Ok, fine,” I said, trying not to make it sound like I cared.

I reached back to unhook the clasp at the back, arching my chest forward to make it easier to reach. Delgado didn't seem like he was paying attention, still fussing with the supplies on a nearby table with his back turned to me.

Holding the cups in place, I leaned back. “That should be good, right?”

He turned to see me laying on the chair. His eyes scanned me for a moment.

“It’ll do,” Delgado said with a hint of disappointment in his voice. He sat down on a wheeled stool and scooted it close to me, pulling along an old surgical tray with him that also had wheels. On top of the tray was the tattoo gun, some cloths, and a bottle with some distilled water in it. He was close now, his chest inches away from my bare skin. I could smell his earthy Cologne and feel the heat emanating from his body on my own.

He turned to get a cloth, and used a bottle to wet it. He brought the cloth to the side of my body, the cold liquid causing goosebumps to appear on my skin. He wiped the area gently and purposefully, his fingers gently brushing the side of my breast. The feel of the cloth and the pressure of his fingers against my skin sent a sudden jolt of pleasure though my body, one that took everything in me to not show. I swallowed.

“Are you ready?”

I nodded.

[aro-pancake-writes]

Wait...

It's Wednesday? Ooh!

It's time!

WIP Wednesday!

It's a short one, as it came with a small burst of creativity and energy last night. And thank you to @atonalginger for the laughs and ideas!

Bonus: I finally made a new OC! Her name is Penelope (yes, because of Odysseus wife), the pronouns are she/her, and she's Charlie's little sister.

[title TBD]

“My darling Penelope…” Delgado says, pulling his lover closer to his side, and giving her a kiss.

“Del, what are you doing?” Penny giggles at the care. He's so different when they're alone, and she revels in the attention he has only for her.

“Caring for my lady, as usual.” He offers her a chocolate lab, that Penny takes a generous bite off.

She couldn't be more entranced and in love.

Del gently tucks her black hair behind her ear, pulling her for a proper passionate kiss, when the shooting starts outside his door.

He barely has the time to stop and turn when the door opens and a looming figure stands at the passage.

“Penelope, that's the last straw.” They say, stepping in.

The bright pink hair is unknown, but there's something about their eyes as they look at Penny, something tired, above all.

“But Charlie…” Penny tries to argue, only to be held by the arm and pulled away. She can hold on to the bedsheets and wrap it around her body before getting out, thankfully.

“No buts, Penny.” Charlie drags her through the Key, towards their ship. “I told you a million times already, do not get involved with those pirates.”

“You only care because your husband has a big name, Charlie.” Penny argues and digs her heels on the floor. She knows that her sibling cares about her safety, but the way they do it is borderline extreme.

“Penny, I swear to… whatever there is out there.” Charlie tugs at her again.

“That's it.” Delgado appears, behind them, and grabs Penny by the waist, safely away from her captor.

“Oh, don't you start, pirate boy.” Charlie mocks, pulling out their Deadeye. “Give me back my sister, and I'll let you live.” The gun goes straight to Del's face.

In this moment, Penny notices three things:

First, Del is barely dressed, probably due to rushing in after them.

Second, whatever pirates are within range to see them, are hidden wherever they can. In fear of Charlie or Del, she doesn't know

And finally, that they're near Jazz’s. Naeva and Jazz are sitting at Jazz’s table, watching with absolute focus and curiosity, while eating some… popcorn?

“And what if she wants to stay, huh?” Del questions Charlie, who in turn leans over the side to look down at Penny.

“My sister. My responsibility.” Charlie says, cocking their gun and maintaining eye contact with Penny. “You, to the ship. And you, Delgado, if I feel in the force that you're anywhere near Penny, I'll castrate you myself.”

Charlie grabs Penny one more time, and manages to toss her over their shoulder.

“Why, you brute!” Penny screeches, pounding at her siblings back. “I can walk by myself!”

“Penny, I will not tell you again to stay away from him.” Charlie sighs, stepping into their ship and locking the door, while telling Sam to undock.

[bugcouncil]

Delgado commission for @fangbangerghoul !

[atonalginger]

Oh Lyssa...you're going to create a whirlwind storm aren't you...

I wanted to use those stage kiss "right/wrong" examples going around as references for some smooches. Everyone's happy until they won't be

[atonalginger]

Both my lock screen and background are shots by @bearlytolerant

[bearlytolerant]

He’s on his tippy toes and pouting. Aww

[fangbangerghoul]

Fleeting Pleasures Masterpost

Tw: 18+, MDNI, violence, cursing, drug use, degradation, interrogation, murder

WC: 62,721

Chapter 1: Hemostasis

This timeline takes place somewhere in between the previous works: Settling with the Stars and Cellar Door. Our main character is learning to live a life where her past no longer has to burden them and what life means to them. They have to decide between a future with no limits or a future with stability. (Delgado, Sam Coe, MC love triangle)

Chapter 2: Hemostasis pt 2

Tensions increase as characters do not see eye to eye like they used to. Main character struggles to feel respected by her crewmates while some of them desperately just try to reconnect with MC.

Chapter 3: The Key pt 1

It has now been a couple of months since our main character has last seen or contacted her friends. What has life on the Key had in store for them? Tw: cannon violence, blood, drug and alcohol use, sexual suggestions

Chapter 4: The Key pt 2

The murder and mayhem of living on The Key can has its benefits and its disadvantages. What does this do to our main character? Tw: cannon violence, blood, drug and alcohol use, sexual suggestions

Chapter 5: Get 'Em Cowboy

It's been two months since the main character's crew members have seen her in person. What lengths will Sam and Andreja go to, to find their captain? What has Delgado found out about his Fleet members?

Chapter 6: Quien eres tu

Our main character is at her wits end and soon the jig is going to be up. This might be her end on The Key. TW: CNC, Smut, roughness, interrogation

Chapter 7: No Rest for the Wicked

Ghoul has confessed her sins to Delgado while Andreja and Sam finally have a real lead to bring themselves closer to their captain. Our characters stories are getting closer to tying back together once again and wow there are some misconceptions for both parties.

Chapter 8: Ascensionism

A whirlwind of emotions takes our characters to situations never imagined by any of them. Sam, Ghoul, Delgado. Tw: cannon violence, blood

Chapter 9: bad decisions

The aftermath of chapter 8 and how the characters are preparing themselves to move forward.

Chapter 10: Oops I Did It Again

Time is no longer linear for our characters and is moving at an alarming rate. The choices they make will decide the nearing end.

Chapter 11: Got Lost in the Game

The FINAL chapter of the Fleeting Pleasures series. It is the end of an era for Ghoul, Sam, and Delgado.

THANK YOU so much for all the readers who have subscribed, bookmarked, left kudos, commented, and stuck with this journey to the end! Your support has meant the world and I appreciate every lovely thing anyone has ever said about my story. I poured my heart, soul, and blood into this thing.

[toxiclizardwrites]

Snippet Sunday

It's been a looong time, but chapter 11 of Love and Rage is very close to being done! I took some liberties with the standard Crimson Fleet questline here, but the main outcomes are still the same.

*******Some spoilers below for the "Absolute Power" quest of the Crimson Fleet questline below!*****

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Here's the snippet:

It was easy enough to sneak through the facility, but finding the blueprints? Not easy. It seemed every computer she tried to hack led into a dead end, not enough access privileges. 

After what seemed like ages, she finally reached the power core room and accessed the terminal that held the conduction grid data. But there's a hitch: the data is encrypted. The only person who has access to this data, as it turns out, is Breyson Bayu, the not-so-well-liked younger brother of Benjamin Bayu. 

Toxic sighed and checked the map of the facility, and found that Breyson’s office was actually quite close. Sneaking around in some vents, she entered the office easily, only to find Breyson waiting behind his desk, hands up. 

Surprised, Toxic approached him, one hand behind her back ready to grab the dagger she had stopped to her leg, hidden by her dress. 

Breyson also gave her a quizzical look, but didn't put his hands down. “Easy,” he started as Toxic came closer, “I'm not your enemy, despite what it might look like from your end.” 

Toxic stopped, but her hand remained behind her back ready to grab her dagger. “Is that so?” 

Breyson shifted in his chair. “Yeah, can I put my hands down now?” 

Toxic nodded and Breyson lowered his hands, but kept them on the desk in full view. His eyes met hers. “You're not exactly what I was expecting, but you've sure caused a stir.” 

Toxic laughed. “So you know what I'm after, then?” 

He nodded. “I'm assuming you're after the conduction grid tech? I'll give it to you freely.” 

Toxic tilted her head to the side. “So willingly? But why?” 

“My brother was always the one that got everything handed to him. He was always the best, you know? And I was the fuck up.” 

“So giving me the tech is a way to get back at your brother, then?” 

Breyson sighed. “I don't want to die. Not for him. Take it and bring it to the Fleet. I'll even put in my password.” He reached over to type on the keyboard. “There.” 

Toxic walked over to the terminal and pulled out a slate to download the information on the conduction grid. Then she hesitated for a moment, but decided to run Estelle’s virus. After all, she was Toxic’s ticket out of Neon and back to Delgado, so not following her wishes wasn't really an option. 

Satisfied, Toxic turned to leave. In the end, it all seemed a bit too easy. But now it was time to meet Estelle and get off this soaked planet.

She headed to the Astral Lounge, the music thumping as she made her way to the back where the elevator to the VIP rooms were located. She slipped into the room Estelle had said she would meet her at, but something felt off. 

Before Toxic could process the feeling, a dark figure emerged from the corner of the room. Benjamin Bayu.

Toxic’s breath hitched in her throat but she knew better than to speak. The message about meeting at the lounge was a trap, something obvious that she should have realized. She mentally scolded herself as Benjamin closed the space between them. 

“The only thing I'm interested in is who is responsible for the virus” he said plainly. 

Toxic took a step back, considering her options. Taking the fall for Estelle crossed her mind. That way, Estelle would be safe and able to get back to Bessel III to meet with Delgado, even if Toxic wasn't with her. But blaming Estelle would surely mean that they'd go after her and Toxic’s only chance to get off Neon would be compromised. 

She drew in a breath. “It was me,” she said. 

Bayu snorted as if he didn't believe her, but accepted the answer nonetheless. “Fine. Here's what is going to happen. You have an hour to get out of Neon. There is a body with very convincing evidence implicating you with murder. If you stay, security will kill you rather than arrest you.” 

He looked down at his watch. “Better get moving, Fleet scum.”

[mukuuji]

I've finally started the Crimson Fleet quest and met those two lads! I hope I can get along with them...

[spookyspecterino]

New You

Sam Coe x GN! Reader x Delgado

GN! Reader. No pronouns, no use of Y/N, or reader descriptions used. Reader is called Rook a few times, like in some Crimson Fleet quests.

Some angst. A lot of explicit language. Implied sexual relationships. Pining for a criminal. Poor Sam. Sam is supportive but worried. Delgado is a warning all by himself.

You're there to watch as the pirates you've worked beside for months are taken to prison. They have a few things they'd like to say.

This is about the Crimson Fleet Undercover plot.

I just started the questline. I have no idea how it ends of if anything along these lines even happens. My brain literally bullied me into writing it 😭 I stopped everything to write this lmao.

I really love the theme of going undercover, assimilating, and then having to deal with who you've become and how you've changed after everything. So there's some of that in here.

“You sure you wanna be here for this?”

“I have to see it through, Sam. After months of being undercover, it wouldn’t feel right if I didn’t.”

He grunts softly. “Alright. Just prepare yourself for pirates to be, well, pirates.”

Doors open on the other side of the transport deck. A squad of UC security and Naval troops, all decked out to the nines, file in, holding mean looking rifles.

The sounds of trouble already echo through the open door.

“Ya fuckin’ bastards! Let me go, I didn’t do jack shit!” A mane of red-brown hair comes in the doorway first as Mathis is quite literally shoved through. It was no surprise that he’s giving everyone trouble.

It doesn’t take much time for him to notice you standing to the side. “You!” He snarls. “I’m gonna put a bullet through your head if it’s the last thing I ever do!”

The laugh that comes out of you is rough, full of vile, and cruel delight. “Shut the hell up, Mathis. The last thing you’ll ever do is rot in a two-by-four cell. I hope they make it cold just for you!”

Mathis screams more explicit insults, most geared toward your mother. The guards fight and yank at the man, rifles raised. Still, they manage to subdue him, robbing you of a chance to put Mathis down yourself. You’re laughing until he’s well past the other doorway and out of sight, you hoped he could hear it from down the hall.

“Seems like a real winner. Good friend of yours?” Sam asks, studying you.

“Fuck no. Hated that asshole from the moment he opened his mouth, to be perfectly honest. I’m going to sleep well knowing he’s going through his worst nightmare.”

Sam’s face pinches together, you only catch a glimpse of it from the corner of your eye. His mouth twists, as if he has more than just, “Ah, I see.”

“Have something you wanna say?” The response is snappy, challenging, automatic—something you had to adopt in the midst of pirates, and you regret it immediately. “I…I didn’t mean that…” You sigh, resisting the urge to pinch the bridge of your nose.

“It’s alright. I get it. Just try to remember you’re not a pirate anymore.”

“Yeah...I’m working on it.”

His eyes linger. You can feel his thoughtful gaze. It makes you itch.

Pirate life was at least simplistic. Somebody had a problem? You’d know about it immediately. A short knife fight or a brawl and it’d be over. Done.

Being around Sam again was…well it would take an adjustment period.

Months of pirate life, a life you’d adapted to very quickly, and you’re spit back out into civilization on the other side. There was no guidance on how to go back to “everyday life”—on how to shed this new person you’d become.

It’s infuriating. Everyone expects you to pick back up from where you left off…but you can’t. You’re not the same person anymore. Sometimes you wake up and think you’re still on the Key.

Sometimes you wish you were still on the Key.

“I can see you thinking behind that wall of silence.” Sam gently says. His voice sounds so loud on the empty transport deck. “Just know that I’m here for you—always will be. You wanna talk about what happened during those months, you can come to me, judgement free. Promise.”

When you don’t respond, Sam chuckles. “You’re always so quiet now—which is fine,” he’s quick to add, “I just want to help.”

“Yeah…thanks.” Is all you can manage as the transport deck’s doors open again and more armed personnel file through.

Naeva is silent, head held high…until she catches sight of you.

“Oh, it’s on when I get out of here, Rook!” She spits through her teeth, trying to lunge for you. The guards stop her, pull her back into line, but her body remains tense.

“Looking forward to it, Naeva.” A cruel grin breaks free. “You know, I never killed that other Rook you sent me after. Austin Rake. He’s at some Starport, drinking for free right now.”

“You fucking traitor! You’d better be looking over your shoulder for the rest of your damn life! ‘Cause when you don’t, I’ll be there to put a knife through your back!”

“We’ll see about that. I’m sure you’ll get a knife through yours first. Delgado probably isn’t happy that it was your recruit who brought his empire down around him.”

She grins, something dangerous lurks in her expression. “Oh, I’m sure Delgado has some plans for you, Rook. After everything, I can’t imagine how you’re gonna look him in the eyes.” They’re nearing the other doors, Naeva’s trying to twist back to face you, fighting the pushing and pulling of her security escort. “You know he trusted you. Honest to God. Have fun living with that for the rest of your life, traitor!”

Her words hit a nerve. You were very careful not to let it show. Still…it hurt.

As the doors close, Sam turns to face you. “Listen, why don’t we just go? This isn’t healthy.”

“Not really focused on whether it’s healthy or not.”

“That’s part of my point. You have to get away from this stuff, away from the Fleet. This whole thing is just going to give you more to think about and keep you awake at night.”

Lashing out and snapping back a retort is what you want to do. But instead, you take a deep breath and let it out slowly.

His voice turns soft, pleading. “Don’t go silent again. Please, talk to me.”

“Sam,” you start, very carefully, “I need this. This is my closure.”

“Are you sure?” His blue eyes were soft, full of worry.

More questions—and feelings. It agitated you. Made you grind your teeth together. “I’m sure.”

He looks away, frowning. He’d probably bring it up again, but future you would have to deal with that. Right now, you were more focused on—

Doors slid open. Your heart skips with that familiar flutter while a hard knot forms in your stomach.

Delgado walks, freely, without any guards touching him, through the doorway. He’s given space and walks leisurely as if he owns the Vanguard. There’s no hassling, there’s no pushing.

You’re expecting the worst—or for him not even to look at you. Instead, he holds your stare with a faint smile. “Hold up.” And the guards around him actually stop.

You know that look in his eyes, you’ve seen it a hundred times, your feet move without any command or thought.

Delgado. Leader of the Crimson Fleet. Even if you tried, you couldn’t spare him.

He steps away from the security unit. One last private meeting with the man who owned you, heart and soul, for the last few months.

“I was wondering whether I’d see you here.”

Why are you smiling? “Couldn’t resist the urge to tell Mathis one last time to go fuck himself.”

He chuckles. It sends your nerves out of whack. “I’m very impressed by you. Playing the part that well…” he tilts his head, a secretive smile just for the two of you catches at his lips. “…certainly had me fooled.”

Late nights in dim lighting. Cigarette smoke. Legs tangled up in sheets. Whispers. Rare laughter. It floods back, threatening to break your tough façade.

“Tell me, mi tesoro, are you prepared to go back to the life of normalcy? With your,” He leans over, looking Sam up and down with open distaste, who stands further back—arms crossed and glaring, “little Vaquero?”

“I’m working on it.”

Delgado barks out a laugh. “I know this person you are now. You’ll never be satisfied again.” There’s a teasing glint in his eye that you’re stubbornly avoiding.

“My life before the Fleet was just as exciting and satisfying.”

He hums, his smile turning darker. “I doubt that very much. There isn’t anything so thrilling as robbing a GalBank transport and returning home to celebrate with drinks and…” He pauses, eyes scanning you. “Well, that last part is just between you and me, eh?” His eyes flickered to Sam, then back. “Can he give you that?”

You chuckle, it’s forced. “Delgado. Jealous to a fault. Some things never change.”

“You know he can’t.”

“He can give me something else. Happiness. Security. Maybe even be a life-long partner.”

“And I couldn’t? You insult me, my dear. I would have given you everything.”

“Just as long as you had what you wanted first.”

He holds up a finger. “We obviously know one another very well. So, I offer you this. If you ever get tired of playing nice in a universe that is anything but, you know where to find me.”

“You’re serious?” Your voice lowers to a hiss. “And what, break you out of high security prison just for you to kill me? No thanks.”

“On my word, all debts and grievances would be squared. Think of it. I’d have you by my side—we could build something better than the Fleet ever was. Be free of the UC, the Rangers, everything. Like we always talked about.”

A guard behind him starts walking over. “Alright, time’s up. Let’s go.”

You’re frowning, eyes flickering anywhere but his. “You’re insane.”

Delgado’s expression turns. The light fading from his eyes. “You’ve never been satisfied. It’s something I really like about you.”

He lets the guard corral him back to the others. Your fists are tightly gripped. “The person you knew was undercover.”

“Tell yourself whatever makes you feel better.”

As he’s escorted away, you want to follow. Your legs tense, trying to keep still. His parting words before he passes through the door are, “I’ll be seeing you.”

Then he’s gone. The transport deck feels emptier than it ever has been.

Never satisfied. A life of normalcy. Going back to surveying planets and doing odd jobs for the Rangers. The idea claws at you. Your mind battles with the concept, with the unspoken feelings. Remnants of your past self against whoever you are now.

We could build something better than the Fleet ever was.

You know where to find me.

Sam walks up, standing by your side. Watching. You hadn’t moved. Still staring at the closed doors.

“What did he mean, ‘I’ll be seeing you’?”

The lie is easy. “No idea.”

[dy1ng-athe1st]

Just wanna start this Tumblr blog with a post about Delgado from Starfield being a love-child of The Mandalorian's Din Djarin and Cobb Vanth. Just think about it. I don't need confirmation, I know what I see, but your opinion is really welcome

[silurisanguine]

Sunday Snippet

Tagging the Coemancer Crew as always, @vorchagirl @despicablediet plus anyone else who'd like to share a snippet from their latest WIP. No pressure! This is a rough from a future chapter of Chasing Your Star Until I Reach Home.

As they hurried back to the Cora's Revenge, Seren almost skidded to a halt when she caught sight of two people she'd hoped to avoid when coming to this place. Delgado and Naeva talking to each other casually, obviously waiting for Sam to return to his ship. Seren bristled under her armour but stayed silent, hoping Sam would be able to talk his way off the station without causing a scene. Though it was very clear to her he wasn't happy either, the fact he still had his rifle unholstered was testament to that. She doubted he would openly attack Delgado...Naeva on the other hand... Delgado was the first to notice them both and made eye contact with Sam, crossing his arms and glaring.

”I thought I told you it was best you stay off the station for the time being?” Delgado looked the same as he did in Seren’s universe, though if anything the circles under his eyes were more obvious. Seemed the weight of leading a strange rebellion with less than enthusiastic soldiers was wearing at him.

"Just picking up some supplies Del, then I'll be out of your hair.” Sam sounded cheerful, but he still hadn't holstered his rifle from before when he stood in front of them both. Mainly because Naeva hadn't taken her eyes off Seren and was staring daggers at her, whilst twirling a very real dagger in her hands. Delgado's second stepped forward jabbing the dagger like a finger at Seren, who remained calm even as she clenched her fist ready to use one of her powers.

"That's her Del. You bitch! You trapped us on Vectera. Took Lin two hours to get us out of that hab.” Naeva spat the words out, her sneer even worse now there was a harsh scar pulling at her top lip.

"I’d have done the same honestly.” Sam chuckled as Delgado placed a hand in front of Naeva to stop her lunging forward. The pirate woman spat at Seren’s feet, her displeasure at being held back obvious.

"So she’s with you now Coe? Guess her services are more than just mercenary.”

Naeva tried making a show of looking Seren up and down, but the nervousness that came off the woman was so obvious for Seren to feel, so she made a point of keeping her helm opaque so as not to let the woman see her face. She knew how intimidating her armour could be, even with the robes that now covered the strange metal. She saw Sam shake his head and place all his weight on one hip, still acting casual at a glance, but Seren knew he was wired to act on a second if needed.

"I wouldn’t make her an enemy Naeva. She's an enemy of the UC and an ally to us, plus you threatened her when you first found her. What the fuck did you think she'd do? Just be glad she let you live." He stepped slightly in front of Seren which made her grin behind her helm, he was protecting her again?

"I can speak for myself Sam.” She said, her voice echoing so it made her sound sinister within the confines of the station. Raising her hand to let it bristle with ice cold sunless space energy, she looked directly at the pirate woman who took a step back when she saw the ice ball forming in her hand.

"Ms Mora.  You may test your assumptions at your convenience.”

"Enough!” Delgado brought his hand to his temple and rubbed it, obviously staving off a headache. “Coe, I dont care who you ally with if it helps us. But…do you have an update for me regarding what you are meant to be doing? Is Victis planning an attack here?”

Seren moved her head imperceptibly from Naeva to Sam, her worry hidden by her helmet. That’s what he was doing? Sarah had to know, she was no fool.

"Cant say…boss. The General is tight lipped at the Lodge and she has her robot guarding her office day and night.” Sam lent on one hip again, seemingly not bothered by the way Naeva was still looking daggers at them both. The obvious disdain in the way he said boss was not lost on Seren either, so she kept her guard up. “What I have heard let slip through her lapdog Barrett is Victis is getting bored of playing nice. He cant use his ideal weapon on us here and knows it, but I have a feeling he plans to cut us off from our supplies by targeting them. Here’s all the evidence I was able to get, including a possible planned attack on Neon.“ He handed a slate to Delgado who took it and showed Naeva. She took her eyes off the pair to read it and almost growled before standing up straight, tucking the dagger back into her thigh holster.

[notyourramona]

Chapter 3: The Key pt 1

It has now been a couple of months since our main character has last seen or contacted her friends. What has life on the Key had in store for them?

Tw: cannon violence, blood, drug and alcohol use, sexual suggestions Minors DNI (with any of my work honestly)

Word Count: 5,222

Thank you to everyone who suggested their ideas and concepts it really helped with putting this chapter together! I promise to soon post a list of the suggested ideas! I hope this chapter is well received!

Ao3 Index: Chapter one

Chapter two

Chapter three

Chapter 3: The Key pt 1

            The sounds of stomping, shouting, aggressive slurs and insults filled the room were accompanied by smells of sweat, dirt, blood, and alcohol. The room was dark except for the center where a tall metal fence in the shape of a circle was illuminated. It was encompassed by feral and vigorous pirates that all came to The Key for nights like this. There were two people already inside, striped of armor, covered in blood, and each only having one blade or a set of brass knuckles. They had a score board off to the side that was really just a big piece of metal they repeatedly spray painted on to keep track of the winners from each caged fight and bets on who would survive the rounds. Ghoul watched the events of the current fight go down viciously as the members within the cage fought for their lives and everyone who surrounded them cheered on the blood sport. It was the fourth match and only one combatant was ever allowed to leave the cage at the end of each match, leaving a pool of blood that burned the smell of wet metal in their nostrils. Another killing blow and a blood-curdling scream triggered more laughter from the group of pirates as another one of their members had succumbed to their demise.

            “Are you going to throw your lot in Rook?” A Crimson Fleet Captain chided at her as they threw back the lager filled cup in their hands. Ghoul’s eyes vehemently pierced into the challenger causing them to falter.

            “Do you want to meet me in the ring then?” She goaded the captain with a twisted smirk on her face. When she was first brought to the Key she was awoken in the middle of the night and thrown into the ring as a ‘prank’ by a couple of the more seasoned Crimson Fleet members. She had nothing but a tank top on and a short blade that was thrown into the ring with her. Ghoul was in shock for the first half of the sudden duel she had to endure and she barely made it out alive. Her opponent was twice her size and their hands were practically the size of her head. Ghoul knew she barely survived that night but she was granted a small bit of luck when her opponent got distracted by something Delgado had shouted into the ring. He had taken part in this ‘prank’ and was there to watch how his new recruit would handle the brutality of the fights because at that time he was still wanted to test her loyalties. She never figured out if it was coincidence that he had distracted the opponent or if it was a subtle maneuver to see how she would use the opportunity. Whichever it was, it gave her the opening she needed to throw her blade into the fighter’s jaw and pierce the insides of their skull. When she watched the life leave her opponents face, she didn’t want to admit to herself how much adrenaline it gave her. The stench of the blood that soaked her had clung to hair and skin for two weeks after she had slayed through three more opponents.          

            “You dare challenge me, Rook? No one survives the cage with me.” The captain mocked Ghoul with a hand gesture of them slitting their own throat. She could see the tattoos on their neck that indicated this member of the fleet has been a seasoned member for 8 years prior to this day and who knows how many fights that would equate too. Ghoul stretched their arms out and cracked their knucks as a response, purposely being cocky to rile them up. She found the more she played along the more she enjoyed these ruthless games herself. It was all the captain needed as both fleet members started to take off the armor they wore. Ghoul used a long and thin pin to put her faded green hair into a bun and she was left with her grey ragged tank top, black cargo pants and combat boots. Her blade was tucked into the belt of her pants and one of her recently earned tattoos stood out and brightly decorated her right shoulder. It was a depiction of an Ashta on its hind legs with a bloodied skull by its feet. She was given it as a badge of honor for mauling the opponents at her the first night she was trapped in the cage.

            “The Rook has a death wish!” Ghoul’s new challenger yelled out into the crowd and all the rowdiness from anticipation of the next match eased and eyes fell on them. This captain was slightly larger in build and leaner in the muscle category but Ghoul marked the fact that their wide shoulders could be an advantage for her later. In unison Crimson Fleet members started stomping their feet in a rhythmic beat as they did before the start of every match. It was tool used by the room to ramp up the emotions of the players and possibly give cold feet to those who are not prepared to be locked in a cage till their death. Ghoul could feel the energy in the room rile her up as it intended and the reaction was mirrored in her opponent. The makeshift door to the cage was opened by the one and only Naeva and she had the biggest smile on her face.

            “Let’s see if the Rook can keep their current track record or if I’ll just have another dead fluke.” Naeva purred then she grabbed Ghoul’s shoulder and tossed her with all her body weight into the cage. The force made Ghoul fall forward but she had expected it and used the momentum of her body to roll back onto her feet, blade in hand and pointed it directly at her new enemy who walked in behind her. The onlookers were rattling the fence, making vulgar faces and shouting obscene threats like fucking Ghoul’s skull when the captain killed her. She didn’t allow any of the noise or attempts to egg her on affect her composure she was used to that type of treatment from being a lower ranking member. Being a rook occasionally had its disadvantages but one common advantage was the others always underestimated how far Ghoul was willing to go. There was a bottle thrown over the fence and it landed by her feet as an offering and without a second thought she broke off the top of the bottle with the back handle of her blade. The glass shattered around her feet, but the drink was barely spilled from the bottle and with a wicked smile on her face Ghoul placed the broken neck to her lips. She opened her throat to allow the vodka to pour down it like a waterfall. The edges of the broken glass left little cuts on her lips and around her mouth so when she finished chugging half of the bottle there were little streaks of blood mixed with liquor that ran down her chin. This excited the crowd even more as they roared and stomped to let it be known they wanted the match to begin now.

            “Hopefully you enjoyed your last taste of liquor.” The captain said with confidence radiating their voice. They made a point to adjust the brass knuckles they had on their hands to intimidate. Ghoul felt the liquor start to burn her stomach, but that fire soon spread throughout her body and loosened her muscles enough for her to not feel so rigid anymore. Instinctually she ran towards her opponent head on to sike them out and as they were about to throw their hands in defense to her onward attack, she dropped her body to her knees and thrusted her blade in the captain’s thigh. The movement was extremely precise and she took pride in how easy that maneuver was for her. The enemy growled in pain but it did not stop them from being able to grab Ghoul by the shoulder and have their heavy fist impact the right side of her face. The sensation was like a rock was bashed into her head and she was left with painful cuts left from the metal they had wrapped around their knuckles. Ghoul still had her hand wrapped around the blade and she tore it out her opponent’s leg right before they were able to land a third blow. She could feel the blood oozing in her mouth but she ignored the burning of her face muscles to throw the blade into the captain again. This attempt was blocked with the hand that originally held her and it was what Ghoul wanted so she could escape the hold and regroup. She dodged the enemy’s second attempt to grab a hold of her and she used her free hand to wipe her face of the blood that leaked from it. Her enemy was the one who charged at her this time and Ghoul used the motion of the charge to her advantage by waiting till the last second to step aside and punch the back of their neck with the handle of her blade. The opponent started to falter but used the fence behind them to lessen the fall. Ghoul was in motion to swing at them but lost her own balance as the captain kicked her ankle. The temporary falter gave her enemy the edge they needed to pin her down to the blood-soaked floor. When their body had jumped on top of her, she felt the wind get knocked out of her and the crimson pool of liquid soak the back of her clothes and hair.

This fight was for survival and it was never entertaining for the crowd to hold back so immediately after pinning Ghoul down the captain started launching their punches into her again. The swings made her neck jerk with the impacts and it was becoming extremely difficult to focus or get out from under the captain. The pain manifested as a howling wind in her ears. The crowd made thunderous cheers and screams thinking that Ghoul was about to receive her final blow. They all lavished in the pain, the violence, the alcohol, the aurora, and even the pleasures of the body on these nights and these fights charged the excitement of the crowd. The pain in her face rocked her to her core and she could feel all the deep cuts and bruises these brass knuckles were leaving on her face. Moments like this were the only times she ever allowed herself to think of the people she missed dearly. The connections she had with Sam and Andreja reminded her she had something waiting outside for her off this space station as soon as she was allowed to free roam again. It was one of the few things she thought of so she wouldn’t let her life be lost here in the whirlpool of chaos and destruction. As the time went on with her being on The Key, she would occasionally feel herself on the edge of who she was and when she was close to letting herself lose everything, she used the memories as momentum to ground herself. The captain was breathing heavily as she sat on top of Ghoul thinking they had victoriously knocked her down and this was the long-awaited opening she was waiting for. With all of her might Ghoul managed to free her arms and grab the head of the person on top of her. She used her fingers to dig deep within their skin to hold them in place and then slam her own head into their nose with the force of a wild beast. There was a loud gasp from the crowd and the opponent screamed in writhing pain from their nose being busted into many pieces. Ghoul pushed through the dizziness from the attack to switch the position of their bodies to place Ghoul on top of her opponent. She did not allow herself to hesitate a single breath of a moment and raised her blade above her. The light that illuminated the cage gleamed on the blade brightly and with all of her might she threw her arms down and let the blade land in the captain’s throat. There was a small scream that was soon replaced with blood gargling in her opponent’s throat signally that their death was coming. Any sane person would have ended it there but Ghoul never let herself be a sane person within these metal fenced walls. She lifted her blade bearing it down with her soul while some of the blood sprayed with the motion of the blade, decorating her clothes. Ghoul repeated this over and over and the crowd went wild with crazed excitement as they watched her get covered in the bodily liquids and matter of the ex-crimson fleet captain. There was nothing but rage that filled Ghoul’s body, spirit, and mind and it was reflected in her golden eyes and blood covered body. She had won again and she would continue to win and rise up the ranks and take the respect she deserved from all of these fuckers. No matter how many people she would have to slay.

“The Rook!” Naeva screamed on the top of her lungs in pride as she abruptly grabbed Ghoul’s arm and held it up in the air. The watchful crowd of pirates cheered on the victory. Ghoul sat there on the body with her arm in the air panting from the amount of physical force ramming her blade into the body took. The gory sight was enough to entertain the crowd and after a few more cheers she was allowed to exit the cage. When she stepped out of the mini arena, Ghoul was surrounded with other members of the fleet who went to congratulate her and thank her for winning them their credits. She wasn’t looking at anybody’s face in particular while the room buzzed around her and the sounds of the people around her dulled in the back of her mind. She could feel her pulse was still racing from the adrenaline and someone had offered her a bottle of aurora. Ghoul didn’t hesitate as she ingested it with finesse hoping the drug would ease the loud buzzing and overwhelming panic that occasionally tried to take over after a fight. The room for a moment had extra color distortions and the thoughts of guilt and fear washed away like they never existed. When she felt her body again it was then she noticed an arm hold out a dirty blood-stained cloth in front of her. She took it no questions asked and begun to wipe off the brain matter, blood, and sweat off of her face and torso. Ghoul continued and took the pin out of her hair to let it fall down her shoulders as she leaned her head back to get the rest of the filth.

“You cease to surprise me, Rook. I expected to see your brains on the floor of the cage instead of Gijon’s.” It was the accented voice of the arm who handed her the towel that had spoken and when Ghoul looked up, she realized it was nobody other than their leader, Delgado. It was then in her slight intoxicated state explained why so many of the members had started to move on with their own celebrating. Most victories were accompanied with more drinks, being lifted into the air, or being pinned to a wall and congratulated with tongue. Delgado was watching her like an amused cat playing with a mouse and the gesture prompted her to lock her own eyes on him in challenge.

“Would you like to do the honors?” She invited him to a caged match with a playful smile. The drugs in her always made her feel 10x more fearless. Ghoul knew it was dangerous to even suggest such a thing but if she could kill him right here and right now. She no longer would have to be undercover anymore, assuming she could leave the space station alive afterwards.  

“Ah, do you think an invitation like that is wise? I could have my men hold you down while I rip out your insides.” The way he laughed at her was as if they were old friends but his blade was on her throat without a hesitation. She did not allow her body to flinch at his quick motion nor break the lock of their gazes because she refused to show that type of weakness in front of him.

“I never claimed to be wise.” Ghoul said sarcastically to him without fear. She leaned into his blade to tempt him to slit her throat and in doing it dug lightly into her skin allowing a trickle of blood to fall down to her collarbone. His movements were smooth like a cat as his shoulders relaxed and he slowly reached out with his other hand to gently pull the bloody cloth he had loaned her out of her hand. Delgado had a musky scent of alcohol and dirt. Ghoul’s intoxicated mind fixated on his series of moments, her chest pounding, and her eyes keen on him.

“Come with me, then.” He dropped the blade from her throat to motion for her to follow him and as he turned the crowd parted in front of him. Delgado led the way through the crowd with his head held high and the room responded to him as if it was his natural given birth right to hold command over these fools. His armor was highly decorated and parts of his skin were covered in a variety of symbolled ink from all of his victorious battles. Ghoul followed him with a tension in her body that made her each of her steps feel hesitant but she pressed forward to obey his command. The drugs and alcohol that filled her blood stream only subsided some of her fear. She knew it was not wise to allow her guard down around Delgado no matter how much she felt herself become more like them. As they were walking out of the room that contained the metal cage, Ghoul picked up a shot glass that had a type of brown liquor in it and she tossed it back into her throat before throwing the glass off into the void. Her diet was consisted of alcohol, aurora, and the occasional package of Chunks they would receive the past two months so there was a quota she had to hold within her system to not feel the changes within her that were happening.

They walked through The Key and the rest of the space station was relatively silent since everyone was either at their bar, The Last Nova, or still where the caged fights were taking place. The whistles from pipes fluctuating in pressure and the clanks of the metal contracting on the ship were the accompanying sounds that echoed with their boots. Ghoul finally realized that they were heading back to Delgado’s private lounge area and that thought gave her relief that there was now a smaller possibility she would have to engage in any more physical combat for the night. She had to train herself to continuously ignore when her body was feeling pain, hunger or when exhaustion threatened her. Because it was better to not to think about the lack of sleep from the last few days of aurora binging and how the fighting was wearing her body down even as it gave her more strength. Ghoul could feel the bags had been forming under her eyes and the last time she saw her reflection she noticed significant weight loss. Whenever she had thoughts of her companions outside of the fight ring, she would bury them deep within her memory to continue the mask she wore even if that mask was slowly fusing into her being. She was more curt, less forgiving, more willing to just take both what she wanted and the lives of others who stood in her way. The moments when she felt her mask slip were becoming farer in between each time and that led to making easier unpleasant and volatile decisions. Delgado had stopped in front of her and she jerked herself out of her thoughts as she paused a few paces behind him. He was at the door to the private lounge and two of his men stood to guard it but when they saw him, they opened the door without a verbal command as if they had been trained all their life.

The door revealed to a two-story room with an opening in the center of the room and it had older equipment littered about from when the UC used the space station. A lot of the older equipment was transformed into tables, lounging chairs, weapon cases, and whatever else their Pirate King deemed necessary. In the center of the open space of the room there was that familiar table with cards, chips, weapons, and credits lying about as a few of Delgado’s preferred company circled around the table. One of them was another rook just like herself who had been assigned with her when they completed their first test to earn their ranks in membership. Mathis saw Ghoul walk in behind Delgado and gave her a sneer as a greeting. He was rook who suggested early on to take Delgado out themselves but Ghoul was unwilling to lose her undercover status so soon. Mathis never knew about her real intention when she joined along side him but he stayed weary of her from the beginning.

“You look like you a fucking corpse, Ghoul.” Mathis shouted out at her which he tried to mask as jest but Ghoul wasn’t fooled.

“And you look like you’ve been eating shit for breakfast, loud bastard.” She kept a smile on her face so no one would know the wiser of the insult. Mathis threw his card’s down to fold as they ended another round and Delgado wrapped his arm around Ghoul’s shoulder and leaned in.

“This lucky bitch took down one of our long-standing champions Gijon! Her reward is to celebrate with us tonight!” Delgado praised her and his crowded table lifted their bottles up to toast her a drink for her victory. His grip on her shoulder did not loosen as his eyes lit in excitement and with a tantalizing smile he added. “Any pleasures you seek to take tonight are yours to have, indulge yourself.”

------

            The smoke filled the room from the countless number of cigars, cigarettes, and aurora that was smoked between the members at the table. The music that loudly played reflected the grimy and rowdy energy that Delgado and his inner circle of members were exuding as they all played their rounds of different card games. Ghoul was invited to sit on the side of the table that Delgado, Naeva, and Jasmine had sat at while the other side had Mathis and a few long-standing pirates that were high in the ranks. There was plenty of laughter, threats, and alcohol to go around to continue the party well into the night. She had no issues fitting in with the rugged crew and even dared some to drink her under the table or play a round of five-finger-filet with her. Ghoul was loose and intoxicated but her dexterity never dulled. Mathis dared to challenge to the game and he almost lost his thumb from trying to keep up with how quickly she was able to stab the knife around her fingers. Unbeknownst to him, Ghoul had a trick up her sleeve each time and all she had to do was stab the outer layer of skin of her fingers so you wouldn’t actually bleed. Just like everything else he took his loss personally and vowed under his breath to make her pay one day which she laughed off to further the blow to his pride.

            “Drink” Delgado would command her as he continuously poured both of their drinks. There were moments where she felt part of his arm or shoulder press against hers from close contact and she would have to catch herself from wanting to rest on it. No matter how intoxicated Ghoul would do her best to sit straight and keep her ruthless exterior up for the room to see. There were loud sighs of frustration let lose around the table as the final hands of each of the card players were revealed to see the winning hand. Delgado won the hand and everyone had to relinquish their credits to him once again. The Crimson Fleet leader was undefeated for the last three games.

            “You got to be fucking kidding me, Del.” Naeva hissed at her commander. “There is no way in hell you keep getting lucky like this.”

            “Are you calling me a cheater Naeva?” His question was both laced with sarcasm and threat.

            “Are you admitting that you are?” Naeva quipped back and the table grew a little quieter from the rise in tension.

            “Who are we to question our leader’s honor?” Mathis chimed in to kiss ass like he normally could be found doing in situations like this. It was normally his way to compensate for his backstabbing nature.

            “Shut the fuck up, rook.” Naeva threatened with her pistol pointed at Mathis’ head. “Just because you were invited to the adult’s table this time doesn’t mean you get to participate in the adult conversations.” Ghoul leaned back in her chair as she watched the events start to unfold, a part of her was curious if this would lead to the demise of her ‘leader’. She felt a warm presence on her thigh as she lounged there and it was Delgado’s hand that gently traveled down to her knee and back up her thigh. He made no attempt to acknowledge that she knew or even make a point of it, he carried on with the situation that unfolded.

            “Naeva, no need to blow his brains out tonight. He has a point; you shouldn’t question your leader.” His accent emphasized on the word shouldn’t was an indication that was going to be the last warning he was planning to give. Naeva lowered her pistol and tossed her credit stick to him while Jasmine sought to sooth her companion’s temper. Ghoul still did not move or flinch as Delgado’s hand crawled around on her thigh. She started to wonder in that moment if the threat was meant for more than just his second in command.

            “I’m done with looking at your faces. Take your credits, leave now.” Delgado ordered to he make it a point that his kindness only extended so far with the rest of the fleet. Every one wasted no time to grab their things and begin to exit the room, except Mathis who tried to linger. Delgado did not bother to say it again and instead snapped his fingers and the men who guarded the door grabbed Mathis. They threw him out of the room before he could even get a word in edge wise. The guards started to make their way to Ghoul so she stood and threw her hands up to signal she was in fact leaving. Her body felt like it was wading through water from the drinks she had consumed as she took a few steps forward she felt something pull her back unexpectedly.

            “You are going to stay, mi asesina.” There wasn’t command in his voice but he still said it from his chest as absolute fact. When his hand pulled her back, she lost some of her footing and it caused her to lean into him. His arm was wrapped around her waist and he looked at his men and with his eyes he signaled them to exit the room to leave it to just the two of them. They both smelled of sweat, smoke and alcohol and Ghoul wasn’t particularly finding it within her to pull free from his firm hold. Delgado leaned his face into her neck and breathed her in deeply before his fingers combed her loose hair back.

            “Mi asesina?” She asked him sounding as if she lost her breath while his lips started to roughly travel up her neck. Delgado, the King of the Crimson Fleet was taking unquestioned liberties with her body with his hands and his mouth.

            “My slayer, you have proven yourself to be a very valuable force to be reckoned with.” He growled into her ear before his teeth clenched on her lobe. She let out a small sharp sound from the pleasurable sensation it gave her. “My eyes have been on you for quite some time but after the ruthlessness displayed tonight in that cage. I knew then you were to be mine.”

            His words echoed within her hazed mind and she felt a wave of mixed emotions from pleasure, fear, to guilt. They were alone and he was demanding something from her she normally would have given without thought as she had with others on the Key on lonely nights. However, his words allured to a commitment and she knew she would not be able to uphold such a psychotic proposal if she gave in to her body’s desire this time. The thoughts in her mind were jumbled and it did not help when he pushed her onto the table and ripped off his shirt. His shoulders and arms were broad and his chest was covered in dark small curly hairs that led a trail down to the zipper of his pants. The way his bright brown eyes stared at her in hunger like a lion who was about to pounce made her core heat with intensity. His body begun to tower over hers on the table so he could get more of his fill of her and right when his lips were to come into contact with hers, he was forced to pause.

            Ghoul had her knife’s tip pressed into the middle of his throat and it was the first time she had let her mask down and felt her uncertainty show so deliberately on her face. Delgado stilled himself while his face was only a few inches away from her lips and his eyes analyzed her reaction with carefulness. She knew she had him vulnerable here and she could force it through his throat to end this whole assignment; but something strange and twisted inside of her made her hesitant.

            “You shouldn’t start something you do not intend to follow through.” He taunted her with a purr and he pushed his hips onto hers to tease her body. Ghoul felt her skin heat up to his touch and her hand trembled slightly as she held the knife in place. She didn’t know if she had it in her to slaughter as many people as it would take to get to a ship after ramming this blade into his throat. Delgado seemed to sense her doubt because her grabbed her wrist that held the blade and pressed it further into his throat with a smug grin on his face. “What are you waiting for?”