Chapter 37: Nigel.

THROUGH THE TANGLED, dew-slicked foliage, Nigel watched. His four tentacles, usually relaxed, now curled tight, poised to spring. The rest of his body remained still, a predator’s deceptive calm, as he balanced on the balls of his feet.

Waiting. Observing. Assessing. Every sense screamed intruder.

A ship. Here? No ship had pierced Umicore Prime’s atmosphere since... no. He bit back the thought. As far as his memory stretched, no vessel had ever ...