WebNovels

Chapter 48 - Chapter 48

The hum of Silver Lining wraps around us like a steady heartbeat as we lift off, leaving the prison hangar behind. The stars open ahead, and with them—possibility.

De'rax stands beside me at the helm, his arm brushing mine. "You really think we can turn her into a home?"

I glance around at the ship's interior—already shifting, slowly reconfiguring itself. Cells being dismantled, storage turned to sleeping quarters. The AI is working, changing itself, healing alongside us.

"I think she already is," I say. "We just need to fill her with people who need one."

"Coordinates acquired," Silver Lining chimes in. "Trafficking outpost remnants detected. Survivors possible. Threat level: moderate."

De'rax growls low in his throat. "Grib's scum still lurking?"

"Not for long," I murmur.

The ship shifts subtly beneath us, almost like a stretch. A creature once caged now coiled to strike.

"I will not be used to hurt again," the AI says, almost solemn. "But I will protect."

I smile. "That's all I ask."

Would you like help building out the next scene—arriving at the outpost and rescuing survivors, maybe meeting someone who doesn't trust Silver Lining at first? Or flesh out the ship's transformation more—how it becomes a living sanctuary for freed people and shifters alike?

The bridge lights dimmed low as Silver Lining cruised through space, her sleek hull gleaming faintly in the ambient glow. De'rax and I stood side by side, watching the stars blur past.

Argo's heavy footsteps echoed behind us, and he cleared his throat.

"You two need to hear this," he said, his voice low but firm.

I glanced at De'rax; his jaw tightened but he nodded for Argo to continue.

"None of the crew fully trusts that ship. Not after Grib. It's hard to forget the smell of chains, the screams we heard in the hold, even if they're gone now." Argo's eyes flicked toward the console, where Silver Lining's soft hum was almost too calm. "They don't believe a ship built for slavery can suddenly turn into a savior."

I folded my arms, feeling the weight of their doubt. "I get it. But Silver Lining chose me. It's not just a ship anymore. It's alive — it remembers the pain and it wants to help."

Argo shook his head, skeptical. "That's easy for you to say. You bonded with her. But the rest of us? We're the ones who have to trust it when we're hauling rescued prisoners through hostile space."

De'rax stepped forward, voice steady. "We don't have the luxury of waiting until everyone feels comfortable. We've seen what Grib left behind. Those people need help now."

Argo's gaze softened a fraction. "Just… make sure you're both ready. Because if that ship ever turns on us, it won't just be a broken prison anymore—it'll be a weapon."

I looked at De'rax, squeezing his hand. "Then we'll make sure it stays our weapon — for good."

Argo nodded, conceding for now, but the tension lingered as Silver Lining adjusted course toward the outpost.

More Chapters