Welcome to Swoon Sunday where you get to meet some of our swoon-worthy heroes. Today we have a visit from Kalen Rydell from The Vanishing Spark of Dusk by Sara Baysinger!
Kalen, why don’t you describe yourself to us.
Like all Tavdorians from Neket, I have purple eyes, pointed ears, and black hair. I stand a little over seven feet—short for a Tavdorian, I know. I have olive skin and have been described as built without being bulky.
What’s your profession?
Slave trader. Not by choice, obviously. This is a new move for my company, and I plan to stay there only until I find another job…and save enough pecarrii to move out from under my father’s roof.
What kind of music do you listen to?
Um, not sure what an iPod is. But the song currently playing on my eardials is “Beyond the Two Moons” by Shree Britt. I have eclectic music tastes, though. The upbeat music I often play at my parties is drastically different from the classical tunes I listen to while working, yet I feel the same sort of fulfillment from listening to both genres. It all depends on my mood, I suppose.
Do you have a special skill?
Marketing. I’m a people person. I love striking up conversations with people, so naturally, I’m good at marketing my father’s company. Not that I have any interest in bringing attention to his company since it’s most recent changes, though…
What is your biggest dream/wish/desire?
To see aliens of every race coming together in unity and equality. There’s too much xenophobia, you know? I mean, what makes a Ve’occ so different from an Onmarian, apart from obvious appearances? What makes a Human different from a Tavdorian, apart from height? I just wish my people could see those from the Captive Planets as equals, and treat them with the same respect and dignity with which they treat each other.
What’s your favourite dessert/food?
Cupian spiced rolls. You’ve had them, yes? No? Shame. You can’t live on Tavdora and never taste one. I’ll take you to the market by Duhe River tomorrow and you can see for yourself how good they are. The best thing you’ll ever put in your mouth. Well, one of the best things. *winks*
What’s your favourite pastime/hobby?
Seaboarding. Have you ever been? If not, that’s just another thing you’ll have to add to your to-do list while you’re on Tavdora. I find so much freedom hovering above the sea an incredible speed until the land is out of sight and I don’t have a care in the universe. It’s a good, temporary escape from life, I guess. Completely exhilarating.
Describe the craziest thing you have done.
Not a good idea. I don’t fully trust you. Word might get to my Father, and gods know the last thing he needs is another reason to fire me from the family company before I’ve earned enough to start my own business.
What is one thing would you refuse to share?
My spaceship. Seriously. I won’t even hand over the key to my best friend, much less my own brother.
What is the one thing that no one knows or could never guess about you?
Few people know about my xeno-lover status, though they suspect that I sympathize with aliens based on the ethical terms I run the parties I host. Although, now that my company is importing slaves, they might not guess that I’m an Extrinsic Enthusiast. Unless I quit or get fired, which is becoming a very real possibility.
Early bird or night owl?
*Smirks* night owl, obviously. There’s too much that goes on after dark, you know? I’d hate to miss it for something as boring as sleep.
Liked this interview with Kalen? Then check out a swoony moment between him and Lark:
Kalen sighs and drags a hand through his hair. “Don’t speak of these pirates again, Lark. I don’t want you to even mention rebels at all, much less suggest I work with those thieves. You think Tavdorians who own slaves are bad? You haven’t experienced the black heart of the empire yet. The Renegade is what keeps that black heart beating.”
He steps closer, takes my chin between his thumb and his forefinger, and tilts it up until our eyes meet.
“Am I understood?”
I can see his features clearly now. His violet eyes, filled with that aristocratic sternness. This isn’t a discussion between two equals, but an order from a master to his slave. He said not to mention them, but he said nothing about meeting with them. That I can agree to.
“I understand,” I whisper. “I won’t speak of them again.”
He lowers his hand. “I only want you safe, Lark. If I’m to take you to Earth on my next trip, I want to have a whole, healthy daughter returned to her mother. Not a scarred one. Definitely not a dead one.”
He’s not smiling at all, but somehow a chuckle slips out of me at the dramatic statement.
“You think it’s out of the question?” he asks, taken aback by my humor. “This is a dangerous world for Humans. Especially for a young, vibrant woman, like yourself.”
“Vibrant?” The word comes out in a short laugh. All she does is read her books, I remember Ariana saying.
“Why do you chuckle now, Lark?” He steps closer, and I back against the wall. In the faint light coming from the bioluminescent plants, I can make out his small smile. “You think I’m joking?”
“Of course not.” My lips twitch. “You’re dead serious.”
He takes another step until his breath tickles my nose. “How do you do it?”
“Do what?”
“Stir these strange feelings. I shouldn’t touch you, but the humor dripping from your lips demands a lick.”
Holy shit.
The hungry look in his eyes creates a whirlwind of foreign emotions inside of me, and it takes me a moment to realize that I want him. I don’t know when or how it happened, but I want him. Here. Now.
“Lark,” he says in a hoarse whisper. His breathing is heavy now, and he says my name again, but before I can respond, his lips are on mine.
About The Vanishing Spark of Dusk:
Stand up.
When Lark is stolen from Earth to be a slave on the planet Tavdora, she’s determined to find her way back home to her family, no matter the cost. Placed in the household of a notorious slave trader, Lark quickly learns her best assets are her eyes and ears. And if she’s brave enough, her voice.
Be heard.
Kalen is the Tavdorian son of a slave trader and in line to inherit his father’s business. But his growing feelings for Lark, the new house slave who dares to speak of freedom, compel him to reveal his new plan for the slave ships returning to Earth—escape. Together, they just might spark a change that flares across the universe.
Fight back.
Want to read more? Pre-order The Vanishing Spark of Dusk by Sara Baysinger today!
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About Sara Baysinger:About Author
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