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…but, instead, he’s offended to hear it being challenged.

I double-down – narrowing my eyes to growl: “Do you have honor, Captain Aelon?”

I’m calling his bluff. It’s tense – but I know he can’t back down. The punishment is due – one of his crewmembers is injured, andsomeonemust be held accountable…

…butI’m gambling that this flippant, cocky commander isn’t quite cold-hearted enough to make me suffer a hundred lashes – and almost certainly be sent to my grave.

I know he won’t do it. I’d known ever since I saw the way he’d stared at me back in his bedchamber.

Captain Aelonwantsme.

Herein lies my only chance to save Theme – and potentially spare my other crewmates a lot of agonizing pain. I’m counting on the fact that Aelon will be torn between the desire to perform his command honorably – by holding us accountable, according to the rule of law – and his protective instincts towards me; assuming that heactuallylusts after me, as I suspect.

But am I prepared for what might happen as a result? I can only hope that my assumptions are correct – that no Aurelian would punish an innocent woman to the point of death, and that Captain Aelon wouldn’t satisfy his lust for me against my will.

I know he aches for me, though – and while his massive size and dominant nature make me feel vulnerable and defenseless, his lust for my body might be the most powerful weapon I have. Right now, I know it’s my only tool for negotiation.

As I stand defiantly in front of Aelon, I see my crew staring up at me with new respect. Even Chris, who’s always had a hard time following orders, is now looking at me like an equal.

I suddenly realize that he won’t ever disobey me again. If I get us out of this mess alive, Chris and the rest of my crew will be loyal to me until the day I die.

And then Aelon’s voice brings me crashing back to reality.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Captain Tasha.”

I gulp. “That’s what being a Captain means. Risk is our business.”

Aelon’s face instantly transforms. A moment earlier, he’d been radiating harsh anger – enraged by my crew’s betrayal of his hospitality, and my seemingly selfless offer to take their punishment in lieu of the ones actually responsible…

…and then, like flicking a switch, his face is filled with that signature cocky arrogance. The shift is instantaneous – and the smirk that crawls over his lips is as revolting to me as a scuttling bug.

I’m not sure what I did wrong – but I suddenly get the feeling that Captain Aelon had retaken the upper hand in this unspoken game of chess we’re playing. I don’t know how, though. I can’t predict this cunning, cocky alien.

Aelon breathes: “Very well. Then you shalltakeyour punishment.”

My heart skips a beat. Raw terror suddenly pulses through me.

I’d anticipated a lot of things – but not this.

I’d never expected Captain Aelon to be quite so callous. If he’s serious – if he truly will adhere to the rule of law, and allow me to accept the punishment due to all five of my crew…

…well, I’m a dead woman.

One hundred lashes will kill me twice. The first thirty would be enough to cause serious damage – scars you’ll wear for a lifetime. I wouldn’t make it to forty, no matter how tough and strong I pretend to be.

I try to control my breathing. I don’t want the last images my crew have of me to be those of panicked hyperventilation.

One hundred lashes!

Suddenly, there’s one more course of action I realize is available to me – and as terrible as it sounds, it sure as hellfire beats the inevitable alternative.

“I’ll take the air lock,” I demand.

At leastthatwill be a fast death.

I just wish I could see Sawoot one last time before I go. I just wish I could tell her to be strong, and that command of the Wayward Scythe – assuming anybody gets it back – is hers.

Death by airlock.