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I’m pushing my luck, though. My question throws the bravery of this guard’s commanding officer into question, and the result of that could go either way.

This Aurelian standing in front of me has a deep, ragged scar running down his cheek that he most certainly didn’t get from shaving – so I’ve got no doubt that he’s confronted the same Scorp menace as I’d seen Aelon’s battle-brothers return from fighting.

The guard stares down at me with those cold, slate-grey eyes – such a trademark of his species – and yet I detect the same heat lurking beneath them as I did when Aelon and the other Aurelians stared at me. It’s a heat that I now realize is always present when one of this all-male species is in the presence of a woman. I can’t help but be reminded of how small and vulnerable I am in comparison to these towering warriors; and how hungry they all appear for me.

The guard snarls: “There’s more to being a captain than being tough – you of all people should know that. Don’t question the Captain’s bravery – he loves to fight. The only thing Aelon likes more than killing Scorp is killing Toads – but he’s neededhere.” Then, the guard jerks his head towards the doorway we’re standing in front of. “Now, shut your mouth and get inside.”

He unlocks the door, pulls it open, and gives me a light shove to make sure I stumble forward.

I find myself in a cell, similar to the one that Chris and the others were being kept in, but noticeably more isolated than the general brig.

As soon as I step inside, I hear an excited voice.

“Tasha!”

As my eyes adjust to the dimmer light, I see a face that gives me the first comfort I’ve felt for hours – that of Sawoot.

Despite being a captive, my first officer grins as I stand there, the door slamming shut behind me.

If it wasn’t for the sight of Sawoot, I’m sure the clang of the cell door would have filled me with despair – but, instead, I’m glad to be reunited with my best friend.

I step forward and look around the cell. While the men of my crew were locked in a general brig – similar to what Law Enforcement might call the bullpen - Sawoot has been relegated to a smaller and infinitely more comfortable dormitory-style cell. The room I’ve found myself in is bare, but clean, with more amenities than the cell that Chris and the others had access to.

I’m not sure if this cell is more luxurious because it’s designed to house female prisoners, or it’s reserved for higher-ranking captives, but I’ll take it. There are two sets of bunk beds, plus a doorway that must lead into a private bathroom instead of the steel toilet that the men are all forced to use, on full display in front of the rest of the prisoners.

Sawoot jumps up from the bunk she’d been lying on and we embrace each other with a big hug. I know it’s only been a few hours, but I’m so grateful to see her again. My first officer is like the sister I never had.

For a second we embrace, relishing in each other’s company. When we finally break off our hug, Sawoot sits back down on a bottom bunk and looks up at me.

“So, what’s he like?”

Typical. Anybody else might ask what the plan was, or how I intended to escape. Sawoot, instead, is more interested in my impression of the man who’s imprisoned us.

“The Captain? He’s a cocky bastard.”

Sawoot grins. “I saw the way he was looking at you – he couldn’t get enough. That might be our ticket out of here.”

I scoff: “I don’t thinkthat’svery likely.”

Sawoot’s eyes flash. “Don’t be so sure. I mean, we’re not getting turned in to the authorities, are we?”

I look away, my cheeks burning.

She has a point. There’s no reason for Captain Aelonnotto hand us over to the Aurelian Authorities – not unless there’s a reason he’d like us, or ratherme, to stick around.

But I don’t want Sawoot to read too much into this.

“He told me he doesn’t know yet.”

Sawoot laughs. I don’t know how she can be so calm at a time like this.

Well, I guessshe’snot the one who’s bottom is going to be turned red during a humiliating, public spanking later – although I don’t believe Sawoot is aware of that, and I’m not in any hurry to tell her about that humiliating development.

“Don’t look so offended,” Sawoot is oblivious to my thoughts – she thinks I’m sour-faced because she’d suggested that Captain Aelon desires me. “This could work to our advantage. The Captain’s an Aurelian, after all. They all think with their cocks.” Her eyebrows twitch. “If that’s the case,work it. You’ve heard how big Aurelians are – you could probably lead him around by that thing!”

My cheeks burn red.

“Sawoot!” I feel a hot flush shudder over me. “This is a life or death situation – not a time forjokes. We need to be rational.”