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Allie

Iblink as I come back into existence. There’s a dull throb of pain in my temples.

“The operation was a success.” The Aurelian doctor is looking down at me. “We removed the helmet with no complications.”

My heart pounds as I reach into my mind…

…and feel nothing.

“Did they kill them already?” I sob. “Are they dead?”

The Doctor narrows his eyes. “No, no. Daccia’s triad are in Orb-Cells. They’re designed to block the Bond, just as this device was. You won’t feel them.”

I gasp with relief, knowing my triad is still alive.

“Ms. Tabber – are you well enough to attend the trial?”

I nod quickly. I feel dizzy, but there’s no way I’m going to let my triad die without mebeggingQueen Jasmine to grant them mercy.

I stand up… and nearly topple over.

“Easy,” the doctor supports me. “You need rest. I’m going to recommend that you spend at least two days in recovery.”

I pull myself to my full height. I may not be able to feel the Bond right now, but I’ve still gained its benefits. I’m stronger than ever before – and more resilient.

I stare into the doctor’s slate-grey eyes.

“Ineedto do this,” I tell him. “Ineedto face them.”

The doctor pauses – and then nods, signing the release forms. He hands me a ring, which hums with the power of the Orbs. It’s black and draws in the light.

“What is this?”

“You’ll need to wear it if you want to attend the trial – by order of Queen Jasmine herself.”

I examine the ring in my hand. It glows with an otherworldly blue-black light, just like other tools and weapons made from the mysterious material of an Orb.

“It’s an Orb-Ring,” the doctor explains. “It will mute the Bond between you and your triad. It’s the only way to guarantee a fair trial – so neither you, or they will be able to use telepathic communication to impact the verdict.”

I stare at the hateful, black technology in my palm.

Oblivious to my torment, the doctor states: “There are two Law Enforcement agents outside the doors right now. I recommend you keep that ring on – or they won’t allow you to see your abusers stand trial.”

I nod. “Fine.”

I reluctantly put on the ring. When the Aurelians get out of their cells, I now won’t be able to feel the reassuring presence of their auras – but as long as I canphysicallysee them – to confirm with my own eyes that they exist, and are still alive for now – that will be enough for me.

I exit the room. Two huge, Aurelian Elites await me. They’re wearing armor forged from Orb and are armed with long, deadly-looking Orb-Spears.

Wordlessly, they accompany me in a shuttle to the Arena of the Gods.

I’ve seen this place in the holo-vids. It’s a Colosseum, just like they had in the Ancient Rome of Old-Earth. Everything about this city – this planet – reminds me of what I’ve seen of the culture of Romans and Greeks.

The two Elites who escort me are huge and hulking in their Orb-Armor. I fidget with the Orb-Ring around my finger, and one of them turns his slate-grey eyes to watch me.

More so than even Daccia, the Elite betrays nothing. His face and eyes might have been carved from marble for all the emotion they reveal.