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But in truth, it’soh,so much more. The Bond can’t make you do anything you don’t want to…

It can’t createneedsin you.

…but what itcando is draw out all the dark desires you’ve kept buried deep inside. The things you refuse to admit you want, even to yourself.

Just look at me, and my two battle-brothers. Because of the overwhelming power of the Bond, I’ve lost my career. My home. My honor.

And yet, potentially, I’ve gained so much more.

Now, Allie won’t suffer the same fate as most other humans – to live a short, bright life before winking out. Now she’s been Bonded with us, Allie will live for thousands of years – all through the mysterious power of the Bond.

Allie is feisty and cunning, though – and I’m glad I have two other allies in dealing with her. Somehow, Iknowshe’s going to be more than a match for all three of us even combined.

But all we have to do is convince her that a future with us is better than a life alone – out there in the cruel, uncaring universe. We can give Allie our devotion. Our strength. Our protection.

In fact, if it ever came to it, I’d give her my life.

But is it enough? Is all I have going to be enough for her?

“Hadrian,” I order, “take the controls. Stay on course… for now. We don’t want our signals to show us veering off path. Not yet.”

Kitos cocks his head questioningly. “Where areyougoing?”

“To speak with Allie. She needs to know we aren’t taking her to Colossus.”

Hadrian snorts. “She already knows that. She knew that even before we did. She played us like an Aurelian flute.”

I snort. My respect for Allie only grows. She was trapped, alone, and without weapons – imprisoned on a ship headed for her a jail cell. As a captive, she had only one weapon at her disposal – and yet she used it to get exactly what she wanted.

We’ve already lost the first battle against her. I’m not too confident about the next one, either.

“She does know it,” I admit, “but it will still be good for her to hear it from my mouth. She’ll have questions about the Bond.”

I stand, thinking over everything I’m about to say to Allie. Suddenly, the comms-link flashes.

I wince, seeing it’s Inspector Haratar calling us. Dammit, his instincts are so keen I’ll have to watcheveryword so I don’t slip up.

“Your eyes,” Kitos warns.

My eyes?

By the Gods! I nearly forgot!

The proof of our deed is right there in our eyes. Mine changed the moment I Bonded with Allie – turning from the slate-grey ubiquitous to all Aurelians, to the hue of the brightest diamond. Thank the Gods for Kitos and his sharp mind.

“AI,” I demand, “answer the call – but no video! Cut the video feed andthenaccept the transmission.”

The AI beeps – and a moment later, the hologram of Inspector Haratar appears in front of us.

“Apologies, Inspector,” I announce – knowing he’ll be confused not to see our images on his own display. “The damage to our ship was more extensive than we first thought. Video feed is having issues – along with engine, shield, and reporting. We may need to divert for repairs.”

Inspector Haratar doesn’t give much away, but I was looking for signs of suspicion. I immediately see the tiny furrow of his brows. I realize I’ve already spoken too quickly, without any form of greeting. It’s as if I have something to hide.

For a moment, the Inspector General is silent. Then he quietly says:

“That’s acceptable, Lieutenant Daccia. It coincides with what I require from you, in fact.”

I raise an eyebrow – not that he can see it.