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She pressed a button. The glass wall in front of the nearest cell, which Kara had assumed was solid, shimmered and disappeared.

Huh. A transparent energy field.She walked in.

“Tell me something,” she said, turning to face the Vraxian. “Just between us two women. Why do you hate me so much?”

“You have to ask me that? After all the lives the war has cost us?”

“I understand why you hate humans. I’m asking why you hateme.All I want is an end to the war too. We’re on the same side.”

Ela stepped closer.

“The Zhaal may think that by allowing you to entershaa’baarahe is opening the door to peace. But I see the divisions it will cause. And I see the lifetime of pain it will bring him.”

“Pain? What the fuck are you talking about?”

“You don’t understand, do you?” Ela’s eyes were cold. “That he would forfeit his happiness to marry anedekhuman, an enemy species, means nothing to you. He would be mocked and ridiculed, pitied even. You do not comprehend the enormity of his sacrifice.”

Kara swallowed.

“I’d be marrying the enemy too. I’d be open to the same criticisms frommypeople.”

“I don’t give adrek’aa ziftabout your people,” Ela said scornfully. “I only care about my Zhaal.”

“So are you going to try to dissuade him?”

She might be able to,Kara thought.Vahn cares what she thinks. If she really pushes against it, he might listen.

But Ela shook her head.

“I will respect his decision. But make no mistake, I will not actively support the plan. Or you. So don’t look to me for help duringshaa’baara.”

“I wouldn’t dream of it.”

“And make no mistake, human.” Ela’s mouth twisted into a sneer. “When you fail, I will be the first person to rejoice.”

Anger coiled like a whip in Kara’s stomach.

“It’s funny. Everyone in the SDF talks about you, did you know that? General Elaryx Solarun, renowned military bad-ass. Our officers respect you even though you’re the enemy.” She saw Ela’s eyes widen in surprise. “But now I know better. You’re nothing but a whiny little bitch. You want to win the war through force instead of diplomacy, and that makes you as bad as that bastard Baelon.”

Ela’s jaw tightened.

“Shut your mouth, vermin.”

“But even Baelon is more tolerable than you. You know why?” Kara’s face hardened. “Because you killed my dog.”

“I… what?”

“On Minerva-6. You shot Rocky. My friend. You killed a defenceless animal that was just trying to protect me.” Her voice shook. “So I don’t actually give a fuck what you think, general. Your opinion means less than nothing to me.”

Ela’s expression was unfathomable. She pressed the button that restored the barrier, shutting Kara inside the cell.

“The prison is run by mechbots,” she said curtly. “They will provide your meals and you may converse with them if you desire. You will be collected when it is time to startshaa’baara.”

She stalked to the door. As she reached it, she hesitated.

“I apologize about your dog. I did not know.”

Her voice was so low, Kara thought she’d misheard. And then the general was gone, leaving her alone in her prison.