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“Infertility?”

“Every species on Earth would die out in one generation.”

Kara felt the air rush from her lungs as she digested the information.

“That’s… sweet Jesus, that’s… is there even a word for that?”

“Terracide. The death of an entire planet.”

“Your scientists made thatdeliberately?”

“We’ve never used it,” Ela said, shame-faced. “And by Vannla’s Sword I hope we never will.”

“But you’re saying Baelon wants to use it? To annihilate my planet?”

“Not just him. He has a cadre of followers who believe peace with Earth is too risky and getting rid of it altogether would be safer. But they’re a tiny minority,” Ela added hastily as she saw the color drain from Kara’s face. “Most Vraxians are encouraged by the ceasefire. And by your participation inshaa’baara.”

“Rhyn said people were betting against me.”

“Rhyn says a lot of things.” Ela’s nose wrinkled. “Trust me, there’s support for Vahn’s hypothesis that a marriage across the species would cement peace. Many Vraxians are rooting for you.”

“But if Baelon is trying to undermine the plan…”

“The best thing we can do about Baelon is not to give his vile rhetoric any oxygen. And that means not telling Vahn what he did.” Ela looked at her steadily. “You see that, don’t you?”

The general was right. If Vahn saw the welts on her arm, if he learned that Baelon had brutalized her, he would try to kill him.

And that would play straight into Baelon’s hands.

Right now Baelon only suspected she and Vahn were intimately involved. If he knew for sure, he’d twist it into something ugly. He’d use it against them.

“You’re right. I have to keep this quiet.” Kara touched her arms. “But the marks…”

“Sleeves will cover them. Make-up for the bruise on your cheek. Or we could say you got it in the challenge.”

“Yes. That would work.”

“Kara…” Ela hesitated, then spoke quickly, as if to get the words out before she changed her mind. “I wanted to thank you. For trying to get Earth and Vraxos to make peace. It is no small thing.”

Kara glanced at her in surprise.

“It’s not just me. We’re all trying.”

“But you’re the one putting yourself in danger. You’re the one far from home and surrounded by enemies.”

“Notallenemies. I hope.”

Ela’s mouth twisted.

“I judged you harshly when we first met. I was wrong. It no longer seems so fantastical that Vahn foundkalehshwith you.”

Kara was stunned.

“That… that means more than you know.”

Ela didn’t give her the opportunity to say anything else. She got to her feet briskly.

“From now on I advise you to stay with other people. Do not walk alone. I will keep a closer eye on Baelon, but you’d do well to keep out of his way.”