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His words were utterly unhinged, but he seemed to have figured something out, at least. It was surprising how many people just needed another person aroundwhile they brainstormed so they could find the answer themselves.

"Good talk." I patted him on the shoulder and backed away. Best to get away while my luck held. "Good luck with that, and have a good night, Sir."

I turned to leave.

"Wait," he slurred, catching my arm, strong fingers digging in.

I tried to pull away, but he easily pulled me closer, squinting at me as I tried to hide my face.

"You smell … familiar."

Heart slamming against my ribs, I struggled to get free.

Fuck! I'd gotten so close!Kaiya was going to kill me!

"There you are, Phillip!" A slender man with red hair stepped up beside us and placed his hand atop my arm beside Tye's.

Harry?!

"Sorry about that, Lieutenant," he said with an apologetic dip of his head. "We all know you like to be left alone. My friend here is new. I'll take him off your hands, so you can have your peace."

Tye frowned, and for a moment I thought he'd refuse. But then he nodded and released my arm.

"Right. I need t'leave anyways."

Harry took advantage of his movement and quickly tugged me away, saluting Tye before ushering me through the bar and towards the door.

"Thank you!" I whispered.

"Shhhhh!" His sharp elbow dug into my side as we made our way to the door.

I looked back to see Tye struggling to his feet and stumbling out the back door of the bar.

Hopefully, he figured his shit out …

Fresh air washed over me, drawing my attention to Harry. He'd pushed open the door and was saluting a man outside.

We stepped out into the cool night air and made our way to a nearby ally.

When we were finally alone, Harry leaned in, gaze fiery. "What. The.Fuck.Why are you here?!"

"Just … looking for some cold bier." I said, shrugging.

There was a bit of truth to it …

Harry's jaw ticked, and he ran his free hand through his hair. "This isn't the ship, Liam," he hissed. "Frexin is HERE, and she doesn't hesitate to kill people. A few guards from the ship were killed the day we arrived. They were assholes, but they were loyal to the Empire. What do you think she would do to YOU if she found you wandering around outside of the prison camp?"

Probably slit my throat like she had that man on the ship … or try to sell me off to another of her horrendous allies.

"You're right," I said. "I was being reckless. Thanks for the rescue, and I'm sorry for involving you. Now, if you'd let go —" I directed my gaze at where his hand still gripped my arm. "I'll head back to the prison before I cause more trouble."

He looked back at the bar, then let out a groan andshook his head. "I don't think I will, actually." His gaze slid back to meet mine. "I think you're going to helpmetonight. You see, my friend is sleeping on a table inside after walking away from his post and getting blackout drunk. That kind of thing is considered treason here, but I refuse to lose another friend. So … you're going to help me get him to his room to sober up for a few hours."

Damn.I looked from him back to the bar. I needed to get away — not help him carry a drunken soldier to his room.

"Ehh — I see that look in your eye," he drawled. "Don't worry. Once he's back in his room, you're free to get back to whatever harebrained schemes you're up to. But when Frexin goes to hang you, just don't mention seeing me. Alright?"

I chewed my cheek as I studied him.