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As if confirming that worry, Lucius fondles the hilt of his Orb-Blade – and I know he’s imagining cutting this creature down right where he sits.

The Toad is uncomfortable enough already, with the dry air blasting him from the gaping doorway of the Aurelians’ living quarters. He cringes from it – as if it’s burning his moist skin.

I’ve never felt pity for a Toad before, but in this moment, I see that some of their species are just weak, scared servants.

But my sympathy is short-lived. I know that if this lowly Toad guard was given half a chance to own a human slave, he’d jump at the chance – and Toads can jump as high as the Old-Earth creatures for which humanity gave their race a name.

This Toad would be no different if given the responsibility of a human life. He’d keep her locked up in his filthy living quarters, chained and helpless, and the mental image instantly removes any and all sympathy from my thoughts.

I return to what is expected of us – and watch Marcel swing himself into the back of the carriage. The hovering vehicle buckles from his weight, and the thrusters brighten as they increase their lift to compensate.

As Marcel takes position, he reaches down his huge hand and helps me into the floating chariot.

I clamber in – but it feels like I’m being brought to my own execution. I’m dressed as a toy for the most depraved of men – and even the pleasure dress is dormant, as if it can feel my fear.

Lucius and Quint clamber into the back of the chariot, their breath ragged and heavy.

I know why. None of the triad have taken their eyes from me the moment we met – and now that Lord Oblog has demanded the three warriors claim me, it’s finally allowed them to unleash the broiling need bubbling up inside of them.

The Mating Rage is welling up. They can restrain themselves from taking me right here and now – but for how long?

I know, right now, that all three of them must be imagining what they’re going to do to me when they have the opportunity to. I know they have no choice in this matter – but part of me is horrified to know how badly they want this, even under these circumstances.

I just have to keep it out of my mind. For just a few moments more, I have the luxury of not thinking about it. If I do, it just becomes too real.

But how can I not? I feel so small, wedged in this weird little chariot between the three huge, muscular warriors. Their physical strength only makes me more aware of my lack of it – how I’m so much weaker and more helpless than they are.

But then I remember the old me, and what she achieved in partnership with Ling. I may be physically weaker – but therewasa strength I used to be able to rely on. I need to draw on that strength now, to save myself, the Aurelians, and Tessa – to get us all off this ship.

If I allow myself to be weak and helpless, she’ll die.

I shift in my uncomfortable seat. The pillows are soaked with moisture. In the end, I toss them out into the water-filled hallway as we’re driven toward the Great Hall. The Toad pilot doesn’t even acknowledge me doing so as he guides us down the corridor.

As we go, I notice there’s not another Toad in sight in the empty hallways. Not a single one of them would dare stand in the way of us, anyway – not knowing the rage of the Aurelians – but it’s eerie to see this mothership so empty.

Finally, the carriage stops in front of a huge set of double doors that slide open automatically to welcome us – although it’s a sight I’d hardly call welcoming. These are not the doors that led us into the Great Hall earlier.

The Toad points at me, specifically – his finger shaking.

Lucius shifts his weight in the seat beside me – giving the Toad an unspoken warning that he’ll not allow me to go anywhere alone.

The Toad shakes his head, jowls quivering. Tears of fear roll down his glistening cheeks.

Lucius grunts something to him in the guttural, Toad tongue, and the driver of the little carriage cringes, pointing toward me again. Lucius then nods grimly and turns to face me as well.

“He says you have to go alone.”

I stiffen in my seat. This wasnotpart of the plan.

As if sensing my concern, Lucius places a huge hand on my thigh.

“Just give me the word, Jamie, and I’ll rip his throat off and take the bike. We can still fight our way out of here.”

Maybe – but not without Tessa, and not without significant risk.

It’s not me I’m frightened for. It’s the thought of any or all of these magnificent warriors being killed simply because my fear forced them to fight. I need to remember that there’s more to strength than just physical power.

Strength of mind is an even more powerful weapon.