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If she did, would she regret it?

Guilt suffused her at the thought that she’d be cheating on Riv.

Still, after all these years.

Her unceasing loyalty to her first love had kept her from yielding to the many men who’d tried their luck on her.

Because only one man had ever ignited her flames into a blaze, only one man had the keys to her heart, and she’d vowed to remain faithful to him for life.

Élisa flicked away the tears spilling from under her eyes.

She’d agonized for years about the anguish she must have left him with, how much heartache she’d inflicted on his heart.

Yet there’d been no choice.

She’d had to leave Eden II without telling a soul.

If she hadn’t, the planetoid would have been torched and scorched, every living cell on its surface reduced to ashes.

Including her one true love.

He’d have been torn apart, shredded, ripped up, as would have all his friends, family members, neighbours, and the city.

For harboring K’Élisa. Daughter,Kintiof theKírígaof Katáne.

RIV

I need more meat on the Katáne.

Riv lay in his guest bed, his nodes locked in a neural connection with Mirage.

The AI’s neural tone was laced with concern.I’ve had to look far and wide for this intel, Riv. It took gigabytes of dense data before I dug out a few kernels. What I found was bone-chilling. We know they’re a bloodthirsty, marauding, ancient people living on Pegasi’s outer edge. Get this. They’re also shape shifters. Their collective name gives it away - The Ka?'m??r?. They have chimeric abilities to change form into winged beasts and creatures of great size and magnificence.

Riv knifed up in bed.You fokkin’ jest?

I do not. You see feathers on both Élisa and several on Killen because the Katáne transform themselves into lethal hawk giants, mostly in battle.

Riv cursed under his breath.I’ve been in love with a hawked warrior all along. Fokk me. Go on.

Mirage indulged him.I found a few legends and stories about them among the tribes and planets along the galaxy’s dark side. Stories about their prowess at battle, their sieges of entire worlds and planets, accounts of harrowing battle scenes, and the suffering and looting they left in their wakes. They became a wealthy race because they stole silver, gold, and the silks they used to embroider their elaborate woven tents and grand palaces. They’re feared across the Rim and will wage war with anyone who dares stand in their way.

It is also said they have the most superior firepower, and their War Eagles, their interstellar warships, are beyond lethal. They’re not the kind we want to cross.

Riv sighed.Yet here we are. Sounds like the die is cast, and we’ll have to deal with whatever comes our way.

Mirage agreed.As Kainan says, buckle up.

Will they receive any comms from us?Riv asked.

Mirage grunted.I hope so. I believe the beacon should still be broadcasting to our Sable network. I implanted our current position into it, so with any luck, the cavalry should be here soon.

Perhaps they can retrieve Ankis while I continue with Élisa’s mission.

Perhaps.

‘What can I offer you?’

I need your heartbeat because you took off with mine.