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“We’ve been battling our whole life for one purpose, Brennan. To protect our Empire.”

Natali shifts. Her aura is slowly becoming aware as she wakes up.

I relish that feeling of her awakening in my mind.

As Natali awakens, so does the sun outside. A hot trail of light floods through the same window from which Natali had tried to escape us earlier. Now, like the rising and setting sun, I’ll feel Natali’s awareness in my mind – orbiting for eternity. There’s nowhere for her to escape to; and no reason for her to ever want to.

Otho grunts.

“Yes – we’ve dedicated our lives to protecting the Empire – and now it’s all lost.”

But there’s no bitterness in his voice – just this statement of fact.

The three of us are still feeling euphoric from claiming our Fated Mate and welcoming her aura into our own. As I stand there, I find it difficult to feel the doubt and anxiety I know I should.

What small considerations are such things? Like our life work being reduced to ashes, the promise of our estates and riches taken from us, and the promise of being put on an Aurelian capture list?

They all pale next to the gift of having her.

A grin comes to my face. I don’t typically like to show emotion, but I can’t help it right now. I turn to Otho, staring into his newly ivory-white eyes.

“All is gained, brother. We can now aid our Empire in a way few warriors have the opportunity to. We can revitalize our dying species. Natali gives us the chance to sire strong sons – to arm and teach them to be of service to the Empire.”

Otho nods, but warns: “Unless the coming war rips apart everything we hold dear.”

War.

It’s coming, no matter what.

We know that. It’s written in the stars. Only the enemy is unclear – the circumstances clouded.

However, it’s clear – the tension has been growing and growing, palpable in every new meeting of the Elites. At any moment, we know a millennium of progress could come crashing down. Even on Colossus, the priests could spark a rebellion, splitting off from the main Empire and bringing along all those who wish for our society to return to the Old Ways – of conquest, and war, and slavery.

The Old Ways. How can it be that there are those who would seek to bring back the dark days of bloodshed and avarice? The days during which the Aurelian Empire held full primacy over the universe, but at the cost of our collective soul?

I don’t know – but I know, with the power of the Bond, it might be possible to stop them.

I’m stronger now than I ever have been. It’s like my muscles were never used at their full strength before, and now I can access every part of my body and mind. My blood feels pure and strong.

This is the power of the Bond – which grants an Aurelian-length lifespan to our Fated Mate, and enhances us in every way; granting us the strength and purpose the alphas of our society deserve.

And it’s all because of her – because of Natali.

I know now I can’t leave her – but we can’t keep her, either.

What could I offer Natali now, if we chose to take her and run?

The life of a fugitive? A life of uncertainty and fear?

If the war that I’m expecting does comes to tear the universe apart, there’ll be nowhere safe for us to run to; nowhere except in the very heart of the Aurelian Empire, where the bloodiest battle will be fought.

“Enforcement will come.”

I say the words we’re all thinking.

Natali pulls herself from Lazar’s arms. He rumbles, but stays asleep. After that ferocious mating, he might be out for hours – and I envy him the peace of rest.

Natali pulls herself out of the sleeping bag. She’s naked – the makeshift dress she’d constructed now torn to ribbons on the floor.