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Ever since my father discovered those incredible deposits of Orb-Material, he’s struggled to keep our unbelievable riches under wraps – sneaking in small teams of surveyors to get an initial estimate and start setting up the operation, but under the strictest secrecy and with non-disclaimer contracts signed and sealed.

Nobody was supposed to know about these deposits until my father had gained enough money from them to hire the private army he knew he’d need to guard our newfound wealth.

Apparently, we didn’t act soon enough.

My father’s voice is still blustering, but this time he sounds genuinely angry; not just trying to look strong in front of his intimidating guests.

“I should throw you three out this instance,” he hisses. “You came here under false pretenses, then you insult my business acumen – and finally, you presume to make me an offer for something that isnotfor sale!”

The leader of the Aurelians nods. His upper lip curls, casting the shadow of a smile.

“Everything is for sale, Mr. Carani,” he muses. “We must only discuss price.”

My father is silent. Such a statement holds truth.

The Aurelian continues.

“I won’t waste your time. We offer fourteen billion for exclusive mining rights.”

I gasp soundlessly, covering my mouth by instinct. My heart beats faster. Cold sweat forms under my arms. Such a number is fantastical – beyond comprehension even for a girl like me, raised in moderate wealth.

Fourteen billion universal credits.

It’s a ludicrous sum. It’s enough to achieve everything my father could have ever wanted. It’s enough to start a life of unfathomable luxury a hundred times over – on a safe world, far from the dangers of Marn.

I knew the deposits my father had uncovered were big – but I clearly had no idea of the true magnitude of them.Now,I can suddenly understand the stress my father has been under for the last three months.

Up until now, he’d realized he could lose everything destiny had handed him in an instant… But these Aurelians are giving us a way to escape the burden.

With fourteen billion credits, we could put all this business behind us – we could befree!

I want to barge into the lounge and yell at my father – demand he take the damn offer, no questions asked.

The constant anxiety of the last few months can finally be lifted from my shoulders –ourshoulders.

The moment news of my father’s discovery gets out, we know every major corporation and business family in this sector will try to muscle in on our claim – but now, we’re being offered a partnership that will protect us from that.

And while Aurelians are many things, they famously value their word. If these three warriors are in good standing with the Aurelian Empire, we can take the deal and know it will be honored.

My father sits in his chair, silently chewing over the Aurelian’s words.

I know he’s thinking what I am – but there’s more to it than that. I see freedom, but all my father sees is what it’ll cost him. His face is a mask, but I know he’s being torn apart inside trying to decide.

The two other Aurelians – the leader’s battle brothers, who haven’t spoken – continue to sit silently on either side of their leader. They watch my father with their blank, empty eyes.

It’s terrifying – like being stared at by a statue.

The Aurelian with the short mohawk is the scariest of the two. He resembles a statue – but one that was carved to resemble marred perfection. His perfect skin and sculpted muscles look angelic – but then there’s that ugly scar that runs all the way from his left ear to the middle of his head; ugliness bisecting beauty.

Whoever –whatever – gave him that scar nearly ripped the Aurelian open. I can’t even imagine what kind of deadly adversary would have had the strength to do that.

It makes one thing clear. These three Aurelians have undoubtedly been in tighter spots than staring down the barrel of four Sentinels.

Just like the walls of this estate, and my father’s attempts at secrecy, the veneer of security even in our own lounge is nothing but an illusion.

Eventually, my father speaks – and my heart plummets.

“No.”