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“I’ve secured Jyk in a transport.” Scala’s voice came from Aculus’ comm.

“You got him?” she asked, hoping she hadn’t misheard.

Aculus nodded, then alarm entered his eyes and he released her with an apologetic grimace.

“Captain, we still have another assassin,” he replied into the comm.

“No.” She shook her head. “He’s dead, out in the refuge blind zone.”

“Truly?” Aculus looked down at her in amazement, ignoring Cartil and the guards who were suddenly swarming them.

“Yes.” She nodded. “I’m okay, Cartil.” She smiled at the medic who was trying to examine her.

“I’ll be the judge of that. Here.” Cartil handed her a large bottle of water as he continued to go over her and Aculus.

“Please assist the candidates,” Aculus instructed the other guards.

She tensed up as they dispersed, and finally took a reluctant look around. The arena roof was singed, guards helping people evacuate the stands. The candidates nearby looked stunned, some sitting, some milling around.

“Oh no.” Her heart sank seeing all the feathers littering the ground. Then she noticed the flock on the horizon, swiftly making their retreat. “They’re okay,” she whispered.

“I think we’re all okay.” Aculus squeezed her to him.

“No.” She teared up. “Makissa and Costa didn’t make it.” And God only knew if they were the only ones.

Pain reflected in Aculus’ eyes and he nodded solemnly.

“I’m sorry.” She cupped his cheek.

“I’ll have someone do a search,” Cartil said seriously.

“Nadzia!” Her mother’s scream made her jump.

Carol ran toward her, followed by Axilla and Tellar.

“Thank God you are safe.” Carol hugged her and Aculus.

“Aculus,” Tellar said then nodded toward the projection screen.

They glanced up at the giant screen to discover they were the prime feature. And where her hand rested on Aculus’ cheek his shell had receded, exposing half of his face.

“I’m so very glad you both are well, but we need to make an announcement to the nation,” Axilla said while surreptitiously squeezing Aculus.

Nadzia repressed another bout of tears as she and Aculus became the filling in a mom sandwich. When Axilla stepped back, she looked pointedly at her.

“What?” she mouthed to Aculus.

“That line you practiced,” he whispered.

Oh yeah.Her eyes widened as she recalled what she was supposed to do. Her gaze darted to his mother and Axilla nodded in consent.

She stood tall in front of Aculus and locked eyes with him, letting every ounce of love she felt shine through.

“I am your strength, join with me.” She placed her hand gently on his chest rather than striking a blow.

Yes, she’d changed the traditional line. Being Aculus’ weakness and demanding he to yield to her wasn’t what she wanted their relationship to be based on. A smile tipped Aculus lips as he nodded, affection reflected in his eyes.

“Nadzia, you are my weakness, and my strength, and everything in-between. I will join with you, yield to you, dominate you, whatever you want, as long as it’s with you.” He cupped her cheek and leaned in close.