Page 33 of Captured

“What is it?” This time, my voice is small and low. Like it’s barely there at all. Or like I don’t want to know, after all.

“There’s a group of people calling themselves the Senators. They’re embedded deep in all levels of the Human Alliance government.” Rakir inches forward, forcing me to tilt my head backward to look at him. “They’re the ones with the true power, pulling the strings behind the scenes. They’re nothing but greedy animals, pillaging and murdering their way across the Galaxy. When the Drakians decided to stop them, they declared war on us and blamed us for all their atrocities. All you’ve ever been told about us is a lie fabricated by your own leaders to keep the war going and the money flowing to their pockets.”

“What are you talking about?”

But I already know. I know the Human Alliance’s propaganda is just that. I’ve had my suspicions for years. All we’ve been told is just a smokescreen to hide the greed of a few.

Rakir’s grim face tells me that I’m right. This is bigger than anything I expected. Bigger and more horrible.

“Are you sure you want to know?” Rakir sits on the desk facing me. His expression is dark and his eyes are alert. This is a defining question and the answer will seal my fate.

I close my eyes and see the face of my father. He died in this war, along with countless others. Husbands and lovers, fathers and brothers, all lost and for what? So a few could keep their hands on privileges they did not merit.

When I open my eyes again, I finally see that I have been blind all my life. I need the truth, no matter what it costs.

“Yes. Tell me everything.”