Page 68 of My Wild Pet (Whispers from the Imperial Cage #2)

CHAPTER 68

Aefre

Ember’s performance in The Eternal Convergence against the holographic illusions of Ash was nothing short of remarkable. Not a shred of confusion. He knew, instantly it wasn’t her. And that certainty can only come from one thing, love.

“He recognized the illusions for what they were,” Kaelin says. “They posed no real threat.”

“Yes.” My gaze is still fixed on Ember pacing the far end of the arena floor, waiting for Ash to emerge from the female pet toilets. “It’s… concerning.”

“Concerning? It’s downright dangerous. He’s supposed to adore her, but not be so bonded with her that he sees through every trick we throw at him.”

I nod slowly. “I expected them to care for each other— I cultivated that, after all. But this level of devotion... Especially now that Gael is still rumored to be lurking around.” The incompetent security forces caught a decoy, as Kaelin had summarized. “If this is love, and I believe it is, it makes my pets unpredictable. Gael would only have to whisper promises of freedom, and they might stupidly give him all their UCs to chase it.”

“So what do we do?”

“After they finish the Bond Breaker, I want them placed under maximum security. Gael cannot be allowed near them. Their success in the arena has already netted them an obscene amount of credits, they can’t be permitted to use that fortune to flee. Not on my watch.”

I watch as Ember catches sight of Ash stepping out from behind a sealed gate, and his face lights up. “Make the arrangements. We’ve come too far to lose them to some idealistic half-Imperial rebel.”

Kaelin nods and disappears. I remain, my gaze trained on Ash and Ember from above, contemplating the fragile line between loyalty and rebellion.