Page 43 of Primal Vow

Zarrack snorted, his amber eyes twinkling with mirth. "And I never thought I'd see the day when you willingly set foot in a place like this." He gestured broadly at the raucous establishment. "The last time I saw you was… Hmm, when was it?"

Taryn took a breath. "At the stardock, as my brother and I were going to the front."

A heavy silence stretched between them, laden with the unspoken weight of their experiences. Taryn's throat tightened as the memories coalesced, each one a vivid reminder of the brother he had lost to the cruelties of that very war.

"I'm sorry, Taryn," Zarrack said at last, his voice a rough whisper. "About your brother. He was a fine warrior, taken from us far too soon."

The feeling in Zarrack's words struck Taryn like a blow, the ache of that profound loss crashing over him anew. "Thank you," he managed, swallowing hard against the tightness in his throat. "His sacrifice..." A tremor ran through him as he fought to compose himself. "It will not be forgotten."

Zarrack offered a solemn nod, his weathered features etched with shared sorrow. "He died with honor, protecting our home and our people." His calloused fingers found Taryn's arm in a steadying grip. "As you continue to do in his stead."

The words sliced through Taryn like a blazing blade, igniting a searing flicker of doubt. He thought of Rhys, of the affection that had so unexpectedly blossomed between them, a profound connection that challenged everything Taryn knew.

Zarrack seemed to sense the shift in Taryn's demeanor, his brow furrowing slightly as concern creased his features. "You've shouldered enough burdens for ten warriors, my friend," he said, giving Taryn's arm a reassuring squeeze. "Don't let the past weigh you down when you've got a future worth fighting for."

Taryn drew a steadying breath, pushing aside his inner turmoil for the moment. "Speaking of which," he began, his tone deliberately casual, "I came here to report to the head of security."

Zarrack arched a brow, his expression a blend of curiosity and wariness. "Now, what would a warrior from the depths of the wild have to report?"

"Something I don't wish to speak of where other ears might hear."

Zarrack's lips pressed into a thin line, his amber eyes narrowing ever so slightly. He simply nodded. "Fair enough," he rumbled. "In that case, why don't you join me for a drink in my rooms? You look like you could use a mug of koba, pup."

Taryn let out a breath. "I could, yes."

Chapter seventeen

Rhys woke up.

He blinked, disoriented. The room was dimly lit, the light filtering in from narrow windows set into thick concrete walls. He was tied to a chair, and the sight of the thick, reinforced walls sent a chill down his spine.

And so did the people that were watching him.

He was back with the crew.

They'd betrayed him. They'd left him to die. They'd torn him away from Taryn and dragged him back to their base.

Now, they sat in front of him, watching him with hard eyes.

Cilian. Lila. The others who had operated the mine site. Rhys hadn't got to learn their names, busy being worked to the bone in the mine shafts.

And then there was the clear ringleader. Jak. He'd been the one to lie to Rhys's face, promising that the work on Vasz was more than enough to pay off all of Rhys's debts. All Rhys had to do was think of the better future that was waiting for him…

Back then, Rhys had believed them. He'd been a fool.

"You're lucky we found you when we did, kid," Jak sneered, leaning forward in his chair. "Who knows what those monsters would've done to you."

It was stunningly insincere. Rhys glared at him. "Give it a rest. You're just trying to get me on your side again."

Bingo. Jak cut a glance to Lila. Lila narrowed her eyes.

Rhys continued. "I know what you're planning to do. The bombs, the attack on their city..."

"You should be happy to be part of this. It's all to keep those barbarian scum from overrunning space," Jak growled. "They're the real monsters here."

Rhys shook his head vehemently. "You're wrong. They're not—"

"Not what?" Jak cut him off. "Not vicious, bloodthirsty aliens? Wake up, Rhys. That's exactly what they are."

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