Page 134 of The Edge of Dawn

“She’s my sister,” Amun said simply.

“Hm,” was all Tarak said.

How infuriatingly reactionless.

Tarak glanced at Kail.

“He speaks the truth,” Kail said with absolute certainty, and Dragek couldn’t understand how the enigmatic warrior could be so sure.

But he was, and Tarak trusted him. Sometimes, one just had to accept the impossible.

And suddenly, Jade was there, surrounding him with her presence. Her warmth exploded through his fracturing mind, binding together the pieces of him that threatened to fall apart.

What happened to you? he blurted, a wave of relief swamping him. It took all his self-control to keep his blade hand steady, to keep from accidentally killing Amun and changing the fate of the Universe there and then.

I took an unexpected little journey, she replied, and her mindvoice was astoundingly clear, as if she were standing right next to him.

He didn’t understand how it was possible. Panic set in. You… you didn’t follow us, did you?

No. I’m safe and sound. Still on the Fleet Station. But I’m also here now, and I’m not going anywhere.

Good. Because I suspect things are about to become complicated, and I need you.

I don’t know exactly what I can do right now, but I’m here.

Just stay. That’s enough. Your presence is more powerful than you think.

Funny, people keep telling me that. Are you all right?

I am now. He exhaled slowly, and some of the tension drained out of his body. His arm was steadier, his grip stronger, his Second Sight clearer. Just… don’t leave me again. Understand?

I don’t know how long this thing will last, but I’ll try my very best. As long as you know that even if you don’t feel me anymore, I’m still here, and you’re not allowed to die or do anything reckless like that. You have to come back to me. Understood?

In the midst of all this madness, his chaotic soul began to settle. Perfectly well, my sarien.

FORTY-THREE

The infamous Amun Kazharan—fucking metal tail and all—was contained and compliant for now.

Actually, he was more than contained.

Tarak had brought him onto the stealth cruiser, fitting him with the most diabolical shackles—inflexible Callidum restraints that covered his arms and hands, binding them behind his back. His ankles were shackled, too, allowing him just enough room to shuffle along. Then there was that infernal unnatural tail, tightly bound alongside his arms.

He had a shock collar, too, one that would immediately incapacitate him if he tried anything stupid.

Tarak wasn’t taking any chances.

And Dragek could hardly believe it.

After causing all that trouble, Amun Kazharan, the one proclaimed emperor by the dregs of the Old Empire, usurper and son of the ruthless imperial family, had surrendered without a fight.

The human women and the hybrid children on the Caelix III had been immediately taken into Darkstar’s care, and that seemed to please Amun.

It wasn’t what Dragek had been expecting at all.

“Oh, you don’t have to look at me like that, katach,” Amun drawled, as insolent and annoying as ever.

“Like what?” Dragek snapped, unable to help himself from taking the bait. Amun Kazharan was one irritating bastard.

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