I awoke to a deep, feminine voice in my dark chambers. The swelling wouldn't let me open my eyes. The woman's soft singing lulled me to relax, but I feared her intent.

"Ally, it is only I." Karter pressed a cool rag to my head, and tears flowed from my puffy eyes in relief.

"I tended to your mother. She is strong and will recover in a few weeks. But you--"

After her pause extended at least a few minutes, my anxiety at the extent of my injuries increased. Until she went on, "You heal faster than any Icarus I ever encountered." There was an edge of fear or awe in her voice I couldn't place. Sadness crept in. "You should never have endured so much pain. Amolot was beyond unkind. She was barbaric." The bed shuddered with her.

This was my fault. I put myself within Amolot's reach. I burdened my mother until she paid for my arrogance.

"Get out," father ordered in a biting tone from the entryway.

Karter leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to my temple. She whispered, "Do not open your eyes. I will return."

I did as she instructed.

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Father approached my bed, and soon after the robed Physician manifested out of the shadows. I feigned sleep as they talked.

Umbra asked, "Was the test successful?"

The foreign man stood over me. He examined me so carefully I feared he might uncover my ruse. If he did, he made no mention. "Yes. An excellent display of his healing capabilities. Honestly, that woman of yours tried to kill him. Practice more caution with our investment."

"Understood, Primary."

While his presence hovered over me, he casually inquired, "And how is your mate?"

My father's voice squeezed tight with suspicion, "She will survive."

"Good. We require a second specimen."

"I can begin at once."

The Physician's voice moved away as if he straightened and turned to look at Umbra. "No. This requires a personal endowment. This will be mine."

The sound of my father's boot implied he took a step back. "With Savis?"

"Yes. We often take samples from each race. She is a fine mother and quite attractive. Selection for these trials is a high honor. She is most worthy."

A little roughly, Umbra asked, "What do you require of me?"

"Synchronize her cycle along with the Valkyrie. I return in three months to commence with the next experiment. Do not harm her until after she delivers."

"I will execute your instruction."

Some shuffling of feet and the proximity of the Physician's voice to my father's, let me know he moved closer to Umbra. "See that you do. Not a single blow. Not even a backhand. In fact, do not touch her at all. The less anxiety in her, the more likely she will conceive."

I knew father clenched his jaw by the sound of his voice, "Yes, Primary."

The Physician faced me once more. "Now train him without further unnecessary injury. Let us see what this warrior can do."