SIXTEEN

Burn

Sagan was sure things could’ve gone worse. Like Korac said, Xelan could’ve killed Nox, still…

Many awful things had happened to the Progeny, to the Shadow, over the years, but Sagan couldn’t remember the last time Rayne had looked so hurt.

No, Sagan could. And in a complicated turn of events, it was during Razor’s advertisements for Rayne’s pain. The look on her face when Nox—

Well, maybe they shouldn’t bring it up anymore. Although, that was the clincher, wasn’t it? Nox had caused a lot of pain, and not against Rayne alone. He had to answer for his crimes. But surely dying by Rayne’s hand was punishment enough?

Sagan sighed.

“I would ask what’s bothering you, amos, but I’m certain it’s the same as what’s bothering me.”

They’d just knocked on the zeppelin’s door and were waiting for Andrew and Lucas to answer. Once, and only once, Sagan had walked into their private space without knocking.

Never again.

Sagan looped her arm through Korac’s and leaned into him. “Yeah. This situation feels hopeless, and it hurts me for Rayne’s sake. You’ve figured out she totally loves Nox, right?”

Korac gave her a ‘what do you take me for’ look before saying, “I’ve known since their kiss at the races. She hasn’t told him yet.”

While shaking her head, Sagan said, “It’s so complicated. I wish—”

“Hey, Seamswalker.” Andrew answered the door, and his hair—Sagan had a hard time not laughing in his face. It was so mussed. He swallowed before stammering, “Lucas and I were, uh… We were taking a quick break from monitoring. Silence is over there, watching with Smith—And you’re not here to check on the Probability Matrix, are you?” His flustered expression faded to a frown.

From within, Lucas called, “Is that Sagan?” He sounded like he was getting dressed.

Korac said, “And me. We need you both, and no, this isn’t a fashion call.”

Sagan gestured for Andrew to lean halfway toward her where she whispered, “Your shorts are on inside-out.”

Rich laughter carried through the zeppelin. Lucas finally appeared and kissed Andrew’s cheek before addressing the Generals. “How can we help you?”

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

Everyone loved Lucas, but sometimes the clandestine aspects of his murky past chafed. Korac narrowed his eyes at his precious tailor before asking, “Did you know?”

Recognition filled those golden eyes and was followed by relief. Lucas said, “So she’s come out of hiding.”

Sagan couldn’t help it. She felt hurt. “How could you keep Rayne a secret from all of us? We love her—”

Mighty arms wrangled her into a gentle embrace. Against her hair, Lucas said, “To save you—all of you—I would bend Eternity. Forgive me for withholding the truth, but I knew you would find her. Don’t lose faith. Not yet. Not when we’re so close.”

Over Lucas’ shoulder, Sagan watched Andrew’s eyes widen at his lover’s confession. The surprise faded fast, shifting into a clarity she still didn’t grasp.

One thing at a time.

Sagan squeezed Lucas, pulled them apart, and tried for a sympathetic smile. “Okay. I’ll try, but please tell me you have a plan.”

“And if you have any information on the Eternal Bind, best to tell it now.” Korac’s words came across as half-threatening, but the situation was growing more desperate by the minute.

Especially as Andrew looked between all of them. “Is someone planning on filling me in? What are you saying about Rayne? Is she—Are you saying she’s—” His voice kept breaking, and tears flooded his teal eyes.

All about the hugs, Sagan opened her arms. When Andrew took the invitation, she said, “Yes. And, well, so is Nox. They’re also together, and we’re pretty sure they’re the Eternal Bind.” They pulled apart for her to see all the conflicting emotions pass through Andrew’s eyes before she added, “Oh, yeah. And Elden says we have two days before the Probability Matrix collapses.”

“Lucas.” Korac’s tone was ladened with accusation as he said, “You don’t look surprised to hear any of this.”

Andrew took his lover’s hand in solidarity, and Lucas took his eyes off Korac to meet Andrew’s gaze. Unspoken, a conversation passed between them.

With a sigh, Lucas conceded something. “I will come along to help Rayne, but if you want me to aid the Shadow in persisting the Probability Matrix, you are asking the wrong man.” He met Korac’s eyes to say, “I will heal the wound we made.”

‘We.’

Questions.

Sagan had so many of them, but there wasn’t really time for it. “We need to get back and mediate.” With a nod at Andrew, she said, “Xelan wants you and Kyle to ensure Nox isn’t Celindria’s puppet.”

Andrew ticked on his fingers. “First, I’m still reeling over Nox being alive. Second, he’s alive and in a romantic relationship with Rayne?! Consider my mind boggled. Third, we now have to deliver this news to Kyle?!”

Lucas laughed incredulously. “Surely he’s moved on from Rayne. He’s with Silence.”

Sagan side-glanced at Korac before confessing, “You don’t really ‘move on’ from Rayne.”

“Ask Nox.” Korac understood.

Andrew’s sigh was heavy as he said, “Well, I guess we’d better get this shit storm over with.” As they stepped down the boarding stairs, he asked, “How is Rayne handling all this?”

“You mean how is the most epic martyr in the galaxy managing while her lover surrenders himself to the mercy of the brother he murdered?” Korac laid everything out like it was the plot to a movie before giving a cavalier shrug. “I’m sure she’s fine.”

Sagan’s husband could always make her smile. Which reminded her to ask someone—anyone. “What do you think the sex was like? I mean, forbidden love, a secluded location, and mega physical prowess? Rayne can’t keep her hands off of him. I’ve never seen her like this.”

Korac pinched the bridge of his nose as he groaned at the same time Andrew sealed his hands over his ears, saying, “I so never want to hear this again.”

But Lucas… “I understand Nox is proportionate. That may have something to do with Rayne’s attachment.”

“Let’s not mention any of this around Kyle.”

Korac had a good point.