by Corin Cain
Aurelian Law Enforcement officers are at information stations, plugged into virtual reality, and tracking the movements of criminals remotely. The entire precinct is a bustle of activity. It’s kind of nostalgic. It reminds me of a whole different life – a whole different me.
A time when I was respected, and appreciated – not feared and hated.
I step into a big corner office.
“You’ve moved up in the ranks,” I say to Wraith, the one man who saw my potential and plucked me up. He once told me it could take centuries to take down Xeres, and he was right.
But now the most wanted man in the universe is finally in custody.
Wraith smiles. There’s victory in his beaming grin. For him, pursuing Xeres had been an obsession for nearly a thousand years. I can only imagine how sweet it must be to finally bring him to justice.
But for me?
It should feel the same – but the truth is, this victory feels like nothing compared to the lotus blossoming in the back of my mind. The presence of Ella is more victorious than putting away all the criminals in the known galaxies. I’d trade all my fortunes for her.
“I’ve moved up? Ha. That’s rich, coming from you, Korgath. When we had to cut communications forty years ago, I sometimes wondered if you’d really turned to the dark side. All that money…”
I shake my head. “Never, Wraith! And now all this is behind us, all my businesses are going legitimate. Every last one of them. I’m done with crime.”
Wraith’s face goes serious. “And do you have a successor to take over such businesses?”
I nod. “If that’s necessary, I do.”
“Good.” He turns on a screen behind him. I’m shown images of dead bodies, and the glassy atmosphere of the planet Rift.
Rift was once a bustling hub – before Rav’nok, the planet killer, nuked it from orbit. He killed millions, after the governors of the planet failed to meet his demands for three-hundred-trillion in ransom.
Xeres was a monster. Rav’nok was worse. Still is worse.
Once, a few years ago, he was apprehended. He’d been on his way to execution, when a human woman broke him free.
My whole being goes cold when Wraith shows me the next picture in his presentation – and I see an image of the woman who freed him.
Wraith mistakes my look of shock for horror. “Yes, it’s a terrible crime. And we have word he’s plotting something else – something even bigger. He’s the worst terrorist in the known galaxy, and now you’ve taken down Xeres, I need you to go up against him.”
Wraith’s wrinkled face is looking older than ever – yet his eyes are still vibrant and young. He has a passion for justice that’s infectious.
Or, it used to be.
Wraith studies me, searching my expression for any sign weakness.
I know he realizes something’s wrong. I wonder if he knows what it is.
That the picture on the screen, of the woman who freed Rav’nok from maximum security, is Ella.
Ella Donburry. Now I know her last name, too.
No wonder Ella seemed so familiar, even the first time I saw her – back when I knew her as Juliana.
Ella, my fated mate – by bonded love – is one of the most wanted criminals in the galaxy.
I shudder, as I study her picture.
You could be mistaken for not recognizing. The Ella I know has had work done – plastic surgery to obscure her identity.
Yet, I know it’s her. I know it, deep in my soul.
My blood runs cold as I realize that I’ve inadvertently brought Ella back right into the lion’s den – right into the heart of the Aurelian Empire.
A single strand of hair, falling from her head at the wrong time, could come too near a DNA scanner and instantly showcase her identity to the authorities. That’s what the Aurelians outside are doing – using cameras, scanners and AI to track clues left by the universe’s most-wanted.
It hits me as a shock to see Ella’s face on the screen – but even stranger is that I simply don’t care. She could be a mass murder. Hell, she could be worse than Rav’nok the planet killer himself, and I would still protect her with every cell of my being.
But to do that, I need to keep her away from Law Enforcement.
I shake my head. “No. Wraith, I did my time. I took down my bad guy. It’s time for me to settle down.”
He nods. “You found yourself a woman, I see.”
I search his eyes for any hint that he might have recognized Ella. I know that it is only the bond that allowed me to sniff her out – to recognize her in that photo, despite the work she’s had done transforming her face.
She’ll never be able to hide her identity from me. It’s not just the enhanced sense of sight I have from the bond – with every detail appearing crisper and clearer now that our souls are joined forever.
No, it’s a simple knowledge of who she is at her core. Who she truly is.
No plastic surgeon could never change that.
“It’s time for me to go prepare.”
Wraith nods. “An Elite. You’ll be given vast estates, and yet they’ll still pale in comparison to your current holdings.”
My mind reels at such wealth.
Wraith snorts.
“All that money – but can it buy you happiness? Peace of mind?”
No, but I have both of those things as long as I have Ella.
Wraith mistakes my silence for an answer. He shakes his head sadly.
“I hope you find whatever you’re looking for, Korgath. As for me? I’m looking for Rav’nok. I’ll have three men start sniffing after the planet killer if you won’t. I’ve picked out some names already – good, strong soldiers, with steady heads.”
He pauses.
“If you won’t accept the assignment, perhaps you’d be willing to train them, at least? Pass on your knowledge?”
I shake my head. I feel no guilt. Rav’nok can burn as many planets as he wants. I have a woman to keep safe, and right now she’s at risk of discovery.
The moment the ceremony is done, I’m going to whisk her away, back to Titus, far out of reach of the Aurelian Empire. I’ll never let her worry about being caught again.
But why? Why did Ella break Rav’nok out? What possible reason could she have had?
I can feel her spirit through the bond. She’s so… Pure. In this life of corruption, she’s the only pure thing left. What happened?
26
Ella
We truly have a place of honor at the royal palace.
Before the evening’s events, I was primped and primed by the Queen’s personal assistant herself – a kind, gentle woman named Elanor. While I was getting ready, Korgath and his two blood-brothers were getting into their powerful new Orb-Armor – the ceremonial outfit of the Elite.
Finally, as ready as we’ll ever be, the four of us stand together before the throne room.
A while earlier, while Elanor washed my hair, I had felt a sudden moment of shock radiate through the bond – sensing it in Korgath as he conducted the ‘business’ he’d left to attend to.
But if something unexpected had happened to him while he went to speak with Wraith, his handler, Korgath didn’t share details of it when he returned.
I am proud to stand beside these three men. Korgath, Arok and Brutan look like they were born into the Orb-Armor of the Elites.
This Orb-Armor is unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. I knew Korgath wore some, during his assault on the Scorp nest, when he reunited with his blood-brothers – but that had been obscured beneath his spacesuit.
Now I see his new armor, clearly and openly, and it’s disquieting and fascinating.
When you try to look at the men, it’s like your eyes can’t quite hold onto their presence. Orbs are the most powerful way of powering anything in the universe, and I know their armor – made of pure Orb - will stop just about anything short of a massive explosion.
Still, it’s weird to look at – unsettling. I’ve neve
r been able to feel comfortable around Orb material. It’s almost as if anything made from Orb – whether an Orb-Blade, Orb-Armor or even the Orb-Engine of a starship – is alive and watching us.
I remember the Orb-Knife I used to slash Tort’s throat, back on Titus.
It was like it had thirsted for his blood.
I shake my head, ridding my mind of such thoughts.
“You three have come so far,” I say, looking at my three powerful men.
Korgath grunts. “The second this is over, we’re leaving.”
Arok looks at him with confusion. “But we’ve been off our home world for two hundred years. Surely it’s time to stay, and enjoy the fruits of our labors.”
Karogth shakes his head, giving me a strange, piercing look. “We’re in danger here. Keep your weapons ready.”
Brutan flexes, his trap muscle taut. His hand inches closer to the hilt at his side. Korgath is wearing an Orb-Sword, but both Brutan and Arok have chosen Orb-Axes as their weapons – brutal-looking instruments that cleave Scorps as if they’re made of origami paper.
The three Aurelians exchange glances, then Brutan and Arok look at me with uncomprehending shock. I know they’re telepathing, and suddenly the grip of fear hits me. Something is going on. Something I don’t know – and yet I need to.
“What’s going on?” My voice is hushed, and yet they do not answer.
Trumpets blare out proudly, and the huge double doors of the throne room are opened.
I’ve never seen such majesty. The palace was beautiful on the outside, but the throne room is exquisite. It’s not filled with ornate gold and silver, but spartan and austere – the perfect representation of the Aurelian aesthetic. The throne itself is so huge a regular human male would disappear atop it.
Emperor Raegan fills it well, though. At his side is the beautiful Queen Jasmine – his bonded human bride, who has brought many sons into the world for the Aurelian Empire. Flanking Raegan are his two blood-brothers, Karan and Baldur. I know their names from the stories of their violence and skill in battle.
I understand it fully now.
I was a fool to think I could come here.
I should have left when I had the chance. My very presence puts Korgath, Brutan and Arok in danger. Korgath is here for a royal pardon, and yet he’s unwittingly come to the palace of the Emperor himself with one of the most wanted criminals in the universe at his side.
I hate myself for my stupidity.
But all is not lost yet.
All you have to do is get through this ceremony without being caught. Korgath has already said we’re leaving immediately afterward.
“The blood-triad of Korgath, Arok, and Brutan approaches! You see them in the noble armor of the Elites! They have been granted this status by Emperor Raegan!”
It’s the booming voice of an Aurelian guard, announcing our arrival as the trumpets stop. In a line, we all walk forward – receiving nods of respect from the crowd, who look at the blood-triad with pride…
…and at me with confusion.
I understand now. I’m not meant to be part of this. Korgath wants to keep me close and safe, and that’s why he keeps me near.
I look around and my mouth is dry. There are a hell of a lot of weapons in this room. Two dozen guards with drawn Orb-Halberds are at the ready – and they look like they’re about to explode with anticipated violence.
The four of us tread down the aisle slowly. I can feel the stress through the bond. Korgath is usually so calm and composed, but there’s an edge to his aura that makes me shiver.
Something is wrong.
Finally, we stand before the Emperor’s throne.
Raegan stands slowly.
“Korgath. Arok. Brutan. You are honored.”
The three Aurelians dip their heads slowly in respect. It’s the closest thing to a bow anyone will get out of Korgath.
“You are here to be judged,” proclaims the Emperor, and Korgath’s hand inches ever so slightly towards the hilt of his Orb-Blade.
At his side, Queen Jasmine’s eyes suddenly widen, and I see her glance at the Emperor.
I understand what’s happened instantly. She’s no floozy – no simple female breeding stock. Jasmine’s been watching intently, and she noticed the micro-movements in Korgath’s arm – which she transmitted by telepathy to her mate.
The whole feeling of the room changes. Raegan’s triad, Karan and Baldur, step forward, and a horrible sense of impending doom washes over me.
“Judged?” Korgath stands tall, his voice proud and strong. “I brought you the most hated slaver in the universe. He is to be judged, not me!”
There are murmurs of ascent in the watching crowd.
Emperor Raegan nods. “Yes. Yes, you did. And I have judged that the sins you have committed to bring him down are nothing compared to the value you have brought to our Empire. You and your triad are granted a Royal Pardon!”
There are cheers from the crowd. Xeres has been a hated force in the universe for as long as Aurelians can remember. Korgath is a hero…
…but there’s no sense of celebration through the bond.
He’s tense, as if Korgath is waiting for an asteroid to blast through the roof and crush us all.
“You will also pardon my men,” he says proudly. “They never killed a man who didn’t deserve such a fate.”
Emperor Raegan pauses. He’s a proud man, and I want to smack Korgath on the side of his thick head for his insolence. You don’t talk to an Emperor like that! Not if you want him to do your bidding.
The Emperor waits, considering. Then he nods. “Very well – but on one condition. From this day forth, you abide by our laws once again. Any crimes that your men commit from this point forward will be judged with twice the sentencing of a normal Aurelian. Do you agree?”
Korgath nods. “I agree.”
“Very well! Then I declare this a day of celebration!”
Cheers and yells ring out from the crowd.
Then the doors burst open.
Guards jump to action, bringing their halberds forward and putting themselves between the doors and the Emperor.
My heart drops.
The person who burst in…
…is Dorothy.
Dorothy. Korgath’s trusted assistant, from back on Titus. The woman I knew was madly in love with Korgath from the moment I met her.
I don’t know what she’s doing here. I don’t know how she followed us. All I know is that she points at me with a sneering, triumphant face.
“Her!”
I stiffen, staring at the hatred in Dorothy’s face.
“She’s not who she claims she is!” Dorothy’s voice echoes across the throne room. “She’s Ella Donbury – the jailbreaker! I have her DNA!”
All the stress and tension leaves from Korgath’s mind.
He was waiting for something like this.
His Orb-Blade suddenly hums to life, and before us the Emperor draws his own blade.
I scream in horror, understanding that I’m the reason Korgath’s triad is about to die.
All because of my foolish mistake.
Beams shoot from the upper levels of the throne room before blades can even flash into violence, and suddenly I can’t move. I’m frozen in place – and I see that Korgath, Brutan and Arok have all been hit by the same thing as me…
…cryo-beams.
Cryo-beams are weapons that instantly freeze all hit by them – both muscle and brain.
My thoughts slow as I try to shiver, and can’t.
Powerless, I fall sideways, right into the waiting arms of Jasmine, the Queen. She risked violence to rush to my side and catch me before I hit the ground hard. I feel a tiny surge of gratitude towards her as she slowly places me down on the ground.
As I lie frozen, I look up at her without understanding. All I know is that the beautiful future I’d dreamed of with my Aurelian triad is over.
My last thought is that at least the Cryo-beams froze my tria
d before they could die in battle defending me.
At least there is less blood on my hands than there could have been.
27
Korgath
Every muscle in my body aches.
I blink the gunk out of my eyes and sit stiffly up.
Where am I?
I look around and see that I’m in a bland cell. But it’s not as bland as it might appear.
The stone walls don’t fool me. Whoever is outside can look in.
This is a maximum security cell. Many of my lieutenants have been sent to these detentions, and it’s the type of cell that is difficult to get a criminal out of. Difficult for most people, at least.
It’s the same type of jail my bonded mate broke out one of the worst criminals in the universe from.
Now it’s my time to break her out.
I don’t hesitate a second. I clamber to my feet, and assess my situation.
It’s not good. I’m naked – my weapons, armor, and possessions are all gone.
But the Aurelian authorities missed one thing. They missed the tiny device still implanted in my ear. The one I’ve worn since capturing Xeres. It had been so invisible – so unnoticeable – that I’d never bothered to remove it, even as I prepared for the ceremony to meet the Emperor.
I move the micro-muscles in my ear, tapping out the signal for a red alert.
I am depending on my fleet of lieutenants and thugs to come rescue me – the network of criminals who’ve spent decades unknowingly working for an undercover agent.
Lieutenants I secured a royal pardon for, at least.
But while they’ve been loyal to me for decades, the news that I was secretly an undercover Aurelian Authority agent might sour them against me.
How can they trust me, when I hid the truth from them?
I push the useless thought from my brain. I can feel Ella, and I try to communicate with her – but the walls block all contact.
When they designed maximum security cells, the architects considered even then then-mythical powers of the bond.
I pace the room, feeling like a caged animal.
I have no choice but to wait.
