Page 23 of Honor Bound

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The soft whisper of the wind through the garden suddenly gave way to a low, mechanical hum—growing louder, sharper. Roan stiffened, his lips still pressed against Julia’s. His body tensed at the unmistakable sound of a Legion military transport broke through his desire.

His breath left him in a slow exhale as he pulled away from Julia, his gaze locking onto hers.

She heard it too. He was too late. He had been discovered.

Julia’s wide eyes flickered with a mix of understanding, fear, and something else—determination.

“Stay inside,” Roan ordered, his voice low but firm. “Find somewhere to hide.”

Julia hesitated before she gave a tight nod and turned away from the window. He watched her disappear inside her bedroom before he stepped out of the front door of the hut into the garden where his grandfather was already standing, his cloudy gaze fixed on the sky.

Four Legion battle transports hovered above the island, scarred and predatory, their weapons gleaming ominously against the daylight. A fifth, sleeker transport descended toward the ground, landing with a force that sent dust spiraling into the air not far from his starship.

Roan’s jaw clenched as his grandfather turned to him, the old man’s expression unreadable at first. But then Calstar smiled—a sad, knowing smile.

“Grandfather…” Roan started, but his voice trailed off at the look in the older man’s eyes.

“There is nothing to fear,” Calstar said softly, placing a gentle hand on Roan’s arm. “Even when all seems lost, hope will come when you least expect it.” His focus sharpened, as if seeing something beyond the moment. “Do not fight what is about to happen. I am ready… and so are our people. Your grandmother knows. She will stand with you.”

Roan’s throat tightened.

Calstar’s riddles were usually playful, but this time, a bone-chilling certainty vibrated in his voice. Roan had the odd sensation that his grandfather had a vision of what was to come—and was trying to reassure him. Before Roan could demand an explanation, heavy boots pounded against the stone.

He turned, his breath slowing as he met the steely gray eyes of General Coleridge Landais.

His father.

Dressed in his black Legion uniform, Coleridge moved with cold precision, every inch of him hardened by war. His scarred face was as unreadable as ever, silver hair cropped short, his steely stare like a blade honed to a razor’s edge.

The tension between them stretched tight as a tripwire.

“Roan.”

His father’s voice held no warmth, no acknowledgment of blood ties.

“What are you doing here?”

Roan met his father’s stern stare without flinching. “Visiting family.”

Coleridge’s expression didn’t change, but something in his eyes darkened.

“My sources tell me you are hiding one of the strangers.”

Roan remained silent. He knew it would be fruitless to deny it. Dorane had been correct in his assessment not to trust anyone. He would discover who had betrayed him… and return the favor. His chin lifted and he raised an eyebrow. His father’s lips curled in displeasure.

“You are a disappoint. One I should have dealt with long ago. Secure him.”

The order came with a flick of his wrist. Roan held still as four soldiers moved instantly. He tensed as two of them seized his arms. Their grips were iron shackles, unyielding.

He didn’t fight. Not yet. His grandfather’s soft early warning had cautioned him that there would be a time and a place to resist—hopefully away from Julia and his grandfather.

He stiffened when his grandfather’s shaky voice cut through the rising tension. His attention flickered to his grandfather’s face. The old man was staring back at him with love and regret. Confusion filled Roan.

“You are the one who is a disappointment. Nia warned you that your greed and desire for power would bring downfall to you and your brother. That is why?—”

“Stay out of this, old man.”

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