Page 41 of Aurelian Prisoner

"Good. Safe travels, men."

The feed cuts out before we can bid farewell – but that’s typical of Inspector General Haratar. He always was straight to the point – and never too scared to bring up uncomfortable details.

Daccia turns and looks me dead in the eyes. His slate-grey gaze mirrors mine, but his look is hard as stone right now.

"Iknowyour nature, Hadrian,” our leader warns. “You willnotsnap, do you understand? If you do, I'll cast you out of this ship."

I clench my fists. Daccia might be our leader, but he doesn’townme.

"We'll see, Daccia,” I growl. “We'll see."

Daccia opens his mouth to retort – but then an icon lights up on the console.

Daccia glances at it, and furrows his brows.

"It'sher. She’s requesting communication."

Kitos sighs. "Sheisallowed it. Even in the punishment brig, she’s allowed one communication per day, minimum – and we’re obligated to answer."

So, she wants to talk with us. I don't know if I should be here to listen. Justlookingat that perfect specimen of human femininity will drive me mad with desire…

…and yet, I can’t stop myself from wanting to see her.

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