Chapter 20: Building Defenses

A throat cleared from the holding unit door, and Maz, Scion, and Alayna turned to see Bryce standing, arms crossed.

“I was lied to,” Bryce said. “I will be launching an attack on the Capital Basin immediately after we withdraw from Ahker. We’ll need a blood sample from you for our database. We can track your DNA should you ever escape.”

Alayna squeezed her eyes shut as Bryce stormed into the hallway. Maz’s and Scion’s implants flashed.

“A message,” Maz said.

He exchanged glances with Scion, and said, “It’s Nessa.”

Scion played the message.

“We’re putting in temporary fortresses per my orders,” she had said.

Alayna had a cold sensation throughout her body, and gazed into the distance. A moment later, in the hallway, she power-walked, following Bryce.

“Please,” she said. “You have the power to stop the war. These are innocent creatures. This was their planet.”

Bryce paused and stared at nothing.