Then I realize I called them “my triad” in my head.
I’d finally accepted them as mine.
But I wonder if they could ever see me in that way again.
Charles shakes his head.
“I’m sorry, but that’s not going to happen. You’re the victim in this case. Daccia, Kitos, and Hadrian aren’t going to be allowed to see you again – not until you’re watching them in the arena of the Gods as judgement is passed. Their heads will roll, I promise you that.”
My stomach twists and turns as I imagine Kitos head lying severed on the blood-soaked sands of the Arena of the Gods – a brutal place where Aurelians pass judgement upon the perpetrators of the most severe crimes, and matters of honor are resolved with brutal battles; live feeds from which are broadcast all across the universe.
“When is the trial?”
“Tomorrow,” Charles states coldly. “Queen Jasmine is going to send a message by punishing these rapists. Human and Aurelian relations have been going the right way ever since she took the throne, over two-hundred years ago – but allowing these three Aurelians to get off easy would send the wrong message to every Aurelian who disagrees with her policies.”
Oh, Gods – politics will be the death of my beloved trio.
“Rest assured – justice will be swift for those three. Now, please - follow me. I’ll take you to the hospital. We have the best doctor in the city awaiting you for removal of the Bond-disruptor.”
I nod mutely - reluctantly following him out of the landing bay and into the bright sunlight of the Aurelian home world.
I’m already grieving. I can’t feel the auras of the three men who care so deeply for me – and that makes this all so much worse. I can’t even explain to them what happened.
They must think that I orchestrated this betrayal. They must be living with such a hatred for me at this very moment. They must be cursing the day they’d ever Bonded with me.
If only I could convince Queen Jasmine not to execute them.
Charles’ words suddenly echo in my mind. My triad is going to be made an example of...
I feel like I’m walking in a trance as Charles helps me into a shuttle. We fly straight to one of Colossus’ premiere hospitals. I try to stay alert as we travel there, but I’m just dazed.
We arrive, and the hospital is spotlessly clean and sterile – typical of the high standards of Aurelian society.
There, an Aurelian doctor explains how the helmet was affixed into my skull. Torelli placed it there through a crude operation. It will need actually surgery to remove.
That should have been a horrific thought – but in truth I barely register his words. All I can think about is the image of my beloved triad, each having their heads cut off one-by-one in front of a baying crowd of thousands.
I’m sedated in a medical chair, just like the one on the Reaver, while the huge, Aurelian doctor looks down at me with implacable eyes.
I feel the sting of sedation, and I let myself fall into the abyss before the surgery begins.
As long as my triad is there – in my head, when I wake up – everything will be better.
27
Allie
I blink as I come back into existence. There’s a dull throb of pain in my temples.
“The operation was a success.” The Aurelian doctor is looking down at me. “We removed the helmet with no complications.”
My heart pounds as I reach into my mind…
…and feel nothing.
“Did they kill them already?” I sob. “Are they dead?”
The Doctor narrows his eyes. “No, no. Daccia’s triad are in Orb-Cells. They’re designed to block the Bond, just as this device was. You won’t feel them.”
I gasp with relief, knowing my triad is still alive.
“Ms. Tabber – are you well enough to attend the trial?”
I nod quickly. I feel dizzy, but there’s no way I’m going to let my triad die without me begging Queen Jasmine to grant them mercy.
I stand up… and nearly topple over.
“Easy,” the doctor supports me. “You need rest. I’m going to recommend that you spend at least two days in recovery.”
I pull myself to my full height. I may not be able to feel the Bond right now, but I’ve still gained its benefits. I’m stronger than ever before – and more resilient.
I stare into the doctor’s slate-grey eyes.
“I need to do this,” I tell him. “I need to face them.”
The doctor pauses – and then nods, signing the release forms. He hands me a ring, which hums with the power of the Orbs. It’s black and draws in the light.
“What is this?”
“You’ll need to wear it if you want to attend the trial – by order of Queen Jasmine herself.”
I examine the ring in my hand. It glows with an otherworldly blue-black light, just like other tools and weapons made from the mysterious material of an Orb.
“It’s an Orb-Ring,” the doctor explains. “It will mute the Bond between you and your triad. It’s the only way to guarantee a fair trial – so neither you, or they will be able to use telepathic communication to impact the verdict.”
I stare at the hateful, black technology in my palm.
Oblivious to my torment, the doctor states: “There are two Law Enforcement agents outside the doors right now. I recommend you keep that ring on – or they won’t allow you to see your abusers stand trial.”
I nod. “Fine.”
I reluctantly put on the ring. When the Aurelians get out of their cells, I now won’t be able to feel the reassuring presence of their auras – but as long as I can physically see them – to confirm with my own eyes that they exist, and are still alive for now – that will be enough for me.
I exit the room. Two huge, Aurelian Elites await me. They’re wearing armor
