Page 288 of Reaper Said Mine

“I received it.”

“Everyone received part of it.”

“Good.”

She looks at me. “This changes things.”

“Yes.”

“Those prisoners know who sent them.”

“They will tell us.”

“And if they don’t?”

I look at the captured boarders, then back at her. “Then we will make the truth more uncomfortable than silence.”

Her eyes soften for half a breath. “You really are learning.”

“Do not sound so surprised.”

“I am trying not to.”

Black Mercy shudders as we cross back aboard. Drokk yells over the internal channel, “Hostiles in range in ninety seconds!”

I guide Ursa into the medical bay and lower her onto the first cot. The medic descends on her with scanners, foam, and the grim enthusiasm of someone about to tell a stubborn person to sit still.

Ursa catches my wrist before I can step away.

Her grip is weak.

It still stops me.

“Gnash.”

I look down at her.

The gunship vibrates as engines power for escape. Warriors shout. Prisoners groan. Coalition interceptors exchange fire outside. The entire ship smells of sweat, blood, smoke, and the wild electric stink of survival.

“I need to yell at you later,” she says.

“I know.”

“I need you alive for that.”

My chest tightens.

“I know that too.”

Her eyes shine, fierce and wet. “Don’t leave me again without telling me why.”

The blade finds the old wound between us.

I close my hand over hers. “Never.”

She searches my face, then nods once because it is all either of us has time for.

I bend and press my mouth to her knuckles, where blood and soot stain her skin. It is not enough. Nothing would be enough.