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“No problem,” Eden said.

They took a moment to arrange Daisy before carrying her out of the cage.

“Lay her down,” the Gente said.

More footsteps approached, and two more Gente appeared. They saluted the other one.

“Take this Human for an examination. Treat the worst of her injuries and make sure she’s stable. They’ll be put to work soon.”

Wren’s pulse careened, and her breathing turned shallow. There had to be a way out of this nightmare.

“Be careful with her,” Eden said as the Gente lifted her. “You hurt a hair on her head and I’m coming for you.”

“Back in the cage,” the Gente in command said. “Your turn will come.”

“I thought you were treating us, too,” Wren said.

“Soon. You, in the cage.” He pointed at Eden.

Eden caught hold of Wren’s hand. “Not without her.”

He lunged at Eden, slammed her against the cage and lifted her off her feet. “You will learn to obey us. We own you now.” He swung her in the air and tossed her into the cage as if she weighed nothing.

“Eden!” Wren tried to run to her, but the Gente grabbed her around the waist and shoved her away from the cage.

“Not you. I have plans for you. We made a deal. Your friend receives treatment, and you join with me.”

Wren backed away, her hands out in front of her. “Screw you. I didn’t make that deal. I’d never agree to that.”

“Shall I have them bring your friend back? You can sit in the cage together and watch her die.”

“Wren, don’t go with him.” Eden dragged herself off the floor and clung to the bars. “They won’t let Daisy die. We’re too valuable to them.”

“If one of you dies, there are still two others.” The Gente lunged at Wren.

She dodged out of his reach, the evil smile he gave her snaking chills up her spine.

He pulled his gun and pointed it at her head.

Wren’s gaze skittered around. If she could get to the door, she could make a run for it, but then she’d be leaving Eden behind.

The Gente shook his head. “You can try, but you won’t get far. There are nine other Gente on this ship just desperate to sample you. We’ll catch you, eventually. And when we do, it won’t be pleasant.”

“We’ll kill you all,” Eden said.

The same smug look appeared on the Gente’s face as he gestured with his gun toward the door. “You can try, but you’ll fail.”

Wren needed her friends safe. Daisy’s injuries would be treated, and Eden would be left alone for now. Once she was out of here, she’d find a way to cause a distraction and get her hands on a weapon.

Wren turned toward the door.

“Don’t do it,” Eden said.

“I’ll be okay. You take care of yourself. Don’t worry. I’ll be back,” Wren said.

“Move.” The Gente prodded her with the gun.

She cast one last look at Eden before walking into the corridor.