Elletra made her way belowdecks, as the crew began securing everything in anticipation for crossing the Main Fold. Hawkeye followed behind her, staring at her figure. He felt like she was about to disappear on him if he looked away.

Interrupting his thoughts, Gladstone quietly came up next to him. “The Captain would like a word with you.”

Elletra heard the whispers. She couldn’t help but overhear. But she knew it wasn’t time to pick a fight about being excluded. Not when they were about to start a fight with the man from her nightmares.

She pretended not to notice Gladstone behind her, and she walked to her quarters. She intended to sleep before this night really began.

All she did, though, was stare at the ceiling. Thoughts of Hawkeye and the Earl and a new war racing through her head like sharks stuck in a tank that was much too small.