Chapter 22 · I've killed plenty of things I didn't understand

Kael kept one arm around Nyx and aimed his pistol with the other. "I've killed plenty of things I didn't understand."

"That's why the Empire used you. Point, shoot, collect your credits. No questions."

Kael's jaw locked.

Nyx felt it. Her head turned slightly toward him.

Vargas smiled. "Did she tell you what happened on Station Nine? Or are you still playing hero because you need the fantasy?"

"Keep talking," Kael said. "Maybe you'll accidentally say something useful."

"You were there the night Nyx disappeared."

The words hit harder than the energy bolts.

Nyx went still in his arms.

Kael felt the change through the tether. Her artificial pulse skipped. His own followed.

"Don't," he said.

Vargas pulled one cable free. The ship shuddered beneath their feet.

"You stood beside her containment cradle. You watched the purge begin. Then you walked away with your payment."

Nyx looked at Kael. "Is that true?"

"Not like he says."

"That's not an answer."

"Because there isn't time for the whole story."

"There is time for one sentence."

Kael lowered the pistol a fraction. "I didn't sell you."

"You were there."

"Yes.