For once, Jaxon actually listened to her. She couldn’t feel him shadowing her anymore. And this time Atrea didn’t feel any weird twinge about the lack.

Thank the Mother.

She needed a drink. It wasn’t too early for that, right? This was a pirate ship, after all. In space. Day and night were just ephemeral concepts anyway, out here in the black. She started for the bar, but quickly changed direction. She didn’t just want a drink. She wanted one with her best friend.

By the time she reached...