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  Lilith looked beautiful. Her thick, wavy brown hair flowed free around her round face and down past her shoulders, the light catching in the many shades of highlights. Her big brown eyes were accented by smoky makeup that made her look exotic and sensual.

  “Hey, Lil. I see life in Sanctuary has been good to you.”

  Lilith’s smile chased whatever shadows hovered around her from the room. No doubt love had been very good to her too. “It has its moments.” Her smile dimmed as she studied Stacia’s hologram. “You’re looking better too. The scars are starting to fade. A few more surgeries and—”

  “I’m done with surgery. I’m done with the medications.” She gestured to her face and body, a body now much heavier than it had ever been because of the side effects of the many medications she’d been given. “This is it. This is who I am now.”

  Lilith frowned. “There’s nothing wrong with the way you look now, Stacia. The scars are not that bad and you always complained about being too skinny, so at least now you have some meat on your bones, right?”

  Lilith’s optimism frustrated her. Her best friend couldn’t understand how much the change in her appearance truly bothered her. She hated it, but not as much as she hated the constant doctors’ appointments, the grueling surgeries, and the months of healing afterwards. When the bone grown from her own tissue failed to take, she’d had to have a jawbone made from metalline. When her skin cells didn’t duplicate in the lab as the doctors expected, she’d had to have multiple grafts taken from her abdomen, leaving scars there as well. She was simply done with being sick from the constant side effects of the pain killers, steroids, cellular boosters, hormones, and anti-rejection medication.

  “You’re supposed to talk me into continuing, just like the doctors have been trying to do.”

  Lilith’s smile was sad. “I know some of your problems are my fault. I didn’t apply the bandages correctly. The cellular regenerative was—”

  “Experimental.” Stacia shook her head at Lilith. “I sure hope to the nine hells you aren’t beating yourself up over that. It wasn’t your fault it interfered with the reconstruction process. You saved my life, Lilith! Don’t think I’ll ever forget that. I don’t blame you.”

  There was a heavy sigh from Lilith’s end. “Stace, I just want to see you happy again. Don’t define yourself by your scars. You fought against a Lord and survived the experience! You came out of it with scars, but you’re stronger for it.”

  Stacia laughed without mirth. “You really believe that?”

  Lilith shrugged. “I know things have changed, and I know you’ve been hurt, and not just physically. But you’re Stacia Dornan! Nothing has ever kept you down for long. I’ve always admired that about you. Now it’s time to show the world that you can handle whatever it throws at you.”

  “Nice speech. Sounds like you’ve been practicing.”

  A flush crept up Lilith’s neck as she cleared her throat. “Was it that obvious?”

  Despite her mood, Stacia couldn’t help but laugh at Lilith’s sheepish expression. “It was almost natural. You’ve come a long way, Lil. Acting as liaison between humans and umbrose must be responsible for all this ‘motivational’ talk.”

  Setting her jaw, Lilith leaned towards her comm-link. “My concern for you is what’s responsible for that speech, Stacia. I don’t like to see you like this. You’ve done nothing since you returned to Dome City but hide in the Hub behind a mask, avoiding people. I know that half the time you even avoid my comm-links.”

  Resentment tightened Stacia’s throat. “Should I find myself a lover, like you have?” Thoughts of Jack Caruthers—and how he’d used her and lied to her—made her words taste sour as they passed over her tongue. How easy to see the positive when you’re in love. That’s all Lilith can see now.

  Lilith’s rueful smile dismissed Stacia’s tone. “It couldn’t hurt, but the Stacia I know doesn’t need anyone else to give her a sense of worth.”

  “I’m not that Stacia anymore.” The thought of taking a lover sent a spike of loneliness into her chest where her heart still lay bruised and battered. There probably were men who would ignore the scars because she was rich. There might even be men who’d be willing to look past the scars, but she was afraid that beneath those scars there wasn’t anything left to see.

  Lilith rolled her eyes. “No. You’re more mature, now. Life isn’t just a game to you anymore.”

  It was true that she’d been somewhat wild before, but even Lilith didn’t truly understand what had always driven Stacia. She barely understood it herself, despite the psychological counseling she’d reluctantly submitted to since her wounding. Better to just change the subject before she got angry at her friend. “So, how’s everything going with you?”

  Lilith shrugged. “It’s going well, but I still feel like an outsider sometimes. I miss you.” A wide grin stretched her lips. “But, I didn’t call you to rehash old ground anyway. I wanted to give you a heads-up.”

  “About what?”

  “You might be hearing from Dornan Industries soon.”

  “I signed Dornan Industries over to the board. I’ve had nothing to do with them since then.” She studied Lilith’s face, looking for the clues her best friend couldn’t help giving away. Judging by the way Lilith toyed with the hair hanging over her shoulder, she was nervous and uncertain despite her smile. “How would you know this?”

  Lilith chewed her lip. “Well… I am the liaison for all human contact with the umbrose.”

  “And what does this have to do with me?” Stacia’s intuition about Lilith hadn’t failed her. The lip chewing and hair-twisting was a definite sign that something was bothering Lilith about this whole conversation.

  “I’ve been in contact with Dornan Industries. They’ve been trying to arrange a meeting with the prince of the umbrose, but he’s….” She glanced around as if afraid she’d be overheard. A frown line creased the smooth skin between her brows. “He isn’t always accommodating. But he’s finally decided to grant Dornan Industries a meeting… if they send you as their representative.”

  “Me? How would the umbrose prince even know about me?” She remembered the prince as a twisted and broken body, suspended in the adurian tower by golden chains and pierced by swords. Somehow, he’d survived his wounds, but she’d never seen him after that. “Please tell me you didn’t volunteer me!”

  Lilith shook her head emphatically. “No, I would never do that to you!” Her eyes widened and she looked around again. Her nervous behavior only increased Stacia’s confusion and concern. “Listen, somehow he’s heard of you. Possibly during the meeting with the Commemoro after his rescue, or from Ranove. I don’t know. But however it happened, he requested you personally.” Lilith shrugged. “I can’t fathom his reasons. I’m still trying to figure Ranove out.” She smiled softly at the mention of her umbrose mate, and Stacia pushed away her envy because she was happy for her best friend. Lilith’s smile faded. “Balfor is nothing like Ranove.”

  “You really think Dornan Industries will ask me to meet with this prince? Even though I’m no longer a part of the company?” A spark of excitement at the prospect surprised her. She hadn’t believed she was capable of feeling anything anymore.

  “I think it’s a good possibility. Dome City isn’t doing very well. I’m sure you’re aware of all the problems. I’d like to see trade open up between humans and umbrose, because DC needs it. But I would understand your hesitation.”

  Stacia rubbed her jaw, a habit she found difficult to break, especially when preoccupied. “You think I should go if they ask me.” She looked away from Lilith’s holo-image, taking note of the cramped apartment. It was quiet except for the hum of appliances and the dull throb of music from below, and sterile, not at all like the exuberant color schemes she’d once preferred. “I haven’t been trained for business negotiations.”

  Lilith chuckled. “You’ve taken classes in everything. I’m sure there were one or two business classes in there.”r />
  “A couple of introductory classes haven’t prepared me to handle complex trade negotiations with the umbrose. I wouldn’t have any idea what to do or how to act.”

  “I know it’s a lot to ask. I’m sure Dornan Industries has experts who can train you. It’s up to you, of course.” She looked away from the camera. “But I don’t think Balfor will deal with anyone else.”

  Which meant Dome City went without the resources that could help them rebuild and get back on their feet economically. Stacia had already donated millions of credits in an effort to alleviate all the issues caused by the short and brutal war between the rebels and the Diakonos. Everything she’d poured into the various charities hardly seemed to make a dent. What remained of her fortune was tied up in assets she couldn’t liquidate in this economy, so there wasn’t much else she could do to help. Except that now, there might be, if she dared to listen to the pull of adventure that had always gotten her into trouble before.

  “Stacia.” Lilith’s voice broke into her reverie. “The umbrose females always wear veils in public to cover the lower half of their faces. I’m sure they would expect you to do the same while in the city.”

  It might seem like a small thing, but the idea made Stacia feel a little better. Wearing a veil meant her scars would be covered. For the first time since she’d awakened in the medical bay after her jaw was torn away, it wasn’t just vanity that made her want to hide her face. She might have an advantage during negotiations with most of her expressions hidden. Facing off against the mysterious Prince Balfor, she would take any advantage she could get.

  Chapter 3

  Stacia still hadn’t decided whether she was going to take the job when Dornan Industries finally did contact her. It was the president of the company who made the call, and he didn’t look any happier than Stacia to be in touch with her. He also wasn’t pleased that she insisted on a one-way cam-link so she could see his face, but he couldn’t see hers. Her identi-code verified her identity, so he had no choice but to accept her terms or cancel the link. He chose the former, which only told Stacia how desperate he must be.

  The way he summarized the request told her that he didn’t believe she’d agree to it and didn’t like wasting his time on a dead end. Perhaps it was his tone and attitude that made up her mind for her or maybe it was the time spent thinking about it in the cold, gray apartment where she’d been cooped up since she’d returned to Dome City. Lilith had been right. Stacia had been feeling sorry for herself and that wasn’t like her. At least, it wasn’t like the person she used to be.

  “I’ll do it.” She liked watching the expression of shock flicker across the president’s face, followed by uncertainty, quickly concealed by an impassive expression she didn’t buy for one moment. She’d never liked the man. He’d worked for her father for decades, and though he ran the company well— especially after her father’s death at the hands of a mob of agitators—he’d made no attempt to hide his contempt for Richard Dornan’s daughter whenever they met. Her rebellious behavior had never been a secret to her father’s closest employees. He’d barely managed civility when she’d signed over the company after claiming her inheritance in the wake of the revolution.

  “I’ll send a courier with the details and travel arrangements.” His expression hardened. “The negotiations are already laid out: what we want, what we’re willing to provide in return. You don’t have the training necessary for this task, so don’t deviate from those documents.”

  She grinned at his words. He didn’t trust her, and yet he had to rely on her. The prince of the umbrose had given her an unexpected gift by insisting on dealing only with her. She got to make this bastard sweat. “What if the prince doesn’t agree to our terms?”

  A deep frown etched the man’s brow. “There are multiple counter-offers in the documentation. I expect you will read up on all the options before you’re presented to Prince Balfor. If he accepts none of them,” the president looked away from the camera, “then there’s little we can do. If, however, he has counter-offers of his own, we’re sending along a trained representative with you. You’ll pass on the information to her, and she’ll decide if we can accept the negotiation or if she needs to contact us.”

  It was Stacia’s turn to frown. “I don’t want company.”

  The president tapped his fingers on his desktop in a manner that looked habitual. “That’s not up to you. We have agreed to pay you a large sum of credits to perform this task for us, and even more if you’re successful. In return you can—”

  “I don’t give a damn about the credits!” The real reason she was doing this was for Dome City, and yes, even for her own benefit. Getting out of DC, seeing Lilith again, and being one of the first humans to see Sanctuary would all be worth more than the credits DI was offering. “Not that I don’t expect you to pay the market rate for the service I’m providing, and not a credit less.”

  His small smile didn’t come near his eyes. “Your contract has already been sent to you. I trust you will find it in your message cache. If you haven’t received it, comm-link my secretary. As for the rest of the information, you’ll need to wait for the courier. I expect you to keep everything you receive confidential.”

  Stacia’s sharp laugh was filled with bitterness. “I know how to keep a secret.”

  The president’s answering frown revealed all his contempt for her. “We’re well aware of that.”

  She was glad to end the comm-link with the president of Dornan Industries. She had no good memories of that company. DI had consumed her father’s life, up until the very moment of his death. Even when her father had believed her a captive of the rebels—and had paid a fortune in credits to the Commemoro for her safety—he’d continued to work, just as he had when her mother had died three months before Stacia’s seventh birthday. DI and her father had been inseparable. She hadn’t hesitated to offload the company the moment probate ended and it was legally in her name.

  Now that she’d committed to her decision to travel to Sanctuary, nervous energy filled Stacia. Folding away her lounger and multi-console, she cleared a space in her front room to exercise. It had been a long time since she’d moved through any of the katas she’d been taught while serving in the Commemoro. Her doctors had warned her about exercising too heavily during her healing process, which was probably one reason she’d put on so much extra weight. She’d always been physically active before.

  Moving through the martial arts steps helped her focus. As she controlled her breathing, focusing on form, power, and speed, she wondered why she hadn’t been doing this all along. It felt good to challenge her weakened muscles and feel blood warming her limbs. She was a fighter. Lilith was right. She was strong, and now that the worst was over, it was time for her to heal.

  *****

  The officious DI representative who’d greeted Stacia at the air-center entrance led her to a luxurious transport cruiser emblazoned with the company logo. Covered by her breather mask, Stacia felt better about meeting the people standing on the transport pad next to the cruiser waiting for her to join them. Her minimal luggage had already been loaded.

  Tension kept her muscles tight in her back and shoulders and the mask amplified her erratic breathing as they approached the two people who would be traveling with her to Sanctuary. The woman was athletically-built and taller than Stacia by a few inches. She had the pale skin of someone who didn’t spend much time in the filtered sunlight that came through the domes, yet her dark hair and dark eyes complemented an attractive face, and her smile was bright and friendly as she held out a hand to Stacia. “My name’s Candace Evans. I’m the Chief Contract Specialist for Dornan Industries, Special Projects Division. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Dornan. Your father was a highly respected man.”

  Tears threatened at the mention of her father, but Stacia willed them away. Her father had been publically admired, but few had loved him and none as much as his daughter. The mention of him would always sting; she only hoped she
would eventually grow numb to it. “It’s nice to meet you as well, Ms. Evans. I have to say, it’ll be a relief having an expert to help me.”

  Candace laughed. “Please, call me Candace. I assure you, I’ll help you with whatever you need for this negotiation, but I have the utmost confidence you’ll do well. We’re not the only ones who need this trade deal.”

  The other person was a handsome man with dark brown skin, dark eyes, and close-cropped black hair. He looked like he worked out every day and carried himself with the confidence that suggested his muscles came from combat training rather than a gym. He introduced himself as Gideon Walker, head of DI Security. “Most people call me Deon.” His smile revealed brilliant white teeth. “I prefer it to Giddy.”

  Stacia laughed, feeling more at ease.

  Deon’s smile faded once he’d shaken her hand. He stepped back to gesture for her to precede him into the cruiser. “I would have liked to bring along my security team, but DI felt that was too confrontational.” He shrugged broad shoulders beneath a gray suit jacket with a Dornan Industries patch on the shoulder. “Not to make you nervous, but truth is, even an entire team as good as mine would have a problem going up against the umbrose in their home territory.”

  Candace followed behind Stacia as they boarded the cruiser. “We’re not going there for combat, so don’t concern yourself about it. Deon is only coming along for appearances.”

  Chapter 4

  During the hours of flight, Stacia remained mostly silent while Deon and Candace told her what they knew about the umbrose. It turned out to be less than she already knew. She was grateful Lilith would be the one to greet them in Sanctuary and hoped she could tell her quite a bit more.

  When she’d been part of the Commemoro, she’d done some study on the adurians, but most of the data had been compartmentalized so she hadn’t had access to it. The same had been true about the umbrose. What humans knew about their winged neighbors was also limited by the secretive natures of those species.