“Helena, this is Leon Kane,” introduced the commander, and it was then that the man turned his gaze from Lina to me. His reddish-brown eyes stared at me completely empty, seeming not to notice me.

He, unlike James, didn’t smile at me.

“Madam, welcome,” he said in a distant voice.

So without saying another word, and with one last empty look at Lina, who was next to me, he left in stride.

“Did I offend you?” I asked, confused.

“I fear I am the ...