The others listened silently when Zenya told them what happened to Desi and Corla.

Nicolas saw their grief, but he also saw their quiet acceptance.

This wasn't right. Women should not be this beaten down. No one should. Talya was the only one to let tears run down her face. The others grieved silently while they continued their journey.

During the next hour, thoughts fired rapidly through Nicolas's brain. He reached for Zenya's hand and pulled her close to his ...