KNEELING, RENDER COULDN’T believe how easily Daris got naked and on the bed of Nebos. The next king told him to kneel naked next to Tory, and he did. Some mysterious part of him found the alien’s authority arousing.

As he waited next to his love, his fire crackled. He was anxious but also excited. Worry was at war with his yearning. Render had no idea how to take someone’s innocence, but at the same time, he wouldn’t back down.

A bit of rebellion churned in his brain. ...