CURLED IN WARM tentacles, Render dozed. Words rumbled near his head. The alien’s voice brought him out of his sleep.

“Yes. The main reason I am visiting your planet is to learn.”

Daris must be answering Toren’s question, but he didn’t hear the beginning.

“Being here isn’t about visiting Queen Shay, although I enjoy getting to know her.”

Render opened his eyes and scrubbed a hand over his face.

“But you already know everything about ...