Heat stung her cheeks. Unwilling to comment, she returned her attention to Syn’s mobile.

There was so much tension and animosity in that room that she felt terrible for Darling. She couldn’t imagine having to stay so controlled while facing so many people who loathed her.

The gerent leader stepped forward. “You still haven’t told us what you intend to do with the Resistance… my lord governor.”

Wow, it was impressive how he made that title sound like an insult.

“I will deal with them.”

Laughter rang out again from the group.

“As you dealt with them before?” His features smug, the leader swept his gaze around the room. “I wonder whose name they’ll carve into your face this time.”

Rage darkened her sight at that verbal blow. She started for the counsel room, but Maris stopped her.

“You can’t go in there,” he warned.

“So I’m supposed to stand here, listening to them attack him and do nothing? You’re asking too much of me, Mari.” She gestured to Syn’s mobile. “That was so wrong.”

Worse, it was unbelievably cruel.

Sadness darkened Maris’s eyes. “But it’s not the worst he’s had to suffer. Believe me.”

She winced at a truth that made her want to kill someone. It was one thing to be told about the horrors Darling had suffered. It was another to watch it happen.

Syn turned his device off. “That’s enough of that.” He glanced to Nykyrian. “You know, I can find that man’s address. Accidents happen all the time.”

“They do, indeed,” Nykyrian said with a sigh, “but unfortunately, Darling would explode if we interfered with his governorship.”

Syn growled deep in his throat. “Damn shame that.”

“Yes, it is.” Zarya was far from satisfied. “Can I at least kick the gerent some place that counts?” She glanced to Syn. “I can always say that, too, was an accident.”

Syn laughed. “You’re such a perfect addition to our crew.”

Maybe, but she couldn’t get past one truth that kept slapping her in the face. “I’m a detriment to Darling, aren’t I?”

“No,” Maris said firmly. “If not for you, we wouldn’t have him at all. You weren’t here, Zarya. You didn’t see him when he was first released from the hospital.”

“He’s right about that.” Caillen jerked his chin toward the mobile. “That is not the same man who was walking around wired in explosives, daring people to attack him. He’s sane again. And I have to be honest, I didn’t really think anyone could reach him and bring him back to us.”

Indignant, Maris stiffened. “Is that why you told me to do it?”

Caillen grinned impishly at him. “I figured you were the least likely to be gutted if you failed.”

“Oh thank you, Cai. You’re so considerate.”

Zarya started to speak, then paused as she caught sight of Kyr in the doorway. He was staring a hole through Nykyrian.

Syn nudged Nykyrian slightly to get his attention. “Look, Kip. Your friend wants to say hi.”