“It’s unfortunate news about the Unaffecteds, Majesty,” Darai said. “But Zahn and I had a meeting with Aclisia just this morning, and she assured us that we are still on course for Phase Two. Construction of Nexus is continuing on schedule, and Aclisia is making considerable progress on her efforts to adapt the Zenith virus for use in the satellite transmission system.” He paused for a moment, then added, “And I feel inclined to remind you that we expected there to be some...” Darai waved a hand, as if searching for an explanation just out of reach. “...some flaws when we unleashed the virus on the galaxy.”

“Yes, yes,” Nor snapped impatiently. “But we never expected these Unaffecteds to have banded together so quickly. It’s been less than a month, and they’ve already shown considerable coordination and strength.”

“Laughable strength, Majesty,” the producer said. When Nor turned to glare at him, he seemed to realize he’d spoken out of turn, and shrank back into the shadows of the room.

Nor looked back to Darai. “We never anticipated that they would have such finesse in the way they’re attacking. It’s as if they’re being led.”

Zahn interjected before Darai could respond. “By whom?” he asked. “A shivering child? Their attacks are pathetic.” He moved to stand behind Nor, resting his hands on her shoulders. “Their attempts are merely a fear tactic, and one that has already been dismissed. We’ve imprisoned all the Unaffecteds we’ve been able to find, and we’ve heightened our security measures at every military base on the capital planets. They won’t find it so easy to resist for much longer.”

Zahn’s touch and reassuring words soothed her somewhat, but not enough to dispel the anxiety Nor found herself feeling more and more every day.

“You look like you’re in pain,” Darai said. “Smile, Nor. This problem will be solved soon.”

“And the problem of Valen?” Nor asked suddenly, thinking again of her brother’s health.

Darai gave a curt nod. “The boy is pushing himself to his limits. But I have seen power like his before. He will endure.”

Nor met her uncle’s gaze. They both knew where Darai had seen such things before. Abilities like Valen’s, like their mother’s, weren’t found among any of the many races that populated Mirabel. No—that power hailed from somewhere else, a place that was as yet out of their reach.

But not for much longer. Not if their plans came to fruition, as Nor hoped.

“What if he doesn’t?” she asked. “We cannot push him so far that we lose him. I won’t do that to my brother, and our mission will fail without him.”

Darai frowned, then turned away to busy himself with something across the room.