“It was for our allies. So that they’d know why we were running from SpaceTech. And to warn anyone allied with SpaceTech to stay out of our way. I know you’re going to be upset about it, but you have nothing to be ashamed of. I hope one day you’ll understand that. But right now, we’re too close to the Hestalon and Zktra systems, otherwise…”

Another blast hit the ship, and an Aunare voice started speaking.

My eyes grew wide as I saw the fear on Declan’s face. “What’s it saying?”

“Our shields are almost done,” Lorne said. “I’m diverting power, but…”

No. I wasn’t getting captured by SpaceTech. Neither was Declan. Neither was the crown prince of the Aunare.

I licked my lips. “How long does a jump take?”

“Seconds.”

I took a breath. “I can hold on.” I really hoped I wasn’t lying, but even if I was, I didn’t care.

“It’ll be excruciating!” Lorne yelled.

“I can do anything for a few seconds. I know that much by now.” That wasn’t a lie.

“She can take it,” Declan said as he stood up.

Lorne stormed over to us, shoving Declan. “You miserable piece of—”

“She can take it.” Audrey gripped my hand in hers.

We’d been through this before. We could do it again.

“She can take it.” Ahiga stepped forward.

I took a breath.

Lorne had to jump. He had to believe them.

“I wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true,” Tyler said, and I could’ve kissed him for it. “Girl has been through a hell of a lot. I can’t pretend to know what you’re talking about, but if it’s pain, she can take it.”

Lorne looked at me. “I can’t risk it. I can’t.”

I was scared. There was no doubt about that. I didn’t want to die, but more than that, I couldn’t take any more of what SpaceTech was going to give me. I was too tired. Too weak. There wasn’t another choice. It was run or die.

“I can’t be taken by them again. Please, get us away from here and know that I will hang for as long as I can. I know I’m not looking fantastic right now, but I’m strong, and I’m stubborn. Jumping will save all of us. Please, please do this. Don’t let me down. Don’t break your promise.”

He closed his eyes, and I saw him taking the breath—the count of six, out for three. He strode back to the desk. His fingers moved fast along the surface. “Ready in three. Two. One.”

He hit the button, and it felt like my brain was exploding. The pain ran through my whole body, and for a second I thought I was dying. I screamed and clutched my head.