Prologue

Cross Redden hangs shackled in a Command torture cell he once specified, recognizing the calculated sensory torment. He assesses his brothers’ motives: pragmatic General Travis sees his value, but volatile Roe relishes power and resentment.

Roe enters, taunting Cross about his fall from grace and Wren Darlington’s role, boasting of a promotion to first lieutenant. Cross needles Roe’s insecurities, denies begging, and concedes only that Darlington fooled him, masking his deeper involvement and his hidden telepathy.

Roe accuses Cross of aiding Wren’s escape and declares harsher policies toward Aberrants than Travis. Cross warns Roe lacks experience, while Roe threatens Wren and implies extended detention to realign Cross’s loyalties before departing.

Alone, Cross receives a telepathic link from Wren confirming she and Xavier reached safety through the Blacklands. They exchange declarations of love, and Cross withholds his captivity to prevent Wren from attempting a rash rescue.

Cross reflects on Wren’s dual identity with his lifelong telepathic confidante “Daisy,” his lifelong control undone by his feelings for her, and his obligations at home: his incapacitated father, ambitious brothers, and mother. He resolves to trust Xavier to guard Wren while he confronts his family—promising ruin if she is harmed.