Shady

“Yes,” Pratik admitted. “I’m known by many names, but Pratik is the one most likely to be recognized… I couldn’t afford to be recognized.” Besides, he’d grown to like Aren. ...

Pratik hesitated for a moment, then shook his head. Rickard deserved the truth. At least, a watered down version. “No… my name is Pratik… well, that’s my favorite name, anyway.”

“It’s not like asking to speak to a… friend?” It sounded like the wrong word. “Is some great favor. It will cost them nothing. I’m sure they won’t mind.”

Pratik looked at Rickard, a fresh stab of sorrow running through him. And anger. How dare Nasa put this sweet man through so much. All of the actual slaves through ...

“Not I,” Pratik admitted, shrugging. “But Sera said that some of the slaves Ash rescued from Nasa are still here. How long has that been? A month? Six weeks? I ...

Pratik smiled slightly. “This Keep has many fireplaces. I expect you’ll have as many as you ever possibly wish for.”

“I’m sure,” Pratik agreed, barely resisting the urge to fiddle with his own. “It feels nice to finally be inside again.”

Pratik turned to be more fully on the cot and looked over at Rickard. What could he even say? He decided not to acknowledge it. If Rickard wanted to talk ...

“She says to point at whatever hurts,” Pratik said, nodding to Ada. “I think she wants you to go in there for the exam.” He looked back at Sera. “If ...

“She wants privacy,” Pratik translated, looking at Sera. “Are there any words you’d like me to translate for her to know for the exam?”

Pratik also took it all in, then dropped his gaze. There was no point in gawking at him. But it made him even angrier to know that depths of abuse ...

That was good. He wouldn’t have to try and hide the dagger on his thigh this way. Not to mention he didn’t want to be pantless in front of even ...

Pratik exhaled. “How have things been? I take it a lot has happened, what with the truce and the adoption and all that.”

Pratik did as he was told, staring straight ahead. “Definitely would not object to a warm meal.”

“Honestly, the collar is my only complaint.” Sure, he’d been battered and knocked around and malnourished. But it wasn’t the worst he’d had. “I’m pretty hardy, otherwise.” He took a ...