Bright clinical light filtered through my closed eyelids, waking me with a pink haze. I kept them shut tight, wincing at the throbbing radiating from my temple and jaw.

Glimpses of Zaphron's betrayal flashed vividly behind my eyelids. His stony expression, the carefree way he'd left—then darkness as the butt of a Forcer's gun hit me in the side of the head.

"Good morning."

I snapped open my eyes in surprise, the bright lights momentarily blinding me. My jaw ached as I clenched it, squinting in an effort to locate the voice. A raw metallic taste filled my mouth and when I tried to raise a hand to my bruised face, I found it was strapped down.

I tensed against the restraints, blinking down at my wrists as I shook them. My eyes adjusted to the light and I glanced up to find Emrys' smug face inches from mine.

"You." I wanted to spit the word, but it got choked up in the sandpaper of my throat and came out like a surprised croak.

He sighed and straightened, shaking his head with an indulgent smile. "Not me, unfortunately. That bounty would have come in handy. I can't even imagine what I'd do with all those points." He paused for a moment, his smile spreading so that it revealed his canines. "Which makes me wonder..." He turned and looked over his shoulder. "What are you planning on doing with your reward?"

I followed his gaze and felt my stomach turn over. Zaphron was leaning against a far wall, his face cold and bored as he fiddled with the laser gun in his hands. "That's none of your business Wood," he said.

Emrys laughed, his grey eyes sliding back to mine. "Drinks I'd bet—and maybe a few women? Though I doubt a guy like you has to pay for them often, am I right?"

A dry snarl crept up my throat and I lunged for him. My restraints stopped me short, cutting into my skin. There was a sting as Emrys slapped me across the cheek, the sound echoing off the windowless, concrete walls.

"Seems I hit a nerve there," Emrys said with a flex of his fingers. He glanced back at Zaphron, who hadn't moved—hadn't even looked up from his gun. "You really must have done your job well."

Zaphron's shoulders dipped into an uninterested shrug. "I can be convincing when I need to be."

I swallowed back a rush of nausea, tears burning my eyes. His indifference stung more than Emrys' slap.

Emrys chuckled and took another swing at me, stopping just before he made contact. It was enough to make me recoil—too quickly—and smack my head on the chair.

"I've got to admit," he said, turning and tapping a finger to his chin. "I thought my plan to smoke out your location was flawless." He strolled toward a lone table that had been set off to one side. "But then Romeo here comes through with his long game—bringing us you and the chip."

I stared past Emrys to where Zaphron stood against the wall. Part of me clung onto the hope that he'd use that gun on Emrys and we'd escape. That he was still on my side—still looking out for me.

But he didn't move.

"No wonder you're Zenith's new favourite," Emrys said to Zaphron, picking up a syringe from the table and inspecting it in the light.

I watched Zaphron's face, hoping for some indication it wasn't true—that he hadn't given Zenith everything.

But his expression remained stone cold.

My heart sank. She'd won.

"Anyway," Emrys continued happily. "While we wait for the technicians to verify that chip, we might ask Astrid here a few questions—make sure she's told you everything. Once we're done, I'll let you decide how we dispose of her." He started back toward me, holding the syringe in the air like a crazy doctor. "You're going to love this stuff dear. Our own concoction—as close as you'll get to truth serum."

"No," I rasped, beating my head against the chair as I tried to free myself from its grip. My fists clenched and my arms shook as I pulled against my restraints. My shrapnel wounds began to burn and throb.

Emrys clicked his tongue. "Can you hold her still?"

Zaphron shrugged off the wall and crossed the room. I fought harder against the chair, straining until I felt something tear in my arm. Emrys' exasperation visibly grew.

"Astrid." Zaphron grabbed my hand and pinned it firmly against the armrest, using his other to hold my shoulder still. "It'll hurt more if you struggle," he said, fixing his gaze on my bandaged forearm—still not meeting my eye. His expression was unreadable as he watched a splotch of blood begin to seep through the fabric.

I glared up at him through watery eyes, blinking away the sting as Emrys' needle bit into the skin inside my elbow. "It hurts either way," I hissed.

His jaw tightened and he met my gaze. The last thing I saw was the bright blue of his eyes—before the world grew hazy.

Freezing rain hammered down on my face and I sat up, spluttering on inhaled water. My head was pounding—and the muscles in my arms felt torn to shreds. I wiped the water from my eyes and tried to get my bearings.

With a start, I realised I was on some kind of boat—a barge. Icy winds jetted rain and salty spray into my back as I got up and stumbled into a nearby railing. The churn of inky waves swayed the vessel, nearly knocking me off balance.

My eyes tracked to the dark horizon and I gulped as I spotted a hulking great island in the distance. Glittering buildings bled reflected colour into the rough sea—while a halo of light seeped into the night sky above, chasing away the stars.

The Ark.

I stood open mouthed, not quite computing how it was possible for the Ark to be over there—in the distance. Without me on it.