Zarya knew.
Of course she knew.
She climbed into his bed after midnight, as usual, but this time she didn't tease. She looked at him long and hard, then traced her nail down his bare chest.
"You met them," she said.
Kael froze.
"The Order. I can smell it on you."
He opened his mouth. She kissed it shut.
"I don't care," she whispered. "Just don't pretend you're not changing."
Then she pulled off her robe.
They didn't make love. They didn't bond.
They fucked like liars trying to burn away the truth.