Page 19

“Yield.”

“Take your grid,” the raider choked. “The healer is still unclaimed.”

The commander released him and rose.

His gaze found Kesta again.

This time, when he spoke, his voice carried across the entire basin.

“I am Dreven of Ash Camp, condemned commander of the Kharovian Ninth. Before witnesses and under surface law, I place Kesta Frank beneath my claim.”

The black band around Kesta’s wrist ignited.

Pain shot up her arm.

She gasped and grabbed the band as symbols raced across its surface, changing from imperial white to a deep ember-red. A murmur passed through the raiders.

Dreven’s eyes widened.

Only slightly, but enough.

He had not expected that.

Kesta looked from the glowing band to him. “What did you do?”

He took one step toward her and stopped when she stiffened. Concern had replaced the battle-cold expression on his face.

“I made a surface claim.”

“That machine disagrees with your definition.”

His gaze dropped to the band. “It should not have responded.”

“That is not reassuring.”

“No.” His jaw tightened. “It is not.”

The honesty stopped her for a moment.

The Red Basin witness descended another few steps, holding the recorder where everyone could see it. “State the extent of the claim.”

Dreven’s tail struck the ground once behind him.

“Ash protection. Body, water, shelter and medical autonomy.”

The raider leader swore.

Kesta looked sharply at Dreven. “Medical autonomy?”

His eyes met hers. “Your healing belongs to you.”

That should not have mattered as much as it did.

The witness continued. “Exclusive claim?”

“No.”

“Bond right?”