In the years after my father died, I forgot what it felt like to be loved.

Then I entered the quadrant and became the monster everyone needed

me to be, and I never regretted it. But then you gave those words to me,

and I remembered…and nearly lost you, too. I’m striving to be better

for you just like I promised, but I need you to know that monster is still

there, screaming to use every ruthless part of me to get your words

back.

—RECOVERED CORRESPONDENCE OF LIEUTENANT XADEN RIORSON TO

CADET VIOLET SORRENGAIL