Arrin took a seat beside Leo on the top step of the deck and raised his eyes to the stars, seeking the solace they’d always offered him.

“They’re beautiful, aren’t they, the stars,” Leo said.

Arrin nodded. “My first glimpse of the outside world was on a clear night like this, and ever since I’ve always loved the stars, and the night under whose protective dark mantle I conducted my revenge against my government. I’d meant to resume my revenge when I escaped, after things calmed down. Circumstances didn’t go as planned, though, and now it looks as if I’ll never finish the work…”

“Would it ever have been finished, do you think?” Leo asked.

Arrin shrugged. “I don’t know. Probably not. What my governme...

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