Chapter 1

Sienna Mercer and I were the couple everyone envied at the space academy.

I held a doctorate in long-range infrared detection. She was the golden daughter of a prestigious military family.

We had promised to marry after graduation, form a mind-link, and never part.

At the registration hall on Capital Planet, holographic screens displayed the names of newly registered couples.

I waited for three hours in my best uniform, excited for our future.

Then the holo-broadcast cut in. “Congratulations to Sienna Mercer and Declan Hayes on registering their marriage!”

My mind went blank.

The doors to the VIP registration room opened.

Sienna walked out arm in arm with Declan.

My father and stepmother followed them out.

The four of them laughed like one happy family. Sitting there alone, I felt like a clown.

Sienna saw me and didn't even look surprised. She walked over and took my hand.

“Ronan, something came up. Declan's medical results came back. He's being sent to the front in a few days.”

She gave me a pleading look.

“You know he's been sickly ever since he and his mother joined your family. He's always looked up to us, and he's secretly been in love with me for years. Ronan, he needs something to hold on to, or he'll fall apart out there. I'm only giving him something to live for! Once he's gone, this marriage won't mean anything. You're still the one I love!”

I thought I would shout. Demand answers.

Instead, I calmly looked at the woman I'd loved for four years.

“So, you married him behind my back out of kindness?”

My calm caught her off guard. Her eyes welled with tears.

“Ronan, how can you say that? Declan just... depends on me too much. He said he'd suffer a mental breakdown if he went out there with nothing to live for.”

Behind her, Declan put on his usual weak, pitiful look.

“Don't blame Sienna. It's all my fault. I begged her. I'm shipping out to K-7, and the survival rate there is really low. Before I die, I just wanted an official bond with the girl I've loved since childhood.”

He spoke as if he were the victim.

My father frowned at me.

“Ronan, can't you be reasonable? Declan is going to the front to defend our homes. You're his older brother. He's the one being sent to fight so people like you can study in peace! Can't you grant him this one small wish? You're so narrow-minded. No wonder your mother...”

My stepmother stopped him with a look.

I knew what he meant.

Ever since she moved in with Declan, my father had barely looked me in the eye.

He despised me just as he had despised my mother, the commoner he'd married who died young.

No matter what I achieved, a few flattering words from Declan mattered more to him.

“One small wish?” I laughed and looked at each of them. “A wish built on betrayal and lies.”

Sienna paled and reached for me.

“Ronan, let's talk about this at home. There are too many people here.”

“That won't be necessary.” I shook off her hand and stepped back.

“Sienna, we're finished.”

I turned and walked away.

Sienna shouted after me in disbelief. “Ronan! You're breaking up with me over something this trivial? You're not this petty!”

My father shouted too. “You worthless bastard! Over something this trivial? It's the only wish your brother has before he leaves!”

I ignored them and strode out of the hall.

Half an hour later, I stood inside the high command center of the Interstellar Expeditionary Force.

The general stared at me in surprise. “Cadet Cross... you've accepted?”

I signed my name without hesitation.

The document appointed me directly as chief of staff for the K-7 war zone.

I'd turned down the post once for Sienna. She said she wanted a quiet life with just the two of us, then a baby someday—a safe, peaceful family.

I believed her.

Even with the Empire's highest qualification in command-and-staff operations, I'd chosen to stay on Capital Planet and teach.

Now it was time to reclaim the future I'd abandoned.

“I can report to the front at any time.”

The general gripped my shoulder, his eyes bright. “The Empire thanks you for your service. In one week, you'll become the youngest command officer in its history!”