Penn returned to the compound to see Rima waiting impatiently for her.

“I have half a mind to order your disassociation from her.” Vallas said in the middle of his conversation with Penn as Penn frowned at him.

“Why? What have we done?” Penn asked.

“It isn’t as a result of what you have done but what you will do and have already started doing to her.” Vallas corrected.

“Speak plainly Master, I have not hurt Rima in any way and I would never allow her to get hurt in my presence.”

“Hurt is inevitable, especially for those who we care about.”

“There is no possible way for me to...