Serena had rehearsed the apology six times in her head. Every version sounded like a lie. The seventh version, the one she actually said out loud, sounded worse.
"I'm sorry I didn't say the full truth. I was looking to find help when I was pulled into the war room," Serena said immediately.
Tiberon regarded her for a long moment, and when he spoke, his voice held no warmth.
"Noted."
One word that said a thousand and absolutely gutted her.
Serena didn't let the tears fall until he was out of the room.
✦✦✦
Tiberon was halfway down the corridor when he mindlinked his Gamma.
Tiberon: Sterling. Go check on Serena in Dexmon's quarters. That's an order.
The pause on the other end lasted two seconds. Tiberon could hear the resistance in the silence, the specific hesitation of a man who knew that walking into that room was going to cost him something he couldn't name.
Gav: On my way.
✦✦✦
