Page 75 of Lost in Barbarian Space

“There was one complication.”

Honor froze, a lump forming in her throat. “You said he was okay…”

“Physically, yes. These Markarians—” he looked at Kavon again “— have excellent constitutions.”

Panic rising, she wanted to hit the man. “Doctor, please⁠—”

“During the procedure, his short-term memory was affected.”

“What does that mean, exactly?” she asked.

“It’s minor, really. He won’t remember your escapades in the ice tunnels of Ansar. He won’t actually remember us arriving. I estimate he’s lost a week or so of his memories, and as far as I can tell, he’s unlikely to regain them.” The doctor smiled again. “Like I said, minor in the entire scheme of things.”

Honor staggered backward. When the backs of her knees hit a chair, she collapsed. Dr. King, unaware he’d just shattered her life, nodded and moved back into the med bay.

Colm wouldn’t remember her.

Wouldn’t remember anything of what they’d shared.

He wouldn’t remember falling in love with her in the ice tunnels.

Her heart contracted. She was amazed she could just sit there, like nothing momentous had happened. Like she hadn’t just been destroyed.

Aurina knelt carefully in front of her. “He’ll remember, Honor. A warrior wouldn’t forget his bondmate.” The woman’s tone was fierce. “He loves you.”

“It’ll be like it never happened, Aurina. I’ll be a stranger to him.” Oh, God. Honor felt sick.

Kavon’s hand rested on her shoulder. “A mate is sacred. It is a deep bond.”

She nodded, trying to keep the tears at bay. “If…if he doesn’t remember, I want both of you to promise me something.”

“Anything,” Aurina said.

Kavon nodded.

“You won’t tell him…about what happened with me.”

Aurina gasped. “Honor⁠—”

She held up her hand. “I love him.” She met Kavon’s gaze. “He’s been living with the shadow of this his entire life. He expected to die. He told me he was going to go to the Northern Wastelands and die there alone. Before he could hurt anyone.” A muscle ticked in Kavon’s jaw. “He’s cured.” That thought at least sent a rush of happiness through her. “I want him to have a chance at the life he wants. The life he deserves.”

“That’s a life with you⁠—”

Again, Honor cut Aurina off. “It’s a life he chooses for himself. You promised.”

The two of them gave her reluctant nods.

The med bay door opened again, and a male nurse shuffled out. “You can see him now.”

The three of them moved inside. At the doorway, Honor paused and took a deep breath. Then, she entered.

He was sitting on a narrow med bunk, his bronze skin a beautiful contrast against the simple white sheets.

He looked disgruntled.

“Kavon!” Colm gave his friend a wide smile. “Get me out of here.”

“They explained where you are?” Kavon moved across to the bed.