5
Then I propose a duel.
A fist pounded on the door. Ripley glanced at me with tears in her eyes. She reached out and pulled me close. "I'm so sorry, mate. I didn't mean for this to happen."
"It's okay. We are fated to be together, so I have to believe we'll make it through this somehow." I kissed her.
She shook her head. "I'd hoped you'd never have to see this side of me. I hate it, hate what they've done to me."
I tried to soothe her, but the pounding on the door got louder. There was only one outside door in the cabin, and a very pissed off Manticore stood on the other side.
"Please don't hate me." Her sobs ripped my heart into shreds. I could never hate her.
The door flew open, shards of wood showering the room. A tall man walked in, fury burning in his eyes. I gulped, then foug
