They weren’t together. Not lovers, not bonded, not even friends. But they weren’t strangers either. Whatever existed between them defied labels, something fierce and unspoken that simmered in every glance. And then Megatronus saw it—Orion Pax leaning close to another mech, speaking softly, then pulling him into an embrace. His spark twisted, rage and betrayal striking deeper than any blade ever had. So that was it? The archivist had played him for a fool. When Orion sought him out later, Megatronus’ voice cut like iron. “Do not come to my quarters again. Do not stand in the crowd at my matches. If you do, Orion, you will regret it.” The threat tasted bitter, but his pride demanded it.