Coran is walking just ahead of Lance and I. I cast my friend a sideways glance and can see he is tense, not his usual self. That alone tells me that whatever we are walking into is not going to be pleasant. Lance can find humour in practically anything. As we're walking quickly down the corridor to the control room, Hunk joins us, gives Lance a look I can't interpret before falling into step with us. Wordlessly we four walk, the only sound the steps echoing. We arrive to see Keith off to the right conversing with someone on a vid, before stopping short when I see a massive ship on the main screen. Smaller sections appearing on the right side, as if Pidge dissected it.

"What is that?" I mutter after staring for a few moments. "It's massive."

"That is the type ship that attacked Pollux," Pidge states. His voice is deepening, though he still squeaks on occasion as he becomes a rather handsome young man. Nearly taller than Lance now. "It is similar to the ships Doom used. But far more advanced."

"How did we not see such a large ship?" I ask. Still trying to process what is on the screen. "Not to mention there was obviously more than one."

"You want the simple answer?"

"Yes," Coran, Lance, Hunk and I all reply.

"Mirrors."

"Mirrors?! How - How would mirrors make a ginormous ship or ships invisible?" Lance asks.

"Our cameras are seeing a reflection of the stars that would be there if an object wasn't there. In a certain formation, they can reflect off one another to give us the appearance of nothing. A rather ingenious type of cloaking. I sent some drones to Pollux to scan debris and work on tagging bodies and such to make our efforts easier. In doing so, I found some pieces of the attacking ships. Evidently, once they are hit, they can be seen, but before that, Pollux fired at air. It how those who escaped knew there were large battleships. The drones brought me chunks of ships and I scanned them in to see what they're made of. It's actually quite fascinating."

"Can we find a way around it?" Coran asks.

"Maybe," Pidge replies.

"How long before you know for sure?"

"I need a few days."

"Why didn't they attack us? Why Pollux?" I mutter.

"Voltron," Hunk replies with certainty. "Whoever. Whatever they are, they didn't want to fight us."

"Can you tell if there are any foreign ships in our sector, Pidge?" I ask.

"None that I've detected. Using the knowledge I have now, I went back over the satellite feeds from the day of the attack and it seems that the fleet of at least nine ships like this and a few hundred smaller fighters jumped into our space from elsewhere and immediately began their attack on Pollux. It was like it was pre-planned."

I go to speak when Keith speaks up.

"The same type attack happened on Ganymede. From what we could tell, the attacks happened simultaneously. There were no survivors. And the Garrison is sending a fleet to Pollux. Medical supplies, food, water and manpower three thousand strong. They have their elites guarding their system now." Keith turns to Pidge, "Hawkins said to tell you to get with Xiya. She can help with analyzing all your data."

Pidge nods and looks to Coran. "Can I have the control room? Or would you prefer I go to my lab?"

"Take wherever you need. We can work around you. I can use my office."

"Coran, you said there's a site on the nets for sign-up to help with Pollux. What about our own defense? Spotters for things out of the ordinary and the like?"

"We can add a section for that, Your Highness."

"Please do. We need to start preparing in case of an attack. I'd much rather the people be proactive."

"Very well," Coran replies as he gives me a small bow and heads presumably to his office.

"You need to rest, Your Highness."

Keith's voice. When did he step up so close to me? I had not realised that he even moved from behind Lance. I look to see Lance doing his best to keep his features neutral, but my eyes meet his and he winks.

"Nice slippers Princess. Though I thought you'd have mice, not bunnies."

I immediately feel my face flush and I pointed look towards Keith. "You're right, Keith. I do need some sleep. As do you."

"I'm sur-" Lance begins when Keith glares at him, stopping him cold from whatever he was about to say.

I send a silent thanks and begin my trek to the elevator to return to my quarters. The initial adrenaline rush wearing off, the fatigue hits me and it takes all I have to keep walking. I feel Keith fall in step behind me as the elevator opens. We step in without a word. As the doors close we hear the other three break out into giggles. I sigh and shake my head. Then grin when I hear Keith growl in annoyance under his breath.

"You're welcome, by the way."

I look over confused.

"You said thank you for cutting him off."

I look at him curiously. I never spoke. "I never said anything."

"I heard you. Just as you started walking away."

I look at him, my mouth agape. I thought it, but I did not say it aloud.

He stares at me. Trying to see if I'm messing with him, I suppose. "Your father. He said we are...nevermind."

The door opens and we step out, and he looks around. Satisfied, he leads me to my room and I stop at the door turning so I am directly in front of him. I turn so quickly he nearly walks into me. "What did my father say, Keith?" I ask, my voice pitching with my desperate need to know.

"Not here. Not now," he says in a tone that worries me. "I don't know what it means, so I don't want any ears to hear it."

"Come inside. We can stay in my sitting room. I'll make sure Sera is not in the bedroom before we talk. This might be important, if my father said it to you," I say and turn, placing my hand on the scanner to open my door. I lead him inside and he sits on the chair I occupied earlier. I continue through to my bedchamber and look around. I check the changing area, the bathroom and bedroom and find no one, so I return to the sitting area to find keith sitting stiffly as he waits for me. I take the chair beside him and plop down in a rather unladylike fashion. A ghost of a smile touches Keith's lips and I give him a small smile in return. "Please tell me what he said."

"He said that we were…or are bonded. He said it just before he told me to enter the tombs."

I stare at him, trying to process the information. Bonded? What does that mean? I have a vague recollection of the term, but I was so young, I don't recall what it meant. But if my father said it, it has to be important. Does it have to do with him hearing my thoughts?

"Why are you speaking as if I'm not here?"

I look at him, "Wh-what do you mean?"

"You just said you vaguely remember the term, but you were young so you don't remember what it meant, but it's obviously important. And why do you think I can hear your thoughts?"

He can hear me?!

"Please look at me, Allura. You're starting to unnerve me. I can't see your face well enough to see your lips moving."

I look up and see frustration and fear in his eyes.

"I'm not afraid," he says then his eyes go wide. "You truly didn't speak!"

"No. I didn't." My heart starts beating faster and I take a couple of slow breaths.

"We need to go back to the tombs." Keith states. 'But you need to change into something warmer.'

I laugh as I stand up. "As should you, Keith. I don't need you getting sick down there either."

Keith doesn't move, so I turn to look and he's just staring at me.

"Something wrong?"

"How did you know what I was thinking?"

"You said…Oh…" I reply before going to my dressing room and closing the door. I change into blues with a t-shirt and a pink jumper. I step into my pink slippers and tie my hair back. I realise that this is the first time in a long time that I have not had anyone to assist me with dressing. I laugh and open the door. Cross my bedroom, then open that door to find Keith just where I left him.

"Let's go," he says as he stands up. "I'll be fine so long as we aren't there long."

I nod and we return to the elevator and take it down to the crypts.

A/N: I typed half of this chapter on my phone. I know all are eager for Sven/Romelle, but be patient. They will be making their appearance in due time.