Orion is a disgraced hero. Previously first lieutenant to General Ares, his illicit affair with fellow soldier Meme has landed him in prison to be sold as a sex slave. Now his beloved General Ares has decided to purchase Orion--for his own personal use. 
 In sorrow over the uncertainty of Meme's future, Orion begs Ares to also purchase Meme. Ares warns Orion that he will use Meme at will, something that deeply unsettles Orion, but he'd still rather know Meme is safe. Before their discovery, Meme had been his sub, and Orion feels a Dom responsibility for his safety. 
 This novella is a pre-quel companion to the author's Slave of Heart which I have not read. It works as a standalone, fully describing both Orion and Ares through alternating POV. I had a definite sense of Orion's anguish--over the loss of his position, the loss of Meme, and the loss of General Ares' esteem. 
 Ares is consumed with getting Orion not to behave "like" a slave, but as a sub. In doing so he neglects Orion, driving Orion hunger for his touch so greatly that Orion is able to actively submit himself. The final task that Orion must experience before Ares will take him is to learn that a sub's love can be transferred. Orion must witness Meme's complete submission to Ares--and it breaks his heart. 
 In the resolution a bargain is struck. Also, the set-up for Slave of Heart is created, with the expectation that Orion will accompany Ares into a looming war--this time as his slave, not his lieutenant. It seems implied that Orion will also do battle, however. 
 It was a solid story pet-up. I enjoyed the quiet interaction of the three characters. And the power structure was well-described and consistent. 
 I received a free copy of this book from the author as part of the Don't Buy My Love exchange on Goodreads.