Bride of the Dark One

"Bride of the Dark One" by Florence Verbell Brown is a science fiction story that occurs far into the future on Yaroto, a dangerous planet filled with criminals. The story explores love, disloyalty, and making amends, focusing on Ransome, a man from Earth running from his past and caught up in the scary ceremonies of the Temple of the Dark One. Ransome is trying to survive in this dangerous world while being chased by priests who want to punish him for disrespecting their dark god. He meets Mytor, who wants to capture Dura-ki, Ransome's ex-girlfriend, who is now with the pirate Captain Jareth, and offers to help Ransome escape if he helps him. Ransome has to face his past and make difficult choices that will connect him to Dura-ki and Irene, a woman who gives him new feelings. The story ends with a big fight with the priests, where loyalties are revealed, and Ransome and Irene try to start a new life in a dark galaxy.