by Jean Murray
“I want you to seal the chamber.”
“What? Absolutely not.” A mix of anger and horror plagued his brother’s face.
Kamen stared at Asar. “You said it yourself, I am losing my control. Siya, the baby, Kit.” He shook his head. “I would not survive if I harmed them.”
“Isis, I knew you were struggling, but I never once doubted your resolve. You have had bouts in the past and powered through those. You can do it again.”
His brother’s optimism only worsened the ache in Kamen’s chest. “Not this time.”
“You are not thinking clearly right now. You need to rest.”
When Kamen did not answer, Asar continued, “Give it a few more days. Kit is needed at the temple for more initiations. We need to plus up our numbers and Lilly is tied up with the Council. Can you hang in that long?”
No. Despite the truth, Kamen nodded. He would use the last of his reserves to serve his brother honorably. “You will seal the chamber then?”
“I am hoping that will not be necessary.”
“I want your word you will seal the chamber,” Kamen hissed through gritted teeth. His vision burned red, his fury unfurled. Only then would Kit be safe.
Asar regarded him with sympathy. His brother spoke after a long silence, “You have my word.”
* * *
Kit groaned as she sat up in bed. The room pitched and so did her stomach. She swallowed back the bile collecting in her throat. Her head pounded with each beat of her heart.
“Here, this might help,” Lilly said, walking over to the bed with a glass of water in her hands.
“Thanks.” Kit grabbed the goblet. The cool water soothed her parched throat. “I feel like I was run over by one of those Minotaur soldiers.”
“You should after two bottles of tavern wine. God, Kit. Not even dark warriors drink that much, and they’re three times your size.”
A few figments of the evening began to play out in her head. Lime. Salt. Shots. Warriors and one angry Underworld god. “How did I manage to get back here?”
“Kamen brought you home,” Lilly said and sat down on the bed. “Let me purge the toxins from your system, otherwise you’ll be useless the rest of the day.”
Kit flopped back onto the pillows, her stomach rolling just from the slight movement. Miserable didn’t quite describe the way she was feeling. Nor did she want to spend the rest of the day throwing up in the bathroom. “Do your magic, sister.”
Lilly laid her hands on Kit’s abdomen. The point of contact heated to a slow burn. Kit’s body flushed hot, which worsened her nausea for a brief second before relief cascaded through her. The throb in her head dissipated and the acid in her stomach neutralized. She expelled a sigh and opened her eyes.
Her sister’s concerned stare swept over her. “How much weight have you lost?”
Kit pulled down her shirt to cover her ribcage. “Only a couple of pounds. We have been so busy, I’ve had barely time to eat.” Wanting to escape Lilly’s scrutiny she hopped out of bed. “I wish you had this talent when I was in college. Would have saved many a hangover.”
“You haven’t been sleeping either.”
“Did Kamen tell you that?” Kit growled, knowing he knew more of her habits than any.
“No, your serotonin levels are less than nothing. You’re anemic and protein deficient.”
Okay, maybe her sister’s healing powers were more intrusive than she thought. “You gave me a full diagnostic in less than two minutes?” Kit walked to the bathroom, intent on brushing the horrible taste out of her mouth.
“I don’t have to use my power to tell me something is wrong. You look horrible.”
“Thanks, sis. Just what I want to hear in the morning.” Kit shoved her toothbrush into her mouth.
“You are having nightmares again, aren’t you?”
Kit froze. She met her sister’s stare reflected in the mirror. Spitting out her toothpaste, she stalled for an answer. “I don’t know what you are talking about.”
Lilly frowned. “I remember what it was like the years before Dad fell ill. Before the curse. Hearing you wake up crying night after night. Dad and you arguing. You looked horrible then too.”
“I’m fine. It’s just we have a lot of things to get done in thirty days.” Kit disrobed and kicked on the water. “Thanks for helping me out. I can get back to base and finish out the initiations.”
Lilly leaned against shower door. “You would tell me if something is wrong, right?”
Kit stopped soaping her hair, hating she was about to lie to her sister. “Of course I would.”
“I’m sorry we haven’t had time to spend together, like we used too. Maybe we can do a picnic tonight like old times. Just you, me and Kendra.”
Kit peaked out and smiled in an attempt to reassure her sister. “Sounds great. See you at breakfast?”
Lilly smiled, no doubt pleased with Kit’s sudden interest in joining family events. “Sure.”
Kit waited until she heard the outer door shut and then sagged against the stone wall. Despite feeling relieved of her hangover, she couldn’t shake the uneasiness still hanging on with a tight grip. The alcohol had limited her deep sleep and thus any visions. It was the only way she could rest without the nightmares disrupting her sleep. Unfortunately, being robbed of her regenerative phase was taking its toll.
Lilly was right, she looked like a bag of bones. She would make a point of eating in front of her sisters. Maybe then, they would leave her alone and stop asking questions she couldn’t answer. No matter the subject, it would always lead to why she refused to transition.
Kit wanted her sisters to be happy for as long as it lasted. They didn’t need to know their efforts in this war were fruitless. Lilly and Kendra just needed to remain blissfully happy until then.
Not willing to dwell on her visions, she grabbed the towel off the wall and dried off. After getting dressed, she stared at herself in the mirror. Despite her sister’s help, dark shadows still marred her eyes. She grabbed some makeup and swept it under her lashes, improving things slightly.
Sighing, she headed towards the dining hall. The smell of eggs and bacon beckoned her stomach. She paused at the door, hearing the voices on the other side. The whispered conversation halted the minute she stepped into the vast hall. Obviously, she was the subject of conversation this morning.
Kamen sat off on his own as he always did but seemed even further from the group. He didn’t bother to look up as she passed but stared at his full plate instead.
Kendra smiled. “We saved you a seat.”
Kit scanned the enormous dining table with any number of seats. “Thanks,” she said, sitting down next to Kendra. Sensing the awkwardness of the moment, maybe it was a good thing she didn’t remember much from last night. Based on everyone’s facial expression, it had to be a doozy.
She blew out a breath and accepted the steaming plate of breakfast food. Her hunger wilted, despite the fabulous aroma. She stabbed a piece of egg and forced it into her mouth, knowing all eyes were on her. Bite after bite, she shoveled into her mouth until her gut protested the engorgement.
The weight of Kamen’s stare drew her eyes up from her plate. The look on his face told her he didn’t buy her sudden interest in food. She forced her eyes away and looked at Lilly. “So what is the plan for today?”
“I’m going to be tied up with the Creation Council. I have a few more members on my side but not enough to ensure a win on lifting the Underworld ban. They still believe Menthu is working alone and solely responsible for the reven curse. Not to mention they are in complete denial about the siravants being present in the human realm even after the attack on the Protector gods.”
“Bast is saying nothing?” Kit asked. Menthu and six siravants had attacked three of the strongest Creation gods. Bast was the only one to survive.
“If she is, it is not in front of the Council. I’m not giving up though. I will bring them more proof, if I have to.”
Bak
ari leaned forward. “Are you suggesting a siravant?”
“Capturing one would be much too dangerous, considering it could infect someone in the process,” Kendra added.
“Although that would be a damn good show, I do not think it worth the risk.” Asar lifted Lilly’s hand and kissed it.
“What about the Chancellor?” Kit asked, worried her sister was going there alone without Asar.
Lilly shook her head. “I can’t find anything on him. If he is consorting with Apep, it is happening very covertly.”
“Did you find anything in Chicago?” Kendra asked.
Kit clenched her jaw. She should have been there.
“They knew we were coming. Cleared out seconds before we got there.”
“The trail?” Kamen broke his silence.
“Too many to follow. The ones we did track were dead ends,” Bakari replied.
“And, Nebt?” Kamen asked.
“We did find spell ingredients, so I assume she too was there at some time,” Asar answered and leaned back as the servant cleared his plate.
“So what is next?” Kit asked.
“Tying up loose ends.” Asar leveled his stare at Kit and then slid his gaze to the end of the table where Kamen sat. “Until the Council abolishes the ancient law over us, our hands are tied. If you feel up to it Kit, the Nehebkau has more initiates that need to be ordained. Kamen will escort you.”
“If I’m not needed elsewhere, that’s fine.” It was her only ride out of Aaru and a far better option than being here at the palace.
“It is nice to have you back at the table, Kit.” Asar smiled and then squeezed Lilly’s hand.
“Sure, anytime.” She pushed up from her seat, wanting nothing more than to run from the room. They didn’t have to say a word. Their facial expressions voiced their impatience with her. She was a loose end that needed tightening.
Once out of the room, she covered the cramp in her stomach. It was more painful full than empty.
“Are you okay?”
Kit jumped at the sound of Kamen’s voice. Embarrassed, she stammered for the right words. “I ate a bit too much.”
“We can delay, if you need.”
Kit furrowed her brows and stared at Kamen. Despite his words of concern, he barely looked at her and stood several feet away. Like two strangers passing on a train, each giving the other a wide berth. “Listen, I don’t know how much of an ass I made out of myself last night. Did I do something I should be apologizing for?”
“No.” He stared at her, his eyes darker than usual. His expression flat.
Swallowing her uneasiness, she met his stare. “Thank you for taking care of me.”
He nodded.
“Okay, glad that’s all straight.” Not really. The vibe between them was all off. Her doing, she was sure. She owed him an apology for saying she hated him. It was so far from the truth. A truth she fought every day.
Kamen held out his hand, signaling he was ready to transport them.
The uneasiness returned as she reached out. Her fingertips tingled as she slid her hand into his palm. Staring into his dark eyes, she knew things from this point forward would be different and not for the better.
Chapter Nine
Kamen promised himself he could do this for Asar, but the moment Kit grasped his hand and their energies mixed—desire burned in his veins as hot as the merciless sun for a woman he could not have. The beast clawed at his reserves, which were minimal at best. His nerves were on edge. Sounds too loud. Smells too pungent. Especially, the bouquet of roses floating through his senses as they traveled between the realms. The craving to hold her was unbearable.
His brother had far too much faith in his resolve.
Solidifying the energy flowing through him, he set Kit on her feet. She waivered as she always did when they traveled. He grabbed her waist and hit bare flesh between her halter top and waistband. He held her only long enough for her to get reoriented to the bunker deep beneath the warehouse.
He retracted his now cold black hand. The temperature shifted in his cells, plummeting to frigid temperatures. Ice cooled and slowed the blood in his veins. The transition left a dull ache in his skull and bones.
Kit rubbed her arms, smoothing away the goose bumps. “I’ll never get used to that.”
She stared at him in the dim lighting with her lips pressed into a thin line. “I didn’t mean what I said yesterday. I know you are just trying to protect me.”
“There is no need to apologize,” Kamen said and turned towards the door.
“Wait.” Kit grasped his arm but released him quickly. “I do need to apologize. I’ve been acting like a real bitch, and I just want you to know—it’s not you, it’s just…” she paused.
The quickening of her pulse drew him dangerously closer. Not once had she ever opened up to him.
“I’ve never been without my sisters. Now, I barely see them, and when I do, my mother is there. I don’t mean to take it out on you.” Biting her bottom lip, she stared up at him. “You are a good man—god, I mean.”
She lifted up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”
He froze, struck by her words. Surprised they could mean so much. A part of him longed for things to be good between them. Maybe then the beast in his chest would settle, giving them the chance to explore the sexual tension between them. He stared after her as she exited the door, not wanting her to leave, but knowing she should.
“Kit.”
She looked over her shoulder, her blue eyes measuring him.
“Wait up.” Clamping down on his emotions, he strode past her and up the steps. That life was a dream, he reminded himself. This was a job, his charge to protect her. Fantasies of her would distracted him from his objective of keeping her safe.
He lifted the heavy iron doors and allowed her to pass. The bright lights of the hanger hurt his eyes. Weaving around the large iron birds, he followed Kit to the far door leading to the temple. Staying close, he scanned the workers and the heavy machinery.
She paused at the door, allowing him to pass through to assess the hallway before she entered. A first. An apology and now this? Her compliance suddenly made him uneasy. Was it another game she was playing?
He admonished himself for so quickly assuming the worst. Admittedly, he had a hard time trusting others, but he did not want to think the worst of Kit. Her sincerity had been real. And, it took courage for her to say those things to him.
As he rounded the corner to the temple, the stench of venom carried in the air. Realizing he had to watch—again—his mood darkened.
He stared in through the glass. Eight women lay strapped to the altars. Thankfully, this was his last. Once this ceremony was complete and Kit was back in Aaru, he would relinquish his duties to Bakari.
Guilt flickered deep in his soul. He had not told Kit of his resignation. Perhaps she had already been told and that was why her behavior had changed. He steamed out a breath. She would be relieved to hear the news because this amnesty would not last long between them. At least that was what he told himself to ease his guilt.
The priestess bowed and handed Kit the scroll. Unrolling the paper, she read off the list of names. “How many more after this group?”
“Six.”
Kamen suppressed a groan. It was going to be a long day. He rolled his shoulders to relieve the ache in his spine. While Kit enjoyed her time away from the palace, he wanted to remain within its walls.
“Six groups. That’s forty-eight for today—not bad.”
“No, Madame. I mean six women.”
“When are the other ceremonies scheduled?”
“They’re not. There are only six initiates left, along with these eight.”
“What happened to the hundred we signed on last month?”
“Since the reven curse has been broken, most are returning back to their lives, trying to start over again.”
Kit pressed her hand to her forehead and looked Kamen in the eyes. “Fourtee
n is not enough.”
“No, it is not.” Kamen knew well that Menthu’s forces were abundant. It would take three huntresses per soldier to bring his army down. Not to mention Nehebkaus were no match for a siravant. “We will have to maximize weaponry. I will speak to Asar when we return.”
“Yeah,” Kit said and stared at the list of names. “Well, let’s get these girls saddled up before they leave too.” She turned her back to Kamen and walked towards the temple door. “Katherine Carrigan,” she spoke into the security keypad. The panel beeped and the hydraulic motor slid the vacuum sealed door. It closed behind her and released the other door.
Kamen stepped up to the glass. The undulating mass of snakes weaved away as Kit entered the main chamber and then closed it behind her. She smiled at the women and greeted each one personally. Kamen knew her too well not to know the sadness she was hiding behind the mask.
After chanting the spell, she walked up to the closest female. He admired her grace and pose. She glanced up and met his gaze. He should look away, but something in her eyes held him. He would miss the deep blue hues.
Forcing his eyes away, he stepped back from the glass. He tuned out the women’s screams, wanting nothing more than to rip the snakes from their spines to stop their cries of pain. Stop Kit’s pain. He fisted his hands and forced his focus elsewhere.
The priestess placed the scrolls back within the shrine. His attention was drawn to the sentry standing by the door. Her eyes tracked him as he moved back along the wall. He stopped, surprised by the human’s boldness. Sifting through the scents in the air, he searched for the telltale sour stench, but found none. He waited for her to look away, but she held his gaze. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end as he turned to confront what he feared was a siravant in human’s clothing.
The sentry bared ragged teeth and launched itself at the priestess. Red blood splattered across the floor along with the woman’s head. The second sentry charged Kamen and knocked him to the ground. Rolling to his feet, he slammed his fist into the female’s face and launched her back against the far wall. The sentry’s flesh split open, spilling black putrid blood and filling the hall with fetid odor. It tore away at its skin and revealed the gray disfigured body hiding beneath. The gargoyle-like creature bellowed and unfurled its wings.