“I tell you this not to provoke you”—she took a step closer to the bed, halting barely an arm’s length from him—“but because you’re going to need to accept that outside this fortress, you’ll have no power or protection other than what my name and reputation can provide.”
“You say that as if you believe I’ll come around to your logic.” Arek made little effort to conceal his disgust and contempt. “No words, no vows, no punishment you threaten me with will ever sway me.”
He flexed his fingers. Her gaze flickered to them. Satisfaction curled in his gut as wariness creased the corners of her eyes. If he ever managed to get free of the shackles, he’d wrap his hands around her slender neck and rid the world of one more demon.
Yet her behavior puzzled him. Where was the cruelty he’d been anticipating? He’d experienced the boat-master’s discipline for the smallest of infractions. If disrespecting her was such a crime, then why hadn’t she punished him?
“Not all Na’Reish advocate the caste system, Light Blade. You will see this in time.” What almost looked like sincerity flickered across her face. “Here in the Kaal fortress we honor the Old Ways. The caste system doesn’t exist. We live differently than the other Clans.”
No caste system? No slaves? Just how gullible did she think he was? Her act to convince him was pitiful. He’d be a fool to read anything into what she said or did.
Arek’s lip curled. “From where I’m lying, I see cursed-all difference, demon.”
Her brow dipped low. “You stew in your anger like a stubborn child when you should be listening. Thinking.”
A flash of temper, so unexpected, and the first he’d witnessed. She closed her eyes a moment, and when she opened them, the anger was gone, replaced by calmness. Her whole body relaxed. All in less than three heartbeats.
Her control impressed him. Intrigued him. Two emotions he shouldn’t be feeling.
Never trust a demon. Lies and deceit dwell in their souls. It’s their nature. As a child, how many times had his grandfather reminded him of this? Davyn had never forgiven Savyr for the death of his daughter.
Nothing Arek had seen in his time as a Light Blade warrior contradicted that supposition. This Na’Reishi female represented everything he hated. So what if she hadn’t reacted as he’d expected? He needed to focus on escape, not try to make sense of her motives or actions.
“Surely you’ve been in situations where not everything was as you assumed it to be?” she asked.
She dropped into a crouch, then knelt beside the bed. It brought her down to eye level with him, giving the moment a level of intimacy that made his skin crawl.
“Isn’t it strange that I know you’re a Light Blade warrior yet you live?” She cocked her head to one side, the wry hint of a smile curving her dark lips. “Don’t you want to know why?”
Mother of Light, yes, he wanted to know, but as much as he desired that knowledge, answering would give her an advantage over him. He kept his mouth shut. What game was she playing at? Did it amuse her to taunt him like this?
* * *
IMHARA issued a soft sigh when the human’s mouth flattened into a grim line. This close, his gaze was such a rich, captivating blue, like the sky on a winter’s evening, but his eyes burned with hatred and speared her with furious intent.
If he felt intimidated by his situation, chained to a bed, his thoughts filled with the knowledge that he was helpless and subject to her whims, he gave no indication of it. She applauded his silent courage. He was going to need it in the coming days. She doubted he was the sort of human who’d reveal any sort of weakness voluntarily.
What experiences had honed such strength in him?
Her gaze traced the angry lines of his face. Beneath the dirt and grime of travel, his visage was striking—a broad forehead, thick blond brows, sharp cheekbones, and a stubble-shadowed jaw.
Not classically handsome by any means. His sun-darkened features possessed a hard, dangerous edge, but the fierceness was a familiar trait, one she recognized and respected.
In a man—Na’Reish, Na’Chi, or human male—she found those qualities appealing. Attractive. And now was no different. Yet she doubted he’d appreciate her sharing that thought with him.
Imhara issued another soft sigh. For the moment it was probably safer to focus on the task of revealing her plans.
“If our situations were reversed, I’d want to know why you hadn’t killed me,” she murmured. Her nostrils filled with the heavy, bitter odor of hatred, yet beneath it she detected the faintest trace of cloves.
Curiosity.
The first sign of emotion other than his desire to kill her. Thank the Lady. All she had to do now was fan that interest and keep it alive; establish a connection.
She wet her lips. “I know you’re not likely to believe me, but I don’t consider you my enemy.”
“You are mine!” The words were snarled from between gritted teeth. Chains rattled as he strained against his bonds, renewing his bid for freedom.
Any other time Imhara might have admired the powerful strength in his body as his muscles flexed and twisted, but the unmistakable scent of fresh blood filled her nostrils. She glanced at his wrists. Crimson stained his skin and the edge of the shackles, some even smeared the white linen pillows.
She grimaced even as her heart beat faster. Rassan’s quick thinking had saved this warrior’s life. The Light Blade possessed everything she needed to see her plan to fruition—strength, tenacity, willpower, and skill—if she could convince him her intentions were genuine. But getting him to take a first step seemed impossible.
The warrior ceased struggling, the flush of anger still coloring his tanned cheeks, his breath rasping in and out of his lungs like a winded Vorc. Her heart ached at the futility and frustration he must be experiencing.
“I’m sorry, Light Blade. I regret that it was necessary for you to be restrained and treated like a prisoner.”
“Really?” he countered, voice rough as his gaze glittered. “Then unchain me.”
Rassan’s warning echoed in the back of her mind.
“I can’t.”
“Why doesn’t that come as a surprise?” A muscle leapt in his cheek. She curled her fingers into a fist, resisting the urge to reach forward and soothe the lines of tension pulling at the corners of his mouth. He’d likely bite her if she tried. “You tell me one thing, demon, but your actions betray the truth.”
The validity of his accusation grated. How could she expect even the smallest sliver of trust from him if she refused to offer it first?
“We both know you’d try to kill me, and I don’t want to have to hurt you to stop you.”
“Hurt me? I don’t think so.” His mouth twisted into a fierce, feral grin. “I won’t just try to kill you. I will.”
His deep voice was so thick with menace it resonated off him in waves, the sharp odor of bitter hatred overpowering. Merciful Mother, his animosity for her race she could understand, but what would it take for him to see past his anger and listen to her?
Frowning, Imhara stared down at the quilt, then traced the intricate vine-leaf design portrayed with her finger, the olive green material soft, the thread raised to delineate the stem and leaves. In the forest the vine wound its way around whatever plant lived nearby, sending out multiple shoots to maximize its chances of finding sunlight.
Her breath caught as the simple tactic sparked an idea.
She lifted her gaze to meet the Light Blade’s. “Slaying me would be a waste of time, warrior, especially when the opportunity to kill Na’Rei Savyr might hold more appeal. Wouldn’t seeing him dead give you greater satisfaction?”
Shadows flickered through his gaze.
“Imagine the impact his death would have on the Na’Reish.” The scent of cloves intensified, mixed with then overrode the heat of his anger. Curiosity. Again. Imhara swallowed her smile. “Think how quickly chaos would engulf the Clans as they squabbled over who would inherit his throne.” She took a deep
breath. “I can give you that chance. Interested, Light Blade?”
Chapter 6
IMHARA Kaal’s proposition tugged at Arek like the undercurrent of a deep river. Of all the things she could have tempted him with—who was she that she could offer such an opportunity? How many times had he prayed and pleaded with the Lady for the chance to avenge the loss of his parents?
All Light Blades knew the Na’Reish executed any taken in battle, so when word of his mother’s capture reached his father, it was news of her death. As far as Arek was concerned, Savyr’s actions were responsible for his father’s overwhelming grief and his choice to end his own life with a blade to the heart.
Every day he rode out on patrol gave him the chance to strike back at those who had taken so much from him.
“Why?” he ground out. “Why would you want Savyr dead?”
Every muscle in the female demon’s face pulled tight. Her eyelids slitted. Raw heat and darkness ripped through her gaze. There was no mistaking the emotion.
Hatred.
He’d lived with it for nearly three decades.
Black lips thinned. “He ordered the death of my family.”
She hesitated, shadows stirred in her gaze, morphing her tight features into something more vulnerable. Grief. He knew it well.
A thrill of energy streaked through him. The eerie similarity in their circumstances burrowed deep. He grit his teeth. The last thing he wanted to feel was empathy with the enemy.
She inhaled a steady breath, shaking off whatever memories enthralled her. “Only I survived.” He stared at her, unable to doubt her sincerity this time. “He wants control of Skadda Pass and the slave-route. It runs from his province and through Kaal territory.”
How much of the border between Na’Reish and human territory did she share? A good third by the sound of it, if it included the northern Skadda Mountain Range.
“It’s the reason why my family was murdered.” Her purple gaze glittered, like chips of fire-stone caught in sunlight. Nature’s furious beauty—ice and heat—melded into one. The huskiness in her voice deepened. “As custom allowed, Savyr thought he’d claim Kaal territory in the absence of a suitable heir.” She gave a humorless grin. “When he called an Enclave to enact this right, I took great pleasure in claiming my sire’s seat alongside the other Nas.”
“They let a female assume the title?”
“Exceptional circumstances. I was the only living heir.” One dark eyebrow arched. “Besides, the Enclave and Savyr thought I’d accede to their greater wisdom and mate at the first opportunity. To carry the mantle of leadership would prove too onerous a task for a female.” Her mocking tone held genuine humor. “Once mated, the title would pass to my mate.”
Arek couldn’t see Savyr quietly backing down on acquiring something he deemed as his. Foiling the Na’Rei’s plan had placed a target on her back and explained why she needed to know how to defend herself. It also made him wonder how many attempts had been made on her life. And how she’d survived them.
“The corridor into our Southern Province is a significant asset,” he stated. Over the years, the southern end had suffered the highest number of casualties in Na’Reish hit-and-run sorties for blood-slaves.
Her nod was sharp. “You can see why Savyr wants it so badly. And what he wants he usually gets.” Her hand fisted in the quilt. “But I’m not going to give him Kaal territory without a fight.”
The ice in her voice could cut stone. The Na’Reish leader was a ruthless bastard, something he’d witnessed time and again while on border patrol. He’d lost count of the number of crofters and villagers he’d helped after the Na’Hord had ransacked their homes and kidnapped or killed loved ones during raids.
Their helplessness and despair left him and his fellow Light Blades feeling frustrated and angry, emotions he could hear reflected in Imhara Kaal’s voice. As much as he didn’t want to sympathize with a demon, he could understand her determination and desire to fight against Savyr.
But he was assigning human sentiment and values to her motives. There had to be something else driving her.
He grunted. “You fight over land, then.”
“No! This is about survival, Light Blade.” Her gaze locked with his, the amethyst depths swirling. “Survival of my Clan. Survival of our way of life. And survival of your people.” White lines etched her mouth. “I believe Savyr is preparing for war.”
Arek’s frown deepened.
“He’s called for an Enclave in a month. All Na are expected to attend.” The Na’Reishi female eased back onto her heels. “I suspect he’ll reveal his plans then, but the frequent patrols using Kaal territory to cross the border, the age of the humans being brought back, the increased tithes all indicate Savyr is preparing for war with your people.”
Arek’s gut tightened. Her statement confirmed what the Blade Council and his own experiences on patrol had revealed—nearly five hundred humans taken and close to four times that massacred in their homes the last few months alone.
Imhara Kaal was telling the truth there—her forthrightness with such information surprised him—but with Clan feuds commonplace among the Na’Reish, her motives for wanting the Na’Rei dead were still suspect.
“You don’t need me to assassinate Savyr. We both know there are scores of different ways to accomplish this.” Arek lifted a brow. “What’s the real reason for killing him?”
The demon pushed to her feet. She strode to the end of the bed, staring into the shadows beyond. “You mask your skepticism well, Light Blade, but I can scent it in the air between us.”
“Your last four Na’Rei’s were all murdered, in one fashion or another, for the throne. History speaks for itself.”
She whirled back to him, her face slackening in shock. “You’re assuming I want to take Savyr’s place?”
“You’re Na’Reish.”
A muscle in her jaw leapt. She leaned forward, her hands clenching on the iron bed-end.
“Once they discover who is behind his death, his Clan will seek revenge.” She flexed her fingers, easing their white-knuckled grip, her voice strong and low. “To save my Clan, I intend asking for a truce with your leaders.”
A grunt of laughter exploded from him. Had she been inhaling haze? Most Na’Reish burnt the dried leaf to subdue unruly blood-slaves, but it wasn’t unheard of for some to use it for their own pleasure. Fantasies and delusions were common side effects.
Lady’s Breath, it would explain her insane request.
Arek shook his head. “A patrol will intercept you well before you get to Sacred Lake.”
“Your presence will allay any attack.” The urgency in her voice and in her expression lifted his pulse rate. “You’ll have lived among us”—here she grimaced and gave a half shrug—“or will have by the time we approach your Council. You’ll be able to tell them the Kaal poses no threat, that we’re nothing like the other Clans.”
He snorted. “No threat?”
“I know you hate me, Light Blade, and I know you don’t trust me yet, but just consider the possibility that what I’m saying is true.”
He was ready to shoot back a nasty response, but the waver in her voice gave him pause. She swallowed hard and her gaze swerved away from his, but not before fear darkened her eyes.
Fear of him? Of facing the Blade Council?
Or something else?
She cleared her throat and met his gaze again, determination cloaking her like a second skin. “Your Chosen will have an ally prepared to defend the border of human territory, from the Southern Swamplands to the tip of the northern Skadda Ranges. Na’Reish patrols will no longer be able to use Skadda Pass or the slave-route. If the assassination doesn’t halt the war preparations, losing half their major supply line for blood-slaves will.”
Her speech was sense and reason wrapped up in temptation, but the most powerful lies were half-truths cloaked in logic. He knew that from experience, having been lied to his entire life by his grandfather, the one man h
e’d trusted and looked up to.
Arek pushed away the ache that came with that thought and focused on the Na’Reishi standing at the end of the bed.
Imhara Kaal had to have some ulterior motive, something she hadn’t yet revealed.
“No human will ever trust a Na’Reish.” His voice was flat, hard. “Particularly a traitor.”
* * *
IMHARA’S heart beat rapidly in her chest. Her throat tightened with the accusation. Yes, she was a traitor to her race, but they were no longer her people. By suppressing the truth of their origins, the Old Ways had been banished and forgotten. Her loyalty belonged only to her Clan now. There was nothing she wouldn’t do for them.
Gathering her thoughts, she appealed once more to the Light Blade. “Consider this, there are nearly a thousand humans living in Kaal territory. Perhaps once you see and interact with some of them, your opinion of us will change.”
“Then you’d better keep me chained to this bed, demon,” he hissed. “That’s the only way you’re going to make me stay in this cursed place!”
Her blood pulsed hard in her veins. Of course he would try to escape. Given all his beliefs about the Na’Reish, part of her couldn’t blame him, but her heart rebelled. So many years of strategic planning were being ground into nothingness with his refusal to listen.
She racked her brain to think of another way to present her proposal to him, to convince him, and came up blank. Mother of Light, finding a Light Blade among those captured by Meelar’s raiding party had been a blessing. She’d laid out the facts as honestly and openly as possible.
Imhara squeezed the iron railing, knuckles turning white. His refusal sat like a rock in her gut. Heavy. Unmovable. To lose this warrior would end her ancestors’ legacy and condemn her Clan to death.
She couldn’t let either happen.
Her heart beat harder. There was one way to stop him escaping. A temporary measure until he understood. But the deceit involved sickened her. He would hate her more.
Yet what choice did she have? So much relied on him recognizing the potential of what she offered. And that’s what was important, what she had to focus on.
Allegiance Sworn (A NOVEL OF THE LIGHT BLADE) Page 4