by T. G. Ayer
“Yeah. I don’t feel better.” Drake let out a deep sigh. “So what are we going to do?”
“You mean what am I going to do?”
“Nope. I mean what are we going to do? I’m not letting you do this on your own anymore, Mel. This shit really has to stop. You’re endangering your life with this need to do every bloody thing by yourself.”
“And you want me to go risking your life to find them?”
Drake laughed. “Excuse me if I’m mistaken, but I’m pretty sure there’s a bunch of people I know who are currently ready and waiting to risk their fucking lives for Saleem and half of us don’t even know the goddamned royal djinn. Does that not strike you as strange?”
I rolled my eyes. “No. You guys are amazing people and would risk your lives for those in need of help.”
“And what do you think those very same people would do when it came to having to risk their lives for someone they fucking loved? Geez! Sometimes you’re so goddamned stupid.”
Giving a slow nod, I inhaled deeply as a strong pressure released its hold on my heart. Then I looked over at Drake who was still squashed comically next to me.
“You’re probably not wrong there.”
“Probably?” Drake shrieked.
Chapter 11
Considering my dramatic expulsion from the ether this morning, I figured the best thing to do was to brief Logan on the incident first and give him Saleem’s notes.
After being force-fed bacon and eggs and charred toast—Drake’s specialty—I found Logan at the weapons’ shop, studying a stack of rifles, some of which looked a little strange in their construction.
“Is that stash courtesy of Drake?” I asked as I entered the office and came to a stop beside the dragon shifter who was bathed in a stream of late morning light from the room window.
He glanced up briefly, eyes flickering with concern, which he quickly masked as he gave me a fleeting smile and bent again to study the weapon in front of him.
I wasn’t fooled. “I’m assuming Drake updated you on my troubles with the djinn ether?” The gargoyle had left soon after breakfast, claiming errands that needed doing.
Logan looked up again, his lips quirking into a lopsided smile. “Guess the chances of getting that past you were slim to none.” He straightened and studied me, expression now serious. “How are you feeling? Any negative effects from the blast?”
“Tiny blast,” I held up my fingers to show him a minuscule space between my thumb and forefinger, “and yes, all gray cells confirmed intact and fully functional,” I said, not entirely keen on going into the details—especially since Drake had already debriefed Logan.
“You’ve been blasted a good few times now, hence my concern.” His tone was mild, almost teasing, but his expression was deadly serious.
I rested my hip against the side of the table, folding my arms even though I knew the action would be interpreted as defensive. “Fine. I was coming here anyway to give you the down-low first.”
Logan chuckled. “You mean before you visit the scary old queen.”
I snorted. “Better you never let her hear you say that.”
“A dragon-versus-djinn battle?” He winked. “Now that would be interesting.”
I laughed at the image his words conjured, but though amusing, it wasn’t something I would wish on him. “Just let’s try never finding out, okay?”
Logan’s eyes twinkled with amusement for a moment. Then he sobered. “So how is he,” he asked softly. His expression was sad, that of someone who cares, and I was glad Saleem had Logan in his corner.
I smiled back, hoping my expression would be enough to make him feel a little better. The truth of the matter was I suspected that if he knew the real truth, he would blame himself more than anything else. Which left me in a weird position because, as tactician of the team, he needed to know everything. Still, professional that Logan was, he’d be accomplished enough by now at compartmentalizing his emotions.
Hoping the fear and concern in my voice wouldn’t come through, I replied, “He’s being brave, whether it was for me or for himself, I wasn’t entirely certain. Though this time he looked like he’d been taking more of a beating than when I saw him last.”
As I spoke, Logan’s eyes darkened. He didn’t say anything for a moment, and appeared to be considering his next words. Then, on a quick breath, he said, “Do you think Saleem will be strong enough when the time comes to extract him?”
I knew exactly what Logan was asking—we both knew Saleem would only last long enough if he were allowed to by his captors. “From the looks of his beaten-up body, Division 7 doesn’t appear to be too concerned with him living for a long period of time. Still, they don’t seem to want to end his life either.”
“What do you think? His brother taking out some form of revenge?” Logan’s face darkened with an anger which only mirrored my own.
“I don’t believe Rizwan has any control.” I said, thinking of the conversation between Rizwan and Saleem I’d seen in Mithras. “Saleem told him outright that he’s little more than a puppet, but he just refused to consider the possibility. Rizwan’s their bitch, no doubt about it. Which makes me question what they hope to achieve with this torture. It’s inhumane but it appears methodical, planned. As though there was some sort of process they were following.”
“Maybe they want information?”
Or maybe they want to tap into his prophesied powers?
I shoved the thoughts away and replied, “What information could they get from Saleem that Rizwan wouldn’t have willingly handed over by now? It’s pretty clear the guy’s a couple balls short of a full pair.”
Logan snorted and then nodded, “Good point. But we both know Saleem was touted as the next ruler. Maybe he learned—or was given—information that Rizwan wasn’t privy to being the son with no hope of his ass ever sitting on the throne.”
Logan had a point and I pursed my lips, trying to go over everything I already knew about the realm and its royalty. Then I shook my head. “There are way too many scenarios. Besides, I have to go lay my head on the chopping block. Aisha’s not going to be happy that I went to see Saleem without asking her first.”
“I’d say she has a right to be upset only if you damaged the progress that she and Lacroix have made.” Logan gave a perfunctory nod, as if pretty certain I was safe.
Personally, I still wasn’t too sure I’d survive the day.
“Anyway, what’s the deal with the demon overlord? I know you said you can trust him but you’ll have to forgive me if I have my reservations.”
“Are those reservations more because he and the queen already knew each other?”
I rolled my eyes. “No. She did explain they had a history going back to her husband’s time. So that’s not too much of an issue. I just want to be sure the guy is going to deliver.”
Logan’s eyes narrowed as he studied my face. “Do I detect a bit of species prejudice within those words?”
I snorted. “Of course not. I’m just thinking it was all rather too convenient, that he happened to be around just when he was needed.”
“Maybe.” Logan’s lips twisted. “But I’m willing to bet Lacroix has a good reason for being in town. And sometimes it’s best not to look a stroke of luck in the eye.”
I forced a smile onto my face. “Fine. I’ll try, but I can’t promise I’ll stop keeping an eye on him.” Then I pushed off the desk to my feet. “Also, best we are ready to roll. I’m to expect a representative of the Mithrasian rebel army to get in touch, though the Goddess only knows how and where or even when.”
Logan cleared his throat, the sound dragging my attention back to him. “Rebel army?” he asked, scowling.
I slapped a palm to my forehead. “Fuck. What is wrong with me?” Sighing, I dragged the notebook from my satchel and handed it over to Logan. I’d already taken photos of every page in the book so I’d have a copy, but I still felt somewhat bereft handing the notes over to him.
He took the book in silence, then flipped through the pages before looking up to meet my eyes. “Mel, this is the kind of thing you lead with, not something to throw over your shoulder on the way out.”
I shrugged. “Sorry, my mind seems to be elsewhere these days,” I said with a cheeky smile. When he didn’t reply I said, “I broadcasted a message on the ether out of sheer desperation. To be honest, it was more like a prayer, and shockingly enough, Saleem heard it. Good thing the rebels are on his side. And happy to help us. There are other maps too, from what looks like warehouses on the outskirts of a bunch of cities across the realm. They made notes too, but I haven’t had a chance to look through everything. But we have our maps now, so we can get moving. Oh, and Saleem explained that Omega had made a special effort to erase every copy of every map of Mithras and its cites that they knew existed within the Earth-Realm. I’m guessing it’s the ideal strategy as a means of protecting their control over Mithras.”
Logan let out a deep grunt although his expression was filled with relief. “With what we have here, I can say we can be ready to move in the next day. Just as long as you haven’t broken the astral plane.”
I made a rude sound and turned on my heel. As I walked off, I heard Logan chuckling, and the sound filled me with hope.
Until I remembered where I was going. Breaking the astral plane was the least of my problems.
Chapter 12
With my ass still a little sore from spending too long on the cold bathroom tiles, I took care to step gingerly along the grassy pathway so as not to jar my muscles.
My head was throbbing too—I’d thought I’d gotten enough rest before heading out to the weapons’ shop but clearly, I’d been wrong. Or it could just be the midday sun beating down on my skull.
I was making my second unavoidable stop at Natasha’s place in order to update the djinn queen on my unsanctioned visit to Saleem. I’d discussed it with Logan of course, but still I felt as though I’d done something wrong by not at least running it past Aisha.
I rounded the main house and headed toward the back of the property to the foot of a hill—to be fair it was more of a mountain, though not quite there, but I wasn’t sure about the hill label either.
A few feet ahead, hidden in a small thicket, was an entrance to a subterranean cave system which Natasha used for the stronger magic that, should the spells go haywire, would likely decimate her house, if not the entire state.
Natasha had considered the possibility and decided that any magic which included the likelihood of blowing things up should be performed within a protected environment.
Just her luck, there happened to be a network of caves beyond the property. Which was where I would find the djinn queen and the demon overlord working on magic together.
I made my way past the spiky branches of a large broad-leaved cactus-like tree and slipped into the narrow space—the only access to the caves.
As I entered the darkened interior, the rise and fall of voices echoed toward me. Though I was sorely tempted to spy on them, as I had to admit to a deep curiosity as to the interaction between the djinn and the demon overlord, I had to force myself to remember that I was about to get onto the scary old queen’s bad side.
There was really no reason to make things ten times worse. Besides, if something went wrong, there was a distinct likelihood that I would get blown to pieces if I came upon them at the wrong moment.
So, as I made my way toward them, I refrained from hiding the sounds of my approach. And when I entered the cave—a cavern as large as a concert hall—they were both looking up in my direction.
The demon, with his pale skin and blond dreadlocks, was an unusual sight to behold. It was easy to assume that a supernatural creature like him would not be considered attractive, but there was just something about him that was unique, because even Kai had admitted her appreciation of his looks.
Logan had only responded with an eye-roll, but we had both considered it significant that he’d given no challenge or denial of our claims.
I followed the narrow pathway carved in a spiral along the wall of the cave, which descended slowly to the base of the cavern. The queen’s icy expression broadcasted her lack of appreciation at my intrusion, but she would have also understood my presence only meant I had something important to discuss.
As I came to a stop, I gave them both a cheery wave and received a cool glare from the queen and a regal tilt of the head from the demon.
“Sorry to disturb you guys, but there’s something I have to talk to you about and it can’t wait.”
The queen’s brow furrowed and she beckoned me to her. Barry gave me a reassuring smile before turning on his heel and strolling to the other end of the cave. He stopped in front of a long table covered in bottles and bowls and a whole lot of other unidentifiable things that I couldn’t really make out from this distance. I had a feeling that I was going to really like this demon.
I came to a slow stop in front of Aisha who said, “From the expression on your face, dare I say you do not bring the best of news?”
Though I was tempted to start with some kind of smart remark, I forced myself to remain serious. “I went to speak to Saleem and I may have broken the Veil.”
Well, not quite what I’d been going for, but I figured I was doomed either way.
“You did what?” Aisha glared at me, her voice vibrating as her question hit me hard, one word at a time.
Though I could’ve started with something more neutral, I’d lead with the worst possible scenario in the face of what I expected to be the full force of her fury.
I swallowed, still a little tired in mind and body, really not up to having an argument with the formidable djinn. Raising my hands in surrender, I said, “With so little information to work with—even with our patchwork map—we’re running out of choices and we’re getting nowhere without Saleem’s input. We had to know where he will be when we do finally storm the palace. And with Sentinel refusing to help us, we needed eyes on the inside. And we now have what we need.”
Aisha’s spine had been stiff, her expression strained during my explanation, her eyes flashing as she studied my face. And though she’d relaxed when I confirmed we’d gotten what we need, her skin remained pale—was it anger or fatigue?
Considering the lengths she and Barry were pushing themselves to, I wouldn’t be surprised if she were disregarding the need to rest.
Sound familiar?
“What did you get?” she asked, letting out a taut breath.
My heart rate dropped in relief as I said, “Saleem’s in contact with a rebel army who is providing him with aid. He’s given us maps and notes on security details, most of which he’s obtained from the rebels. He’s also confirmed that a representative will contact me with details regarding the rebels plans to take back Mithras, and I’m assuming to give us a base of operations to prep for our mission. I’m to expect an imminent contact and Logan is ready to go ASAP if need be. And he’s notifying the team to remain on standby for the next twenty-four hours.”
Aisha blinked slowly, her expression broadcasting that she hadn’t at all expected such an update. Maybe I’d get away with endangering the Veil magic after all.
She took a sharp breath, her expression neutral—which I wasn’t buying at all. “What exactly did you mean by breaking the Veil?” the queen now asked, eyes narrow and wary.
I swallowed hard and stilled my fingers which suddenly wanted to tuck the hair behind my ears and fiddle with my buttons. “While talking to Saleem, I was thrown back into the ether. And then, when I tried to follow his life-thread back to him, it appeared to have been cut off.”
As appalling as that sounded, the queen didn’t explode as I’d expected her too. Yes, she was furious—confirmed by the twin spots of red that bloomed at her cheeks—but she was also curious, and confused.
I suppose I should count my lucky stars that she hadn’t just turned me into a pile of embers.
“How do you mean cut off?”
she asked slowly. “Was the thread indicating life up to a point and then just ended, or did it fade away from view?”
“At first, I thought it was cut off but I’d been following it so fast I wasn’t exactly looking behind me. And when my hand hit nothing, I stopped and looked over my shoulder and found it gone entirely.”
“What do you mean?” The queen’s eyes narrowed.
“I lost the thread and I know for a fact that he’s not dead because dead life-threads don’t just disappear, they fade away and leave a residue that lasts years. Saleem’s thread just disappeared. Is his life-force blocked by something? Is there some type of djinn magic that would cause that to happen?”
“Not djinn magic. But there is an element found deep within the Mithrasian mountain ranges. It’s similar to gold but contains a metal that acts like a diffuser—the way iron affects most Fae.”
“And where in Kamsin is it found? That’s likely where they took him.”
Aisha laughed, though the sound was harsh. “They didn’t take him far, child. He’s in the dungeons. The stone walls contain a mineral similar in structure to iron with properties capable of repelling or diluting magic.”
I nodded, recalling Saleem mentioning a one-way trip to the dungeons. So this was what he’d meant. “What about jumpers?” I asked, wondering if there was a way I could get past this protective mineral. “I’m pretty sure even iron can’t stop us.”
“To be fair, we hadn’t gotten around to testing its effects on a jumper. Perhaps I’ll mention it at the next consular meeting.”
Smartass, I thought, before stiffening to check if the queen had heard me. When she didn’t react, I said, “He did say he’s being taken there on a daily basis.”
“Melisande, dear, it’s likely you didn’t do anything to lose his life-thread. You were probably right there at the very moment they entered the dungeons.” Her words were a relief until she asked, “So did you check the Veil for indicators of damage?”