Nev sat back in his seat, glaring at Dhoran, his hands still poised on the edge of the table.
Dhoran’s attention shifted to Nev, and his smile widened. “Nev.” He nodded and his eyes narrowed. “I see you’re getting your body back. Too bad. I thought the new look a vast improvement.” He tilted his head. “Explains why I’m having trouble . . . finding you. You two can stop worrying about me, though. I’m leaving the city.”
Muscles flexed under the tight red sweater Dhoran wore. “Nice body—masculine, strong . . . intimidating. Don’t you think? More to my taste. Although, you were a promising work in progress, Nev.” He chuckled, the sound low and menacing. “I’m feeling better—stronger. Soon my powers will fully return, more enhanced than before. You continually made things difficult for me, Nev. You constantly fought my control. Vynn here is much more agreeable. And this is so much better than that frail lump of flesh I escaped the base in.” His hand brushed reflectively across his chest. “Ah, poor Kira.” His mocking tone of concern radiated derision and ended with a chuckle. “I should be grateful. If not for her, I wouldn’t have this fine body.”
Erynn jerked, her gaze snapping to Dhoran and then to Nev. “Kira?” Something greasy slithered in her stomach. “Kira?” She swallowed hard, kicking Nev’s boot under the table, waiting for him to say something.
He ignored her, staring straight ahead. Sweat beaded his forehead. His hands trembled.
She opened her awareness to Nev. Fear with an underlying anger cascaded from him . . . and something else—something surprisingly fervent. So much for “Let me do the talking.” This confrontation was obviously on her. She inhaled slowly and concentrated on calming her dread. The fate of Arranon—and Jaer’s life—hung on what she could accomplish in the next few moments.
Dhoran leered at Erynn and stretched his arm behind her, fingering a curl. “Don’t worry. Kira will be okay.” He stopped and tipped his head, considering his statement. His thick eyebrows rose. “I think.” He shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. She served her purpose.”
Erynn recoiled and quickly tugged her hair from Dhoran’s fingers.
Dhoran snorted and signaled to the server. Once he’d caught her attention, he studied their full glasses. “Kree? Oh, that’s right—your favorite drink, Erynn. But Nev, if I remember correctly, you prefer beoir.”
Nev didn’t respond—again.
Their server stepped up to the booth, her attention on Dhoran. “Yes? Can I get you something, sir?” The artificial smile had disappeared.
Dhoran made a circling gesture with his hand. “My friends need another drink, and this time make it beoir . . . three. We’re celebrating.”
“Of course.” The woman hurried to the bar.
Dhoran’s smile faded. “Relax, both of you. I won’t be bothering you anymore.” He leaned toward Erynn. “For now.” His lips pulled into a sneer. “I have more pressing issues to take care of first. Then . . . well, we’ll let our future play out on its own. I think it’s better that way. Don’t you?”
The server returned with three beoirs, setting them on the table in front of Erynn, Dhoran, and Nev. “Anything else?”
Dhoran turned a dour expression on her, tossing credits on the water-spotted tray. “No. Now go away.”
The woman glanced at Erynn and hurried toward the back of the space. She stood at the long bar, talking with the bartender and sneaking peeks back at them over her shoulder.
Dhoran picked up his beoir and took a long pull from the dark bottle. He slammed it down with a bang, causing Erynn to jump. “Now to business. As I stated earlier, I will leave the two of you alone, but you must also stop pursuing me.”
Those sitting at the bar turned and stared until Dhoran shot a sour look in their direction.
Erynn gathered her nerve. Her hands trembling, she wiped moist palms down her pants again. Still glaring at Nev, she asked with a dry mouth and a tongue that felt two sizes too big, “Tell me how to save Jaer. What did you do to him? What poison did you use?” She turned to stare at Dhoran, her total focus on him in a façade of courage. “I’ll leave you alone, for now, if you tell me.”
Dhoran threw his head back and laughed. “Ah. Bargaining.” He slowly pivoted to study Erynn, and his eyes narrowed. “Sorry. Can’t do that. I’m surprised Jaer is still among the living.” He frowned, his tone perplexed. “He shouldn’t be.”
Erynn’s heart pounded, rushing through her ears. Rage fought for control over reason. Red pulses beat behind her eyes. Energy built, ready to explode. She shuddered with the rising charge of snapping purple static swelling to a dangerous white-hot force. Her jaws clenched. “I’ll give you one more chance. Tell me how to save Jaer.”
Dhoran chuckled. “Now threats? Are you going to shock me, Erynn? Go ahead. I will only take in your power and use it against you, or better yet, against Nev. How much do you think he could stand before he begins to burn from the inside out?”
She looked at Nev. The heat of anger extinguished to an icy chill at the thought of Nev, her friend, her only ally here, dying an agonizing death.
Nev’s jaw tensed. His hands uncurled, and he eased shaking fingers toward the glass of Kree between him and Dhoran. His gaze darted to Erynn. He nodded imperceptibly, encouraging her to act.
Nev’s clear voice sounded in her mind. “Blast him, Erynn. I’ll tip the glass over on Dhoran, increasing the shock.”
Erynn’s eyes widened. “Nev? I can hear—”
“Erynn. Focus.”
“Okay. But how do we know that will work? What if it doesn’t? Nev, he’ll kill—”
“Erynn! Just do it. If this will keep Arranon safe . . . I’m ready.”
Dhoran planted his fist on the table with a loud smack, disrupting the silent communication between Nev and Erynn. “Enough!” Dhoran barked, staring back and forth between Erynn and Nev.
Erynn recognized a brief flash of fear in Dhoran’s eyes and sensed his confusion at this gift she and Nev shared. They could read each other’s thoughts, and Dhoran wasn’t privy to their conversation. Once again, Dhoran was mystified. Just as he didn’t know how to deal with the power of Jaer and Erynn’s love, he had no understanding of true friendship.
Uneasiness filtered Dhoran’s anger. “Stop that . . . what ever . . . Just stop. Now.” He quickly regained control. “You don’t want to see me angry. It wouldn’t turn out well for you, Nev.”
From the bar, a husky male voice carried across the room. “I’ll have no trouble in here. Tone it down or I’m calling security.”
Dhoran held his hand in the direction of the bar, his tone heavy with sarcasm. “Sorry.” He gripped the beoir, squeezing until his knuckles blanched. “Let’s see if we can work this out—with no one dying. At least not yet,” Dhoran growled. He collected himself, leveling a piercing gaze on Erynn. “This is your final warning. Admit defeat. I’m leaving Tamaagra within the huair anyway. Agree to leave me alone for my remaining time here, and I promise I’ll disappear without harming Nev . . . or anyone else.” He laughed with a low rumble. “Well, for a while anyway. Do we have a deal?”
Air heated, growing stale and thick around Erynn. Her chest ached with the act of breathing. Dhoran wasn’t going to tell her how to save Jaer. He was going to walk away, expand his powers, and destroy Arranon. Her usual spirited nature threatened to collapse under the weight of intense grief and panic.
These emotions yielded to a blinding rage she had experienced just one other time. That incident resulted in the death of the alien agent who’d killed her dad. Currents danced under her skin, seeking release. She repressed her anger, forcing it into submission as she choked down the bile rising in her throat. If she didn’t hold herself together, all was lost. Dhoran would win. From deep inside, Erynn found a reserve of boldness, strengthening her voice, her words clipped and clear. “Your plan to change Arranon will destroy her—even your underworld. You must understand.”
This time Nev kicked Erynn under the table. “Ask him where he’s going from here.”
“No, Erynn. I see Nev’s been turning you against my plan. Trust me—there are two sides to this . . . impasse. I will not fail. Arranon will become what I choose to mold her into. I don’t have the time right now to explain how I will transform Arranon into a warmer, more hospitable world. But then we, you and I, will have a lifetime to talk about such wonders.” Dhoran started to edge out of the seat. First, he leaned in close to whisper in Erynn’s ear, “I’ll see you again, soon, and without Jaer’s interference.”
Dhoran’s warm breath, scented with beoir, wafted over her. Erynn closed him out, fighting the urge to gag. She centered her focus on Nev.
The skin around Nev’s eyes tightened and his lips drew down, just for a fraction of a moment. “Now. Ask him now before he leaves. Where is he going?”
Erynn bit at her lip. “He won’t tell me. Why should I try?”
“Erynn, please. Trust me. Ask him.”
Even though the act repulsed her, Erynn straightened and tilted her face toward Dhoran—close enough that her breath touched his cheek. “Wait. If I’m going to see you soon, where will you be?”
“Clever.” Dhoran’s gaze swept over Erynn’s face to her body and lingered. “Nice try. I’m flattered. But your feminine tricks won’t work. You’re only a tool to me, Erynn.” His leering grin returned, and his eyes locked on hers. “Albeit a pleasant tool.”
Erynn tucked into the corner again, her face at once burning hot. A shiver shot over her skin and sent ice rushing through her veins.
In a low quavering voice, Nev whispered, “Dhoran, I understand more than you think. Don’t do this. For centuries, our two realms existed in peace. Why is it so vital you rule the surface? What do you want?”
Dhoran’s expression hardened and he leaned toward Nev. “Why? Because I can. What do I want? Power.”
A tap at the window caused them all to jump. Hand’s cupping his face, Vars pressed against the dark, smoky glass. He grinned and waved before coming around through the door, slipping in next to Nev. “Well, look at this.” He tipped his head and frowned at Dhoran. “Vynn? Security is looking for you, you know. What’s going on? What happened to that poor girl in your apartment?” Vars glanced at Erynn and then back to Dhoran. He shook his head. “Do you two know each other?”
Dhoran’s expression darkened.
More customers entered the bar after Vars, escaping the stormy afternoon. Tables filled quickly. The chatter of conversation increased. The nuance of soft music filtering through the space changed in volume and tempo.
The server walked hesitantly up to their table, addressing Vars, her voice raised over the thrumming pulse of the current song. “Would you like to order?”
Erynn did her best to pull back the energy demanding to be loosed. Maybe she shouldn’t resist. Maybe killing all five of them, or everyone within a specific radius, would be a fair price for destroying Dhoran.
Am I even capable of defeating Dhoran in this manner? Too many unknowns and innocent bystanders.
She glanced at Nev. He still glared at Dhoran, whose appearance had turned from a petulant sneer to a grim agitation, the tension in the air palpable.
“Sure. I’ll have a beoir. Thanks.” Vars looked at Erynn. “I’ve been thinking about what you want.”
“Do you have it?” Erynn squeaked in a rush of words.
“What’s this?” Dhoran smirked, his mood changing in an instant. He settled back in his seat and leaned toward Erynn. “Vars, this is very interesting. How are you helping Erynn?” A subtle chuckle threaded through his words. “This amuses me.”
Vars stared at Dhoran and frowned. “Helping? Sure. Yes . . . well that was the plan, at first anyway, you know.” He returned his attention to Erynn. “I contacted my office after I left you. I have some bad news. Someone broke into my building this morning. The place is crawling with security. E-Speak has pulled their components from my warehouse. I’m sorry, Erynn.” Vars waved a hand, shaking his head. “Nothing I can do now, you know. But I still want to help you, if I can.” He frowned, glancing at the three of them in turn, stopping on Erynn. “Am I missing something? What’s going on? How do you know each other?”
Erynn gestured to the door. “Not important. Thanks anyway, Vars. I’m sure you’re needed at your company. This must be a huge blow to your employees.” She tried a smile and it pulled at her lips unnaturally, tightening the skin where the four scars ran along her cheek. She let the pretense drop. “We’re fine. Just old acquaintances having a drink together.”
The server walked over, hands in her pockets, and studied Erynn. “Hey, it’s nothing to me, but the bartender says unless you can produce ID, you can’t be in here. Sorry. If you want to order a meal, I’ll seat you in the dining room.”
“Thank you, no,” Nev said, not looking at her. “We were just leaving.”
“I’ll tell him.” The woman turned and nodded to the man behind the lighted bar.
Dhoran slid from the seat and stood up, glaring at Erynn. “Remember our deal.” He chuckled. “And good luck with Vars’s . . . help.” He strode out the door and into the darkening day.
Erynn grabbed her pack and scrambled out of the booth. Her rapid movement startled Vars, and he smacked his knees on a support bar.
Vars grimaced, limping out from the booth. “Erynn? What’s the matter with you?”
“Hurry. We have to go after him,” Erynn whispered to Nev.
Nev scooted out of the seat, dragging his pack, and held up a hand. “No. Erynn, wait. Slow down!”
She spun on Vars. “We have to leave. Thanks for trying. You should go now.”
“You won’t get far without transportation—the weather, you know. Well, look for yourselves.” Vars gestured to the window. “It’s snowing. Supposed to be a bad storm.” He smiled. “But they’re short this time of year, you know.”
Erynn took Nev’s hand and pulled him through the heavy door and outside, disregarding his protests. She scanned the sidewalks in both directions. Dhoran was nowhere in sight.
Gusts swirled large snowflakes, mixing them with a pelting rain, replacing the liquid precipitation with a solid frozen variety. Visibility narrowed to less than three meters. A thick white mantle covered parked transports and the edge of the raised sidewalk, growing deeper.
Vars stood behind them, watching the dancing curtain of white. “This is just the beginning,” he called over the wind.
Erynn ignored Vars and spun in a tight circle, squinting against the impenetrable veil. “Where did he go? How did he get away so quickly?”
Nev’s shoulders hunched against the biting wind and stinging snow. “He’s Dhoran. But that doesn’t matter now.”
Erynn glared at Nev, communicating her disappointment and anger in one flaming, caustic look. “It doesn’t matter?” she shrieked above the voice of the storm.
Nev turned away from her cutting words and silent accusations.
His sorrow, guilt, and regret nearly drowned her in their intensity. She’d hurt him and he didn’t deserve her anger. None of this was his fault. He’d been a good friend. Remorse tore at her heart. “Nev. Wait. I’m sorry. We still have time.” She searched the sky for any sign of the brilliant beam that would lead them to Dhoran. “We can find him again.”
Nev grabbed Erynn’s shoulders. “Erynn. No. He’ll start killing people. We’ll be implicated. He has friends here that will detain us. We’ll never make it to Glaskra in time to save Jaer.”
Vars’s attention darted between Nev and Erynn. “What are you talking about? Jaer? The Anbas Warrior? What happened to him? Who’s going to start killing people?”
Erynn grasped Nev’s arm. “You can’t know this. Nev, I understand you’re afraid. I’m scared, too. But if we don’t stop Dhoran now—”
“Erynn. Listen.” Nev’s lips twitched, almost forming a smile. “This is important. Every time you asked Dhoran a question, I could
hear his unspoken answer in my head—everything he didn’t want us to know, including the poison he used on Jaer. Erynn, there’s an antidote, but we have to hurry.” He reached out and grabbed the front of Vars’s jacket, lifting him off the ground. “We really need your help. Can you get us a transport capable of getting around in this storm?” Before Vars could answer, Nev dropped him and spun toward Erynn. “It’s essential I talk to Skye—now.”
Chapter 22
VARS, NEV, AND ERYNN STOOD huddled on the sidewalk outside the bar, packs at their feet. Flurries whipped about, driving most intelligent people to seek cover.
Erynn’s jaw dropped. Eyes wide, she stared at Nev. Snowflakes settled on curly red hair that had escaped from under her hood and stuck to her eyelashes. A heavy weight lifted from her. Even her words seemed to float and tumble in the wind. “Really? You know how to help Jaer?” Her whispered voice trembled, but with relief.
Nev nodded. “Yes. But like I said, we have to hurry.” Urgency dampened his enthusiasm.
Erynn wiped at her eyes, clearing melting snow and tears. She took a step and stopped. “What about Dhoran?” She shifted, stepping in the opposite direction, and halted. “We need to get back to the park. There’s a public COM. Can we even talk to Skye? Yes—through Tam and Aven.” Erynn’s thoughts scattered like startled aleuns. “No. We should just get back to the base—to Jaer, before the storm strands us.” She pivoted, slipping on the icy sidewalk.
Nev grasped Erynn’s arm, keeping her upright. “Slow down. We can’t deal with everything at once. Jaer first.” Nev’s eyes narrowed. “Then Dhoran.”
“If you really need to get somewhere, I have a friend,” Vars called over a blast of wind that whistled along the canyon of buildings. “He can set you up with a transport—one you can take in any weather and over any terrain, you know. And let me see what I can do about getting you a COM. I still have some contacts at E-Speak. I’ll talk to them right away.”
Erynn turned toward Vars. “Take us to this friend of yours.” She reached out and touched his arm. “How much will he want, do you think, for the use of this transport?” Not waiting for an answer, Erynn continued, “I hope we have enough. Do what you can. Please. We really need that transport, and a COM.”
Storm of Arranon Allies and Enemies Page 18