We Are Forever (Rishi's Wish Book 2)

by C. M. Martens

  "I wish to offer my protection against the gang that would take you for themselves."

  She took a step towards him without realizing it. Pollux's appearance in front of her stopped her.

  "C'mon now Han, let's play fair." Pollux's words played at jovial, but his tone was all threat.

  "Fair? How is it not fair to use those skills that are yours?"

  Dee shook her head to clear the last of Han's mental trick. Her eyes glanced at Asellus to see what the matron was making of all of this, but she'd remained seated, unfocused gaze staring into the fire.

  Dee's voice was breathy. "I don't really understand what's going on, but—Han?—"

  He bowed low, eyes up. "Sabik Han. At your service."

  Dee sent an eyebrow up at his formality but didn't let it distract her. She wasn't sure if she was supposed to call him Sabik, or Han, or Sabik Han as he'd introduced himself.

  "Sabik is fine."

  Sabik. She repeated the name in her mind, not sure how the unfamiliar word would roll off her tongue. Sa-beek.

  "I hope you didn't come here thinking I'd just walk out with you because you say so."

  There was the barest hint of stiffness in his posture, and his brows lifted while he studied her with new interest. "I suppose maybe I did think just that. It appears I may have been too hard on my Barnard."

  Thoughts of torture and death, followed by resurrection, followed by more pain, took her thoughts. It wasn't that she cared about Barnard, but she hoped he hadn't suffered because he'd failed to bring her to the male standing in front of her.

  To give herself the extra seconds to recover from where her mind had gone, she turned back to the window. She remembered long jogs at night through the level, wooded country of her hometown. Thoughts of home conjured thoughts of Mike. Tears welled in her eyes, and she pushed fingernails into her palms to banish one pain with another.

  When the heavy door to the room slammed open, she spun around, everyone's attention on the male joining them.

  "You won't believe—" The Twin's voice trailed off as he took in the room, purposeful stride never slowing as he pulled a sword in each hand from his back, angling his path so it would intersect directly with The Ophiuchus.

  Pollux's relief was evident in the barest upturn of his mouth, but his brother didn't notice. Castor's eyes had narrowed to Sabik, disregarding all others in the room. Even Asellus' voice wasn't enough to stop his advance.

  Sabik's face was a mask of neutrality as he watched the mirror of the man standing next to him stalk forward.

  Dee's heart raced, wondering how this would play out, remembering neither brother, even together, had taken The Ophiuchus down. Whatever composure Sabik portrayed, she didn't think for a second he didn't have some plan to circumvent the wrath stalking towards him.

  Only seconds passed, but they were seconds that stretched outside of time until Pollux stepped forward, just enough in his brother's path to turn Castor’s attention and force the sibling to widen his focus. Castor's expression was a mixture of anger and confusion.

  There was regret in Pollux's voice. "Brother, not here. He is Asellus' guest."

  Castor whirled on Asellus. Still seated, she engaged by leaning forward, as if in preparation to spring if the Twin didn't back down.

  "He should not be here." The words were a hiss, holding a well of loathing Dee could not comprehend.

  Asellus stood, gliding towards the Twin, face serene, though masked anger leaked into her voice. "You tell me who is allowed in my House? You may squabble amongst yourselves, but here, you are all always welcome."

  "Even the black sheep is still family,” Dee murmured under her breath.

  If any heard, they gave no notice.

  Castor's words were a lethal whisper. "You are crazy. I would never have agreed to keep the girl here if I'd known you still consort with our enemy."

  The control it took for him to maintain his composure was highlighted in the way he huddled around himself, one foot pivoted to face Sabik, who'd remained as still as a field mouse waiting for the hawk to pass.

  Dee knew the metaphor was all wrong. Nothing in Sabik's posture expressed fear or wariness. His face was nothing but curious contemplation.

  Seconds ticked by.

  Little-by-little, Castor's body unclenched.

  His head turned from Asellus to his brother. "Get the girl. We'll take her somewhere else."

  Sabik's eyebrows rose, gaze flickering to their hostess.

  Dee stepped at Castor. She allowed the anger and frustration that was a constant simmer rise up inside her. Pushed into his personal space, she managed to keep her voice even, pitched low to contain her desire to scream at them all. "I know you know my name, Castor."

  She turned to Asellus, cutting off Castor's response. "I appreciate you allowing me a place of safety, but why would you invite him here? You had to know it would cause a problem."

  All eyes were on Asellus, each eager to hear the answer.

  The matron continued to stare at Castor as if waiting for him to respond. When she made no move to acknowledge Dee's question, Dee's frustration boiled over. "Someone talk to me!"

  She hated herself for the outburst. She hated them for forcing her to this point.

  Castor surprised her by taking her trembling hands in his, head bowed in supplication. "You're right. My sincerest apologies, Desiree. We've all been making decisions about you without your consultation. "

  He met her eyes before looking over her shoulder to his brother.

  The look lasted long enough that Dee knew they held a silent conversation. The thought that they continued to connive right in front of her brought her close to madness.

  She pulled her hand from Castor's, forcing his attention back to her. "Apology not accepted."

  They looked at her as if she'd finally done something interesting.

  Her pace increased with every step until she was across the room, then through the door. The crisp air surprised her, sure she’d be stopped before she made it so far.

  -Maybe a blade through your back.-

  But not a hand or a blade interfered.

  She was free.

  Or at least moving forward, a first step from beneath the pressing thumb of others.

  8

  Some sound caught her attention, her hurried pace distracted by sensory data that was just—off.

  She reached into her head to pull on that thing that knew when those things not quite human were near. She sent it around her to scan the cliffs above, the plateau ahead, and the valley behind. So much input inundated her senses it was as good as none. So much data she didn't trust what it told her. Either countless troops surrounded the compound, troops invisible and hiding in impossible respites, or her senses were useless.

  Inclined to believe her ineptitude, she halted her steps anyway. What new madness had found her?

  A second sound, some subtle disturbance of air rather than a true vibration in her ear, jerked her head, and she held her breath to allow complete focus on pinpointing the source.

  To her left, the wall of dark rock caged her. What should have been a dissuasive point of entry to Asellus' estate couldn't be overlooked. The Rishis and their minions could just as well jump from the lofty height onto the secluded plain as they could walk up the face of the cliff that reached into the valley on her other side.

  These were her thoughts as her eyes reached up and up. She wondered if she might use this as her own method of escape, noting the large Takin, mountain goats of the region, whose shag-furred coats set them apart from the craggy rock face and who were more than comfortable scaling the cliff. She marked a path to use in case things on the plain went sideways.

  A dull echo sounded through the valley to her right. Her heart leaped to her throat. A deep breath, followed by a second, allowed her to keep from bolting back to the shelter of the Rishis'.

  This last sound also alerted the group she'd left. She heard their scrambling motion towards her and knew, no
matter what else happened, that she didn't want to stand here to get re-encompassed into their arguments.

  Before she could continue her get-away, the lone, one-story structure at the far end of the plain let out sounds of shattered glass, followed by the duller tones of heavier things hitting the floor. On silent feet, Dee sprinted towards the building until she could press her ear against the thick, wood door. The quiet movements of bodies and the whispered murmurs of voices told Dee there were visitors. Dee had only ever seen Gyatso, the weathered woman who served her her meals, in this place, and Asellus had no Soldiers to speak of that would explain the others' presence.

  Dee pushed the door open on silent hinges, just enough for an eye to observe what there was to see. Dressed in head-to-toe black with only their eyes visible, the Soldiers could have belonged to anyone. So far, no Soldier had been considerate enough to wear some emblem or name tag that told who they belonged to. Dee wasn't sure if knowing this group didn't belong to Asellus or the Twins was good or bad.

  -The devil you know, or the one you don't?-

  The Rishis she'd left in the wake of her frustration would undoubtedly come after her, so she didn't have much time to make a decision. Still, she didn't want to act too rashly.

  Convinced Gyatso's life wasn't in danger, Dee stepped away from the door and pressed against the exterior wall, thoughts racing. Had Sabik brought people with him? Or, maybe Zosma tracked her here.

  -They are really not good at keeping your location a secret.-

  On the wind, her name carried, sent by Pollux, whose voice held a note of concern she didn't trust.

  -His ego won't like losing the prize.-

  All the progress she'd made through Asellus’ teaching washed away as her rage pushed forward. The voice in her head that had been so quiet through her weeks here was again loud and pushy, suggesting violence as the answer to end her problems. If only she had its confidence she wouldn’t get killed in the process.

  She felt played at every turn. As much as she'd learned, as much as the Twins' training vaulted her to a new level of mastery over her physicality, she couldn't be thankful when it was all for them. Never once had her autonomy been discussed. Never once had anyone considered what this was doing to her.

  A pit yawned inside her, sending a tingle of fearless energy through her. Her nagging sidekick grinned. Her attention turned from the approaching Rishi to the murmur in the building at her back. Choosing the new devil over the old, she grabbed for the door, but a solid wall of man blocked her path.

  This is not the best way for answers.

  Dee looked up into the face peering down at her. Breath caught by his energy, a compulsion to reach out and touch him claimed her, even as she knew she couldn't give in to whatever mind control he worked on her.

  It is not on purpose, I promise you. You are drawn to me, as I am to you. Why that is, is a question you should start asking.

  His body was still, a purposeful containment of motion, belying the silent conversation he engaged with her.

  You have answers? Her hands clenched at her sides as she fought her reaction to him.

  He nodded. His hand came up in a silent plea for her to go with him. Dee tracked the movement, eyes wide in panic that he would touch her.

  Sabik's hand hovered over her arm. I have answers.

  Dee scowled, unsure how to judge her thoughts, not believing he could answer the same questions Zosma could.

  -Assuming Zosma's not lying.-

  Her attention darted to the door behind Sabik, curious why no one emerged.

  Sabik pressed closer, still not touching her. The minuscule movement drew Dee's attention back to him. Questions of whether the Soldiers in the building were his vanished with his words in her head. Be careful what you seek is not your imprisonment.

  His comment coaxed anger to the surface.

  "Haven't I always been a prisoner?" She hissed through clenched teeth, volume not enough to carry through the gusting wind but still more prone to attention than their telepathic communication.

  Han lifted his hand so she might take it, still not touching her. You would never be a prisoner with me.

  She considered his words, something in his tone giving her pause. Her only reason not to trust him lay in the others' telling her not to. He was right here, right now. There was nothing more to lose by going with him than there was with going with any of the rest.

  -Kill him! It's time to make our own path.-

  The anger that yawned from the depths of her core roared for her to take action.

  "SABIK HAN!"

  Dee recognized the voice, surprised to hear it coming from the yard she'd traveled across to get to where she stood. The Twins and Asellus should have made it to her by now, and it was for them her eyes searched when she turned to the voice. Even her murderous inner-voice calmed to see what new addition had added to the drama.

  Sabik dropped his hand, eyes lingering on Dee with a look that said they could still make it if they didn't delay. When Dee made no indication she was ready to leave, he turned his attention to the newcomer.

  "Zosma." Sabik clasped his arms across his chest, hands disappearing into his sleeves.

  "I'm surprised to see you here, brother." Zosma moved forward, his energy crackling inside Dee's skull.

  "Is it to be brother again?" Sabik stilled to lifelessness, his only movement lips forming placid words.

  Zosma shrugged, as if to say, whatever way you would have it.

  Sabik's motionlessness leaked onto Dee, so she found herself emulating his stature while watching Zosma approach with calm detachment that washed away the nervous trembling from her limbs. It was the thing Asellus had tried to teach her, alive with a tangibility Dee hadn't found for herself.

  Zosma's thin, sleeveless jacket showed off a wiry muscularity, answering the question from when she'd first seen him in São Paolo whether he was just thin or if his clothing had hidden a more muscular frame. His appearance was older than the Twins' but not as into mid-life as Asellus or Amalthea. Hair tinged red tossed in the wind, while amber eyes shown like fire.

  There was still twenty meters between the pair when Zosma stopped, attention pinned to Dee. "Come with me. I can explain, to both of you, together. All of your questions will be answered."

  That he included Sabik in his invitation surprised her. As if she had all the time in the world, her mind thumbed through what this might mean about his relationship with The Ophiuchus, with Asellus, and how he might treat with Dee if she decided to take his offer.

  When she didn’t answer right away, Zosma spoke to Sabik. "What interest do you have here? How can we can both leave satisfied?"

  "You both might come with me. I have a very nice estate, not too far from here."

  Dee glanced at Sabik, surprised both by his offer and the information disclosed in his statement.

  "Then what?" Zosma's eyes scanned Dee with increased intensity. "You're holding her."

  "No, she is merely susceptible to my presence."

  Dee frowned, not sure what either meant. She did feel calmer, but she didn't think she was being manipulated. To prove to herself this was true, she took a step away from Sabik.

  Sabik turned his head to her, his face betraying nothing.

  Zosma took a step closer. "Dee? I searched for you for a long time. Only I can give you the answers you seek."

  "You have no right to be here!" Pollux's words rang out over the yard.

  Zosma's shoulders slumped in annoyance. Rather than turn to the challenge, his eyes met Sabik's, and Dee thought they shared a moment of common aggravation.

  "You have no right to dictate what happens on these lands," Zosma replied with that same diplomatic calm, now turning towards the approaching Twin.

  "But I do."

  Asellus was there, close behind Pollux, Castor at her side. "It is under my invitation that everyone is here. Everyone but you."

  Zosma bowed with sweeping hands. "Asellus. It has been a long time. If o
nly you would leave your mountain every few hundred years—"

  "What I do with my time is nothing to you. It is nothing to you because you abandoned your family so long ago as to forget the meaning of the word."

  Dee could only see the back of Zosma's head, but whatever expression Asellus' words brought his face had the Twin's pull their swords.

  "Family is why I'm here. Part of mine was lost. A point I mean to rectify even if the rest of you are intent on getting in my way."

  He was in motion before the words cleared his throat, leaping with a sword in each hand. He twisted his position to put the mountain at his back. Soldiers poured over the cliff, repelling on ropes blended neatly with the rock.

  The Twins grinned ear to ear, and Dee felt their energy snap with excitement. Zosma's army surged to meet them. As boots hit the ground, they flowed forward, a continuous wave of combatants that Pollux and Castor met with a flurry of motion.

  Dee stepped forward, intending to help the pair. There was no deciding; it was a reaction without thought. Sabik's hand on her arm stopped her. She pulled at his grip, eyes never leaving the swirling energy of the fight.

  "You would risk harm to yourself for those you meant to leave?"

  "I didn't mean to hurt them. I never meant for anyone to die over me."

  She wasn't picking a side, she was defending justice as she saw it. Even if Zosma's claim on her was accurate, he didn't have the right to invade Asellus' property and threaten those here.

  Sabik's grip on her arm held fast. Dee felt the pressure like searing points through the wool of her jacket. Points that opened the idea of the prudence in her taking his offer for answers.

  But other parts of her needed to see the end of the path she'd chosen, which was to ask the source; to hear Zosma's explanation. Maybe then she would consider listening to what The Ophiuchus had to say.

  You would risk forcing Zibanitu calling for war over this? Asellus' voice rang out in their heads. Even Sabik's attention tore from Dee to stare at the matron who stood on the other side of the battle.