Demon Untamed (Shadow Quest Book 4)

by Kiersten Fay

  Soon after the others joined them, Ethan noticed two of their group were missing. “Um, where’re Marik and Nadua?”

  “Nadua is still recovering,” Anya replied blithely.

  “Recovering? From what?”

  “We were practicing our gifts in the training room,” Anya explained, looking a little sheepish. “Nadua became overwhelmed, but she’s okay. Marik is tending to her now.”

  “Why was I not informed?” Ethan growled, letting his gaze shift to Sebastian as a wave of guilt settled over him. All their lives the girls had been forced to bungle through their magic. Now they would feel pressure to stretch themselves and advance their gifts as quickly as possible. He scolded himself for not being there to guide them in the process. Pushing too hard could damage the mind, or even the body.

  “We did not think of it,” Sebastian replied, noting Ethan’s outrage. “I will be sure it doesn’t happen again.”

  Ethan gave a tight nod.

  They moved to gather in a small transport unit that carried them through space toward the second ring. On either side, similar crafts ferried passengers to and fro. It was the only way to travel between the rings. Well, the only legal way.

  The interior of the middle ring was just as he remembered: bright and clean, fauna climbing up the walls and dripping from the ceiling. Not many knew that each and every plant had been genetically engineered to be completely unique to all the universe, and that some of the flowers emitted a faint calming agent.

  At first glance, the complex looked rather simplistic, but nothing could be further from the truth. Every bit of Uli Rings, from the expansive glossy floor to the placement of the soft overhead lights, had been designed for the specific purpose of making individuals feel privileged. As if merely being here inducted them into high society. And, naturally, those who immerse themselves into the upper-crust fantasy were more likely to spend like the elite.

  The establishment, Between the Rings, was packed. Barely dressed males and females—surgically engineered for beauty—danced on raised platforms scattered throughout, while riveted onlookers drooled over the possibility of taking one of them back to their room.

  A group of gamblers sat in the corner throwing bones. The combination of cheers and groans indicated the end of a round.

  It wasn’t difficult to spot the dragons in the corner. A set of guards stood around a table of four individuals, presumably King Mar and his sons. They each resembled the other in some way: regal with broad shoulders and all but one light in hair.

  As Kyra crossed to the table, the four who were seated smiled at her.

  The one with hair shaved short to his scalp stood and approached her. “Kyralyn, look at you. You’ve no’ changed a whit. Beautiful as ever.”

  Alarm swept through Ethan, not because the dragon was reaching out for Kyra, but because he sensed Cale suddenly preening for a fight. He shoved Kyra behind him and bared his fangs.

  Ethan stifled an irksome groan, knowing the dragons would see his actions as an affront.

  Tension surged.

  “What’s this?” King Mar grunted. “Are we no’ allies, Lady Kyra? Are we suspected of some kind of treachery?”

  “Of course not, my lord,” Kyra replied. “Cale, here, is just uninformed of our intimate acquaintance. Step aside, Cale.”

  Cale didn’t back down. “Like hell I will. What do you mean by intimate? We’re here to talk, not to pass you around to a bunch of dragons.”

  Ethan stifled the urge to shade his eyes with his hand, maintaining his composure. As queen, this was Kyra’s show.

  “You allow this guard to disrespect you in such a way, Kyra?” the dragon nearest Kyra said. “I could break his neck if you wish.”

  The shift would have been unnoticeable to onlookers, but the demons steeled themselves for battle. Ethan placed his hand on Sonya’s shoulder, claiming her attention. “Calm him. We cannot have him ruin this meeting.”

  Sonya clenched her jaw, no doubt more concerned with defending her brother. Finally, she nodded.

  “I wish only for peace,” Kyra assured, maneuvering around Cale. “And he’s not my guard. He’s not anything, actually. Please, we mean no disrespect.”

  Cale frowned down at Kyra as if her words had wounded him.

  The other male resumed his greeting by scooping Kyra up in what looked like a painful hug. Thankfully, Aidan and Sonya moved swiftly to hold Cale back.

  When the dragon set her down, Kyra proceeded to explain how the demons had helped to rescue and protect her and her sisters. This impressed the dragons somewhat, enough that they forgave the slight, anyway.

  Ethan observed King Mar focusing on Aidan. Though Aidan too was a dragon, he’d been born to a separate planet in their solar system, which was why his accent differed. Yet Aidan was something of a celebrity among all the clans. He’d participated in the intergalactic race, Phase Nine, and despite the record number of entries that year, he’d won.

  After introducing King Mar’s sons—Gavin, the firstborn, Tristan, the second eldest, and Lear, the only dark haired male—Kyra and Tristan began to reminisce like old friends. Cale’s expression was dark throughout the exchange.

  Sonya leaned in to whisper to him, “Maybe you should go back to the ship. We’ll make sure she’s safe.”

  “I’m fine,” he muttered in a low, curt growl.

  Sonya cursed under her breath and then gave Ethan a flippant well-I-tried shrug.

  Ethan rolled his eyes.

  King Mar gestured toward the table. “Sit, and let us discuss the reason for our gathering.”

  Once settled, Kyra began, “Do you know what’s happened on Evlon?”

  King Mar leaned back in his chair. “Vera little. We have been unable to establish contact.”

  Kyra proceeded to relay her family’s escape from Evlon and her father’s belief that they could win. “We’re on our way to Evlon now to liberate my people, and if possible, save my father. Your clan has always been our most valued ally, my lord. We asked you here to implore you for any aid you can provide.”

  King Mar went silent for a long while. His sons watched him intently, as if they would abide by whatever decision he made. Finally, he spoke. “You know I have been friends with your father, Alestar, since before you were born.” At Kyra’s nod, he continued. “I am well aware that his predictions canna be counted on as fact. Alestar knew this as well.”

  “I agree, my lord. Which is why we come to you. We’ll need help if we are to succeed. The strength of your clan could be the advantage we require.”

  “You’re talking war…with a technologically advanced culture.”

  Ethan narrowed his gaze at the dragon king just as Kyra responded in a reserved tone, “My lord, I never said they were technologically advanced.”

  Chapter 26

  Ethan tilted his head at the dragons, trying to scan their intentions. It was clear they were hiding something, but he didn’t think it was for malicious purposes.

  “My King.” Kyra straightened her spine. “You’ve been a cherished friend to me and my family. I’ve held great respect for you all these years, and I know my father has as well. We have never wronged you in any way, have always shown you graciousness and honor, and in return, you have done the same for us. Or so I believe. Am I wrong?”

  King Mar shook his head. “Of course no’, lass. Doona vex yourself.”

  “I call on your honor now, my lord. What do you know of the plight of my people?”

  King Mar let out a breath. “It is no’ what you think, Kyra love. We are…ashamed. Your father came to me in his ghostly form, long ago.”

  Ethan raised his brow.

  “It must have been just after the attack,” King Mar said. “He stayed with me up until the Kayadon found his body, describing what he saw. We know they came in large ships and displayed substantial power. He beseeched us no’ to take action, but we could no’ ignore the situation. We deployed seven ships. No’ one survived.”

  Etha
n recalled that terrible day. Dragon ships falling from the sky, burning to cinders at the hand of Kayadon crafts before hitting the ground. Till now, he hadn’t figured out how the dragons had known come the Faieara’s aid so long ago. The king had never mentioned contacting them. However, he did recall the king’s palpable sorrow over the loss of so many.

  “But that is no’ what brings us shame,” King Mar went on. “The reason your father came to me was to request I hide his bride and youngest daughter. Naturally I agreed, but during the transport, they disappeared. We searched for them but…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “We could no’ track them down.”

  Kyra glanced at her sister. “Analia?”

  Anya grew visibly uncomfortable. “It’s a long story. One I don’t want to get into. It no longer matters, and everything worked out as it was supposed to.” She leaned into Sebastian, who put his arm around her and kissed the top of her head.

  Kyra turned back to King Mar. “If you wish to make amends, then help us now.”

  “Our technology has improved since that defeat, but that does no’ change the fact that our best ships had been decimated effortlessly. They had no’ even made it to the surface of Evlon. How do you expect to defeat such an enemy?”

  Kyra claimed the book from Zoey, opened it, and slipped it in front of Mar. “My father has given us information about the Kayadon that we can exploit. Ship schematics, weaknesses. He’s mapped out their patrolling schedules and pinpointed windows of opportunity.”

  And so much more, Ethan thought. He had been floored by the amount of information that had made it into the book: Safe zones where Kayadon did not travel, possible Faieara refugee camps, easy access points to the surface. King Alestar had worked hard to give them the best advantages he could. But what if it wasn’t enough? Ethan’s eyes darted to Sonya, who was invested in the conversation.

  King Mar’s expression turned calculating, and Ethan suddenly caught the direction of his intent. Maybe it had been there the whole time, or perhaps only when the king had laid eyes on Aidan. Either way, there was only one stipulation that would sway the king. By the dark shadows in Aidan’s expression, he was coming to the same conclusion.

  The king hedged, “Still, my people and I would be risking much. If your plan fails, these Kayadon might target my planet, as well as the other clans.”

  Aidan interrupted in a harsh tone. “Why don’t you tell them what you want, Highness?”

  King Mar frowned before offering a thin smile. “Aidan Swantel of the Kanasae. Ousted, correct? As I recall, you once rejected an invitation to join my clan.”

  “I did. As I recall, the invitation came to me with conditions.”

  “Do you no’ wish to reconsider?”

  Sebastian leaned forward, placing his fist on the table. “What is this about?”

  Aidan answered, “They want me to race Phase Nine in the name of Legura. And to do so, I would need to be a member.”

  Cale bared his fangs once more. “Is that the terms then? Aidan races, and you’ll offer assistance? With allies like you, it’s no wonder the Faieara are still under Kayadon rule.”

  The dragons shot to their feet, preparing to defend their honor. The demons rose as well. Even the ever stoic Rex appeared Edge bound. Ethan shook his head, ready to kick himself for not anticipating this. Demons and dragons have never been known to get along in large groups. Their ideologies were too different, and they were equally stubborn. He should have finagled the meeting to include only Kyra and himself.

  Kyra put her palms up in an attempt to calm both groups. “Everyone simmer down. No offense was intended, right Cale?”

  “No, they took it right.”

  Rex and Sonya both snorted in laughter. Sonya looked as eager as any of them to throw down. If she wasn’t involved and his people weren’t in desperate need, Ethan would have politely excused himself and joined the surrounding tables that were now placing bets on a clearly impending brawl.

  Kyra slumped in her chair with a vacant, lost expression. Ethan didn’t know how to get everyone back under control either, but he did know that she needed to be the one to do it. She was the link that connected them all.

  “We don’t need these amphibians,” Sonya announced. “They probably boast little more bravery than their own larvae.”

  Tristan sneered at her. “And you the intellect.”

  Ethan balled his fists and pinned the dragon with a death stare. New plan: Cale could hold Tristan down while Ethan punched.

  “Enough of this,” Kyra barked. “Enough!” But her plea was unable to break through the aggression that had pooled around the table.

  “I’ll do it,” Aidan spoke above the noise.

  Everyone went quiet.

  Sebastian leaned back to study him. “Are you sure?”

  “Yeah,” Cale added. “We can proceed without these—”

  “I’m sure,” Aidan interrupted, probably figuring Cale was about to offer another slight. “I’ll join the Legura and race Phase Nine one final time.” He stared across the table at the king. “I choose my own crew and my ship, and when it’s over you never ask me again. Win or lose.”

  The king debated, no longer concerned with the agitated demons. Finally, he gave Kyra a nod. “Then you’ll have the full backing of our clan.”

  Kyra blinked twice before commenting. “Thank you.”

  Ethan nearly sagged with relief and offered Kyra a congratulatory grin.

  She smiled back before asking King Mar, “What of the other clans? Would you be able to persuade them to join the fight?”

  King Mar shrugged. “I will try, but I cannot guarantee it.”

  “I trust you’ll do your best,” Kyra replied. “Oh, there is one other thing.” She shared a look with Zoey and then gestured to the open book. “My father indicated that there should be a message for you on the last page, but to us it is blank.” She paused. “Do you see anything?”

  Ethan leaned in, curious. Earlier, Zoey had mentioned the strange instruction from Kyra’s father—a note intended for the dragon king—and they had all been concerned to find the page empty. But Ethan suspected Serakian magic hid an inscription.

  The king looked it over. His eyes traveled as if there was indeed a message there. He frowned and then looked at each of his sons. “You canna read this?”

  One of them craned his neck to get a better look. His brow furrowed. “No’ at all,”

  The king turned back to the page and continued reading silently. His face paled further, and sorrow took root in his eyes. When he closed the cover, he stood, appearing resigned. “We will take our leave to implore the other clans for aid. Till next we meet again.” King Mar bowed and gestured for his sons and guards to take their leave.

  Ethan let out a pent-up breath. All considered, the meeting hadn’t ended as badly as it could have.

  After the dragons were gone, Kyra threw her arms up and snapped at the group, “What the hell is wrong with all of you?”

  “I thought that went well,” Zoey said in a sarcastic tone.

  “What do you think that message said?” Sonya asked.

  “Whatever it was, he didn’t like it.” Ethan recalled the crease that had developed between his eyes as he’d read.

  Rex seemed more concerned with a nearby dancer clad in a gauzy see-through ensemble. “Can we stay for a drink?” he said absently.

  “I’m surrounded by madness.” Kyra buried her head in her hands, and Ethan nearly laughed out loud. This was the norm, as far as demons were concerned. Their emotions swung like a pendulum. And if he was being honest, that wasn’t necessarily exclusive to demons. He still felt aggression over Tristan’s comment to Sonya, even if she had goaded him.

  As if his thoughts had summoned him, Tristan reappeared without his family or guards in tow. “Is that what I’m getting myself into?”

  Kyra’s head shot up. “Pardon?”

  Tristan claimed the seat beside her. “I’ve decided to ride with your ship…as mad a
s it apparently is. Mind if I buy the first round?”

  Before another scene broke out, Ethan took Sonya by the hand and muttered, “Come with me.”

  She didn’t argue as he led her away.

  Sonya allowed Ethan to pull her out into the hall before inquiring, “Where are we going?”

  “To recruit some mercenary friends of mine. If they’re still around.”

  They wound through the crowds roaming the wide corridor. She vaguely noted that her hand was still intertwined with his, and it actually didn’t bother her. In fact, she kind of liked the heat generated between their palms.

  Remembering what those hands of his could do to her, she stifled a shiver and briefly wondered if there was a dark corner where they could hide away.

  Ethan looked at her then, and a knowing smile graced his lips.

  “How does your gift work, exactly?” she asked.

  His grin widened. “It’s not what you think. I can’t read your mind.”

  “Says the man who just did,” she countered.

  “It’s more like I sense them, or the desire behind them.”

  Oh, he just had to use the word desire.

  “Then I play on what I know about who I’m receiving those desires from. For instance, I just got a very strong indication that you wanted to hide. And because I know it couldn’t be caused by fear, and because I haven’t made you scream my name in a while…” He let his conclusion hang in the air.

  “What makes you think it’s not from fear?”

  “Because you’re not afraid of anything, except perhaps things you can’t kill.”

  She rolled her eyes. “What could I possibly fear that I can’t kill?”

  “Your adoration of me.” He ignored her snort of laughter, continuing, “Your utter infatuation. It’s okay if you want to idolize me as a god. It really is flattering.”

  “You are so full of it.”

  He paused and met her gaze, growing serious. “Of opening up to me.”

  A jolt struck her in the chest, and her mouth turned as dry as dirt on the surface of a sun.