by Kiersten Fay
A flash coated her mind, and suddenly Anya found herself sitting at the base of a tree. Yet at the same time, she knew herself to be in Sonya's pub. The thick trunk was wider than the length of the bar. Wider by two at least. Great roots rose up from the ground around her. Fresh cool air filled her lungs, damp from a recent rainfall.
The ground under her was littered with wet leaves, twigs, and mud. Soft sounds of water dripping from one leaf to another surrounded her. Thumping. In the brilliant blue sky, two suns sparkled down through the forest canopy above. One sun was large and white in color, and the other was slightly smaller and glowed with a yellow hue.
In the distance, she could hear the infectious laughter of two female children. She covered her own snickers with two hands as she crouched in her hiding spot. Waiting.
Gasping, she dropped the flap of the book, and the vision disappeared. “My gods,” she whispered.
Cale grabbed at the book. “Why did you drop it? It was opening.” He pulled at the flap, but once again the book would not budge.
Sonya seemed to be more observant, because she asked, “What happened?”
“I saw my home. I…I really do have sisters. I remembered we were playing a game. I was so happy.”
With confusion, Cale put the book back on the bar and opened his mouth to speak, but then a beautiful brunette with a slim waist and a low neckline appeared at his ear. Her hand slid across his shoulder. “Can I buy you a drink, Calic?” she cooed.
Cale turned to her with a knowing smile. “Sure, luv. I'll be right with you.” Satisfied, the woman left, trailing her hand along his back as she went. He turned to Anya. “So…what now?”
What now, indeed. “Now I learn everything.” With that, she lifted the heavy book into her arms and left the pub.
* * *
——
* * *
Ethanule lay on the uncomfortable hard metal of his bed, staring up at the ceiling, arms behind his head. He wondered if Analia had opened the book yet. She seemed a little taken aback when he told her she was a princess to their people. Her father had told him that her memory would be fuzzy, but he hadn't anticipated this complete lack of knowledge. Perhaps it was only because Princess Analia had been the youngest of the three.
A sudden scent of meats and cheeses filled Ethanule's nostrils, and his stomach growled for satisfaction. When he looked up, he saw the female demon entering with a plate of food.
He'd like to say that the introduction of the food brought him to his feet, but he'd only partly be lying. The demon had demonstrated strength and bravery on his asteroid. She'd fought the longest after being shot with the same drug that had taken down her demon kin. This female demanded respect, even if she was just a demon. And she wasn't bad to look at either.
With venom in her eyes, she walked toward him. “Hungry?” she snapped. Her tone was contradictory to an offering of food. She must still be angry about being captured.
He hid a smile and faked nonchalance with a shrug.
“Not hungry?” She hovered the plate over a nearby trash can. “I'll just get rid of this then.”
“Well, if you're just going to throw it away. I don't approve of wasting food.” He held out his hands as if to take it, though the force field was still in place.
“Oh, you want it then?” She held out a piece of meat to him like a master to a pet.
Crossing his arms, he raised an eyebrow at her. “Look, demon, either give me the food or throw it out, I don't give a damn either way.” His stomach chose that moment to betray him with a growl, and the sexy little demon quirked a triumphant smile. “Did you only come here to torment me?”
She set the tray down, and he tried not to notice her curves through the thin clingy material of her shirt, or that impossibly short skirt she wore. Her tail flicked when she looked back and caught him staring. Her smile was gone, replaced with a hardness that didn't fit her.
“I came to judge for myself.”
“Judge? I'm a prisoner. I think everyone's made up their minds. What's more to judge?”
“You said a lot to Anya. Maybe it's true.” She turned her violet gaze on him. “And maybe it's not. If it's not true, I warn you now to come clean. Because if you fill her head with false hope…” Her eyes flashed red. “You won't live to see what Sebastian will do to you because, pirate, I'll make sure I get to you first. And I'll rip your entrails through your gut and make you watch while your insides are being torn from your body.”
“Graphic.”
When she bared her tiny fangs, he put his hands up in surrender.
“Everything I told her is the truth.”
The demon tilted her head, deciding whether or not to believe him. Her eyes had gone back to their original deep violet and, brows furrowed, she looked troubled. “So, she's really a princess?”
“Yes, the youngest of three.”
“And what happened? Why was she sent to that place?”
“Like I told the princess, I'll offer no more until I'm freed.”
The demon narrowed her gaze. “You're a pirate.”
“We've established this.”
“Pirates in general are untrustworthy. You'll do and say anything to get what you're after. So, pirate, what are you after?”
The princess, his mind supplied. It was her he wanted, even though he was ogling this demon female before him. Princess Analia was promised to him by the king himself. “I wasn't always a pirate. I'm just trying to save my people.”
“How long have you been a pirate?”
“Three hundred and fifty years,” he answered without thinking.
“That's a long time of taking what you want with no consequences. You must have grown fond of the lifestyle.”
That was true enough. He'd had to act the part for so long he was no longer sure if he was a soldier or a pirate. He'd had to do a lot of underhanded things to get into the right position. Was it all for the princess, the King, his home? Or was a little bit of it for himself? He did enjoy it more than he thought he would.
“That's what I thought,” the female said.
“I didn't say anything.”
“It's all over your face. Once a pirate, always a pirate.”
He'd prove her wrong about that. It had been his duty. He was a loyal soldier, doing a king's bidding. And now he would focus on being a loyal and honorable husband to the princess. The demon turned on her heels without another word, her hips swaying as she went.
“You know you're not bad looking for a demon.” Maybe he was a little more pirate than he wanted to admit.
“You are not even slightly good looking for a pirate.”
* * *
——
* * *
After many hours of scanning the area, Sebastian finally felt they were in the clear. If Extarga was anywhere near, their scans would have picked up its signature.
Cale, smelling of lust and alcohol, came to take command and relieve Sebastian. He didn't have the energy to chastise him. After debriefing Cale, Sebastian left, eager for his Anya.
He didn't have to look far. She was in his room, seated on the couch. Her book was spread open on the coffee table, and she was clutching a piece of paper in her hand, staring grimly out the window. As he approached, she turned to him. The look on her face tore at his insides.
“What is it? What's wrong?”
She said nothing, only held out the paper in her hand. He took it and began to read.
* * *
My Dearest Analia,
I cannot begin to convey the depth of my remorse for the injustice you have unwittingly been dealt. The punishment for my failure has become yours to bear, and I beg your forgiveness for it. I promise you, the decision to send you away had been sudden and eminent. I had not the time to fully see. All I could decipher from my visions was that sending you away would eventually bring you back to me, and back to our people, but the rest was muffled. If I had knowledge of the atrocities that would befall you and your dear mother, I
would have gladly given up my kingdom, and condemned our people to their fate.
Your mother will be greatly missed.
However much I wish to, I cannot change the past. What's done is done and I must be strong for our people. So must you. Now is a time of great tragedy among the Faieara. Shortly after I had you and your sisters removed from our planet we were attacked and overtaken by a swarm of destruction. They call themselves Kayadon.
* * *
At the word Kayadon, Sebastian's fangs descended. It was the same people that had destroyed his home. Sebastian's mother and Cale's mate had been convinced to betray their race for those murderers. He read on:
* * *
The Kayadon live only to consume, and our planet is plentiful. They also live for power and have usurped my throne. Our home has become my prison and I have become nothing more than a figurehead to keep our people compliant, while the Kayadon ravage our lands.
I sent you away to give you and your sisters time to grow into your powers. The reason you must grow into your gifts is because your destiny, along with your sisters, is to return to our home, and trigger the rebellion against the Kayadon. We may defeat them yet. I have seen this as a possible future.
As with all my visions, there are many possible futures. None are set in stone. And for our people, many end in tragedy. But the quest I have sent you on is the only future I must believe in. If our people are to survive, you must find your sisters and bring them home.
The book you now possess is filled with the information you require for success. Follow my instructions. Find your sisters. Save our people.
* * *
I believe in you, and I love you.
Alestar
King of the Faieara.
Your father.
* * *
“Where did you get this?”
Anya pointed to the book. “It was behind the cover.”
“And what else is in the book?”
“The first few pages are written in a language that I can't read. After that, there is information about my planet and the Kayadon. I only skimmed through it.” She sounded hurt, scared, and defeated. “How am I supposed to do what he asks of me?”
He sat, pulling her against him. “We'll figure it out. Ethanule said he can decipher the text. We will find your sisters, and we will defeat the Kayadon.”
“I can't ask you to get involved. It's a huge risk, and it's not your fight.”
“I am involved. Where you go, I go. I vow to keep you safe. Plus, it is personal. The Kayadon destroyed my home planet. They killed and enslaved my people. You have no idea how badly I…we, would love to take them out.”
Anya's eyes widened and it took her a few moments to speak. “Just like that, no discussion with your family, or the crew? What about those who don't have a personal grudge against the Kayadon?”
“Everyone will be given a choice. They can either leave the ship or join the fight.”
Anya shook her head. “It's too much to ask…people may lose their lives. I couldn't ask that of anyone.”
“You want a discussion? Fine.” He took her hand and helped her stand before pulling her out the door. He knew what their answers would be, but Anya seemed to need to hear it from them.
“Aidan,” Sebastian called when he entered the control room. “Take command, Cale come with me.”
“I just got here,” Cale complained.
Without another word, Sebastian left, still pulling Anya with him. Silently, Cale fell in step behind him. Next they gathered Marik and headed to the pub.
When Sebastian had everyone seated he turned to Anya. “May I read part of the letter?” She eyed the note for a moment before giving a tight nod. Sebastian began a few paragraphs in, leaving out the personal preface. When he finished, he looked up, his gaze met by six sets of flashing red eyes.
“This letter was found inside the book. I don't know about any of you, but I no longer believe in coincidences. Something larger is at work here. Anya came to us for a reason.”
He couldn't help but glance at her. Her head was down and her hands were fidgeting in her lap. But she was leaning toward him slightly, a small sign of trust. He placed a hand on her shoulder, and she rested her cheek against it.
“Anya will not ask for your help, but I will. This is not an order. It's an opportunity to take our revenge. I'm going to do everything in my power to avenge our people and hopefully save hers in the process. It's your choice to come with us or not.”
The entire bar had fallen silent. Sebastian had spoken loud enough for all to hear. Within an hour, word would spread.
Sonya stood. “Of course we're coming. We've all dreamt of ripping out Kayadon throats. I can't believe you thought you even needed to ask.”
Cale's fists were clenched tight, eyes glowing red while rage pooled around him. Sebastian knew his thoughts were of his fallen mate. He could smell the faint draw of blood from Cale's nails gouging into his palm.
Marik mirrored Cale's anger. The painful loss of his sister was something he always kept to himself, but Sebastian could see it now.
“Well, how do we find these sisters of yours?” Cale growled.
Anya met Sebastian's eyes before answering. “Part of the text needs to be translated.” Which meant—
“The pirate,” Sonya practically snarled.
“He won't do it. Not while he's locked up,” Anya said.
“Oh, he'll do it,” Cale assured. “Or he'll become acquainted with my claws.”
“We can't keep him locked up. It's not right,” Anya continued. “Besides, he wants to help, just as much as you do. He lost his home too.”
That quelled any further protest. Anya was right of course, but that didn't mean they had to like it.
“He'll be freed for his help.” Sebastian's voice rang out with the air of a leader, not to be questioned, though he knew that what he was about to say next would be met with screeching protest. “He'll be expected to work.” Sebastian shot Sonya a meaningful look.
“No. Don't even think about it.”
“Anya cannot work both in the galley and here at the pub, while continuing her training with Cale and learning about her people. The pirate will take her job in the pub.”
“The pirate has a name,” Anya said, though she went ignored.
“Damn it, Sebastian!” Sonya roared. “He can't be trusted. He'll probably just hide out in the back drinking all my liquor like the degenerate he is.”
Anya interjected, “He's not a degenerate. He was a soldier—”
“I don't care if he was the freaking king himself, I don't like him and I don't like this plan.”
“Please, Sonya,” Anya implored.
Sebastian thought Anya must have some special gift of persuasion because with that simple plea, Sonya relented.
“Fine,” she said through gritted teeth. “But if he doesn't do his job perfectly I reserve the right to slash his throat.”
“No,” Sebastian interjected.
Rolling her eyes, she replied, “Kidding. I'll just rough him up a bit before I kick him out of my pub.”
Chapter 23
Sebastian entered sickbay, seeking Ethanule alone. He dismissed the doctor and pulled up a chair near the cell where Ethanule was lazily watching his every move. The faint buzz of the force field cut through the silence.
Then Ethanule spoke with the air of authority that Sebastian was used to adopting himself. A telltale sign of a practiced leader. “What brings the great captain to my neck of the woods?” he asked.
Sebastian had a hard time trusting this male, but Anya did, and he believed in her. “You're being offered a small window of opportunity to prove yourself. We've decided to offer you a position as part of the crew. This means you will work for the privilege to stay aboard my ship. If you fail in any way, you will be extracted to the closest space city and left behind. Do you have any questions thus far?”
“Yeah, what do you mean by work?” Ethanule rolled onto his back, st
aring at the ceiling as if Sebastian were nothing more than an amusing guest.
“You will work in the pub. It's run by Sonya, my sister. She is not fond of you, and will be watching you closely.”
“Sister? Is this the demon female that was with you on the asteroid?”
Sebastian nodded.
Ethanule laughed. “She hates me.”
“Yup, so you'd better work hard.”
“Where is Princess Analia? Does this mean she believes what I've been saying?”
“What this means is that you're being given a chance to prove that you're trustworthy. Anya is anxious to get the book translated and find her sisters. We are eager for revenge against a common enemy. The Kayadon destroyed our planet.” Sebastian paused. “If there is anything you need to tell me, now is the time to say it.” Ethanule remained silent, still concentrating on the ceiling. “Because if something comes up later, something we should have known now, your credibility will be destroyed in an instant, and you'll be right back here, or worse. Think about that.”
“I want to speak to the princess. I'll say nothing without her present.”
Sebastian leaned in, and Ethanule finally met his gaze. “I'd like to believe we're on the same side, you and I. I'd like to think that you are loyal to your people and your king and your planet, and you went through whatever you went through for those reasons alone. I'd like to believe that. But at this point, I can't rely on what I want to believe. Throughout my years I've known despicable people and I've learned the importance of caution. I've learned not everyone can be trusted at first glance. Like you, for example. You make me nervous. I don't know you. My instincts say not to trust you. But, for Anya's sake, I'm willing to give you the benefit of the doubt.” He looked Ethanule deep in the eyes. “Don't make me regret that decision.” Then Sebastian stood and turned off the force field.