by Rosalie Redd
“The blue sunstone…” The female pushed away from the table. “Do you still have it?”
Gaetan stood. The chair crashed to the stone floor. He shoved his hand into his pocket and withdrew the sacred blue gem.
“Ginnia was right. We need this crystal.” Gaetan’s attention slid from the blue sunstone to the female. “The pieces are beginning to fit together. I believe we might have a chance in this war after all.”
The image faded, and the water in the tub returned to normal, the white porcelain reflecting the light.
Zedron leaned against the counter and crossed his legs at the ankle. “You must go to Roan’s Rock and prevent Gaetan from achieving his mission.”
Mauree’s thoughts whirred. “…and what, exactly, is his mission?”
Zedron pursed his mouth. “If he uses the blue sunstone to ignite the portal within Roan’s Rock then the backlash on all of you, my lovely characters, means you will die.”
Mauree tapped her finger against the tile wall. “But I touched the blue sunstone to Roan’s Rock. It slowed the Stiyaha but didn’t kill them. Why would it kill us now?”
Zedron pushed away from the counter and invaded her personal space. She resisted the urge to recoil from him. He leaned in, and his breath tickled her ear. “I only showed you the most pertinent part, but the blue sunstone represents earth. The other elements—air, water, and fire—reside in three females…three Dren. Nikki, the one with Gaetan, has a power over water.”
Who of the Dren had a power over air and fire? Mauree’s breath hitched. “Melissa and Sheri are the other two.”
“Now you’re getting it. Stop Gaetan and his female before he reaches Roan’s Rock. Get that blue sunstone. If he’s figured out a way to start the reactor, they could win the war.”
A drop of fear slid down the back of her throat. “That can’t happen.”
Zedron pulled back enough to meet her gaze. Steely resolve reflected in his eyes. “No, it can’t, not if you want to enslave and rule the humans. That’s why you’re going to stop him.”
The urge to please her god, beat down her rivals, and win this war once and for all, bolstered her determination. She clamped her teeth, her jaw tightening to the point of pain. “Gaetan’s as good as dead. Him and that female.”
Zedron stepped away, a smug smile tugging at his mouth. “Now that’s the answer I wanted, no, expected to hear. Don’t disappoint me.”
She raised her chin. “Have I ever?”
He smirked. “That’s why you’re the leader of my army. Your bitterness keeps you honest.”
Heaviness settled onto her shoulders. She mentally shook herself. “By the way, how did you see what transpired there?”
He winked at her. “That’s my little secret.”
Before she could ask him anything else, he transformed into the mist and disappeared the way he’d come.
She let out a relieved breath. Zedron had bolstered her desire to finish this war over Earth’s water. One way or another, this game they played would end at Roan’s Rock tonight.
CHAPTER 29
M olecule by molecule, Alora transported into her home. Each time she propelled through space, the gnawing ache in her soul reminded her of how much she missed Veromé. My mate. As she solidified, she spied him leaning against the kitchen counter, his muscular arms crossed over his broad chest. He stared at the setting sun, a pensive glimmer in his eyes. She longed to trace her fingers over his smooth skin and feel his strength beneath her fingers.
“Veromé,” she whispered.
His attention drew to her, and his features softened. “Alora.”
He held out his arms, and she rushed into his embrace. Salty and fresh, his scent washed over her, spreading happiness within. He kissed her then peered into her eyes. A smirk played along his mouth. “Good to have you home. Anlon, that babe, has gotten into everything. He’s running both Carine and I ragged.”
She ran her fingers through his thick, shoulder-length brown hair. “No worries, my love. I plan to return him to Earth tonight.”
“That’s good. I’m not sure I could’ve survived another day here without you.” Veromé kissed her again, his love for her evident in his passion.
When he let her go, she peered around. “Where is he?”
“Upstairs. With Carine. She’s giving him a bath.” He slid his hand down her waist and around her hip until his fingers grazed her bottom. “I wish we had more time together. You need to finish this war.”
Before she could respond, tell him about the hidden page on the character board, and ask his opinion on whether to choose Noeh or Melissa, he dematerialized.
“I’m working on that.” She sniffed and wiped at her eyes. Oh, Veromé…
The ding of her door chimes echoed through the room. She jerked, her legs trembling from the shock. I must be on edge. Of course, I am. Zedron expects an answer, tonight.
Letting out a slow breath, she headed for the front door. She gripped the handle and froze. What if it’s him? A sour taste formed in the back of her mouth. She gritted her teeth. No way would she let him intimidate her.
With a quick tug, she yanked open the door.
“Hello, Alora.” Zedron smiled, and the glint from the stud in his nose competed with his bright, shiny white teeth. “May I come in?”
She took an involuntary step back. Irritation that he’d caught her off balance sent her pulse racing. Regaining her composure, she raised her chin. “Enter, if you must.”
He strode past her, his arrogance wrapped up in his cocky grin and nonchalant attitude.
“What do you want?” She spat the words at him.
He meandered over to her visus bacin and stroked his fingers along the rim. The water rippled. “What do I want?” He glared at her and raised an eyebrow. “An answer, naturally.”
She fisted her hand so hard, her nails dug into her palm. The pain grounded her, gave her the strength to hold his gaze. “An answer to what?”
He tsked. “Come now, don’t play games with me.” He stared at the ceiling for a moment. “Perhaps that was a bad choice of words, since all we’ve done since this war started is play an elaborate game.”
“Your point?”
“You know why I’m here. What did you decide? In lieu of going to the council and turning you in for coercion, are you giving me Carine, Anlon, or yourself?”
She held her breath. There was no way she’d send Carine back to that Kasard, and would she give him Anlon? A shudder wracked her shoulders.
He smirked. “Well? I’m waiting.”
Hatred, hot and hard, bubbled from her soul. “Me. The answer is me.”
A predatory smile slithered across his lips. His gaze drifted down her body, lingering at her breasts and then her hips before returning to her eyes.
Disgust made her lip curl.
“Excellent choice, Alora. That’s what I’d hope you’d say.” He strode toward her, his steps determined, purposeful. Before she could stop him, he wrapped his arm around her waist and drew her to him.
She squealed, her hands landing on his chest.
Smiling darkly, he gripped her chin and kissed her, hard.
He tasted of muldoberry wine and something vile.
With a shove, she broke the kiss. The slap of her palm against his cheek ricocheted around the small room.
“Get out,” she yelled.
He tilted his head. “Have you changed your mind? Would you rather I go to the council? I can, you know.”
Indeed, he could and would if she didn’t comply with his demands. She toyed with the idea of allowing him to tell the council and win this war over Earth, but she couldn’t give up on her characters and allow Zedron and his minions to enslave the humans.
“I hate you.” Spittle flew from her mouth.
He shrugged, traipsed to the door, and gripped the handle. “You know where I live. If you don’t show up before dawn, I’ll know you’ve changed your mind. Then, I’ll schedule an appointment with the cou
ncil for tomorrow night. I’d like to see them sanction you for the third time, in person.”
Without a second glance, he left and closed the door behind him. The soft click echoed in the empty room.
“What have I done?” Alora’s legs trembled, and she slid to her knees. Anguish, bitter and harsh, tore at her insides, ripping her heart to shreds. Veromé…
The soft squeak of footsteps on the stairs along with Anlon’s soft coos broke through Alora’s thoughts.
“Alora, are you okay? I thought I heard voices.” Carine hurried down the stairs, Anlon bouncing in the crook of her arm. “Why are you on the floor?”
Alora rose to her feet and wiped the moisture from her eyes. “I’m fine Carine. It’s nothing.”
Carine studied her for a long moment, her mouth pulling into a thin line. “Have you decided?”
Alora inhaled. She hadn’t told a soul about Zedron’s demands.
Carine placed her hand on Alora’s arm. “I know it’s a hard decision, but Anlon deserves at least one of his parents back. Which will you choose? Noeh or Melissa?”
Alora let out a relieved breath. In all the commotion with Zedron, she’d forgotten about the hidden page on the character board. She tickled Anlon under the chin. “Who do you want, little one, your momma or your daddy?”
Anlon giggled. “Mom-ma.”
Carine gasped. “My goodness. That’s the first time I’ve heard him speak an entire word.”
Alora rubbed her forehead. As much as she wanted to bring back Noeh, she couldn’t imagine Anlon without his mother. “Well then, I guess we can’t go against the little prince’s wishes, now can we?”
Anlon clapped his hands, as if he’d understood the entire conversation. Perhaps he had.
Alora hurried to her character board and swiped her hands over the display. Red and green dots glowed softly on the screen. She narrowed her focus, concentrating on the deceased character list.
“Well, here goes nothing.” Hand trembling, she pressed her fingertip to Melissa’s name. Trailing her finger across the screen, she moved Melissa from “expired” to “active.” The light remained dark.
Alora’s pulse rose. “Did I do something wrong?”
Carine peered at the board, Anlon still on her hip. “Did you try—”
The light flared into a brilliant green, pulsing to life once again.
Alora’s chest lightened, the heavy weight lifting in an instant.
“Where do you suppose she went?” Carine’s wide gaze met Alora’s.
“I don’t know. I’ve never done this before and—”
“Hello?” A soft feminine voice floated across the room.
Alora and Carine both turned.
Melissa, dressed in a loose pair of slacks and a blouse, stood near the front door. Her gaze drew to her child. “Anlon!” She rushed across the room then tugged the babe from Carine’s arms and held him close.
Anlon gripped a handful of Melissa’s hair. Soft giggles eased from his throat.
Alora’s chest constricted. The love between mother and child was a beautiful sight.
Still clutching him, Melissa peered over Anlon’s head. Her brow furrowed. “Alora? Is it really you? Where am I?”
Alora strode toward her queen. “Melissa, you are on Lemuria. I was able to pull you from the character board and—”
A shimmer appeared by the door. Before Alora could so much as breathe, a male appeared. With his broad shoulders, short-cropped blond hair, and piercing blue eyes, there was no mistaking his identity.
Noeh assessed the room for a brief moment then he bolted to wide-eyed, sobbing Melissa and his son, embracing them. “My little kitten.”
The happy trio kissed and laughed, their love for one another filling the room.
“How did this happen?” Carine whispered.
Alora pursed her lips, glancing at the character board. Next to Melissa, Noeh’s green dot pulsed with life. “Noeh saved Melissa after Anlon’s birth. They must still be tied together at the soul level.” A weight Alora hadn’t realized she’d carried lifted from her shoulders.
“Alora, my goddess.” Noeh bent to one knee.
Melissa bowed her head.
Alora went to her king and placed her hand on his shoulder. “Rise, my son. You have returned from the character board to help me win this war.” How that would happen, she wasn’t sure, but she’d take this as a sign.
He stood, and Melissa straightened her shoulders.
“The war on Earth must end, soon. Zedron…” Alora fisted her hand and slammed it into her palm. “He can’t win this war.”
Noeh’s gaze rose from Alora’s lips to meet her eyes. “I’ll do what I can, but where are we and why are we here?”
A small laugh caught in Alora’s throat. Her eyes watered, and she wasn’t quite sure if that was from the coughs wracking her lungs or her happiness at seeing her characters again. “Y…you are on Lemuria. This is my home, and this,” she placed her hand on Carine’s arm, “is my good friend, Carine. Through a special exception, I was able to return you to the game.”
Noeh nodded to Carine in greeting then met Alora’s gaze. “How do we return to Earth?”
Overwhelmed with happiness, Alora couldn’t take it any longer, and she hugged Noeh then pulled back so he could read her lips. “You always were about business. I will send you there, now, so you can finish winning this war for me.”
Gold flecks intermixed with the blue in his eyes, conviction lining his features. “As you command.”
Alora placed one hand on Noeh’s shoulder, another on Melissa’s. She kissed Anlon on the forehead. “It was so nice see you, Anlon. Take care of your parents for me, okay?”
With that, Alora closed her eyes, homed in on the Keep, and sent the trio home.
As they vanished, determination built deep inside. There was no way she’d go to Zedron, throw away everything she had with Veromé. Instead, she’d let her nemesis stew, leave him hanging and take her chances with the council. There must be some way to defeat him and, council be damned, she’d find it.
CHAPTER 30
A bright flash of light filled the Hall of Scriptures, blinding Kaelyn. She covered her eyes just as a violent gust of wind whipped through the room. Several old texts crashed to the stone floor, the fluttering pages a gentle counterpoint to the chaos.
Saar wrapped his arm around Kaelyn’s waist, steadying her. “Are you okay?”
She gripped his hand and opened her eyes. “I’m fine. What happened?” Without waiting for an answer, she glanced at the others and raised her voice. “Is anyone hurt?”
Dust from the ancient texts floated in the air, bits twinkling in the light. Aramie and Demir rose from the ground. Tanen and Sheri each gripped one of Ginnia’s arms, helping her to her feet. In the center of the room, two figures crouched, one male, one female.
As the couple straightened, Kaelyn’s pulse quickened. “Noeh, Melissa!”
At the sound of her voice, Melissa turned to face Kaelyn. Noeh followed Melissa’s gaze. Anlon struggled in Melissa’s arms, as if eager for release. She set him on the ground, and he crawled toward Ginnia.
“Your Majesty, what…”
“Noeh, you’re…”
“Melissa, is it really…”
The others’ voices echoed Kaelyn’s thoughts. “You’re alive. How is that possible?”
Noeh met Melissa’s gaze then a smile quirked at the corner of his mouth. “It’s a long story.”
Sheri held out her arms and hurried to Melissa, wrapping her in a firm embrace. “I’m so glad to see you.”
Saar strode to Noeh and bent on one knee. Noeh gripped him by the arm before he could make it there. “Saar, no need, my friend.” Noeh clapped Saar on the back and they gave each other a quick manly hug.
Kaelyn stepped forward. “Noeh, Melissa, we thought you were dead. What happened?”
The others gathered around, as eager as Kaelyn for answers.
Noeh glanced at Melissa for
several long seconds, their gazes locked as if they were in a deep conversation. Noeh then peered at each member individually. “We did die. Mauree,” his jaw tightened, “killed me with a dagger, her Gossum minions finishing me off.”
Melissa clasped her hand on Noeh’s arm. “As soon as Noeh died, I did, too. Not all of you knew this, but we shared a soul. Which is why we are both here.”
Demir narrowed his eyes. “That makes little sense and doesn’t explain your arrival here now.”
Noeh wrapped his arm around Melissa. “Good point. We were both on the character board on Lemuria. It was strange. I could see everyone’s lights. Green for Alora’s characters, red for Zedron’s. I don’t know how long we stayed that way, but there was a flash, and I stood in Alora’s home, Melissa by my side.”
Melissa inhaled. “Alora’s friend Carine held Anlon. I was so happy to see him.”
The small babe cooed. Ginnia sat in one of the chairs, Anlon on her lap, an open book clasped between her hands.
Noeh’s eyes widened. “Why is Ginnia out of her cell?”
“Ginnia’s visions have been instrumental in unraveling some important information about Roan’s Rock.” Kaelyn met Noeh’s disapproving stare. “She promised to be on her best behavior.”
Noeh studied her for a long moment then nodded. “I regret ever placing her there in the first place.”
Kaelyn exhaled. “I have so many questions, but tell us, why are you with us now? How could you come back into the game?”
Noeh drew his hand through his hair, and the ring on his finger caught the light. “Alora sent us here. She didn’t elaborate—”
Demir snapped his finger. “What else is new?”
Aramie rolled her eyes and nudged him with her elbow.
Kaelyn stifled a laugh. “Please, continue.”
Noeh pulled his focus away from Demir’s mouth and met his gaze. He smirked. “You make a good point, cat. Alora is never forthcoming with details. All she mentioned was she ran across an exception to the rules, so she returned us to Earth.”