by Rosalie Redd
Mauree tensed, tightening her grip around Nikki. “Ah, so it starts. Eldon, go battle the enemy. I can handle this little Dren.”
“As you command, my lady.” Eldon nodded once then raced across the clearing where a stream of warriors flooded the meadow.
Mauree breathed in Nikki’s ear. “It’s just you and me now, my dear.”
“Don’t, Mauree.” As if from a dream, Gaetan stepped from the clearing. The sunstone in his cane reflected the moon’s rays, casting an odd luminescence around him.
The muscles in Nikki’s legs shook with relief. “Gaetan.”
“Take this.” Gaetan dug into his pocket and pulled out his satchel.
Mauree tittered. “You’re offering me your medication? Really, Gaetan. I had higher expectations.”
A tic started in his jaw, gold flecks flashing in his eyes. “This, this is nothing to me.” He threw the pouch on the ground.
Nikki’s heart fluttered. He’d thrown away his pain meds. Love for him filled her chest, warming her on the inside.
Mauree tightened her grip. The tip of the blade pierced Nikki’s skin.
Blood, warm and wet, slid down Nikki’s throat. “Gaetan…”
“Wait! This is what I have for you, Mauree.” He plunged his hand into his pocket once again and yanked out the sacred blue sunstone. Light emanated from the gem, casting the entire meadow and the fighting warriors in a muted blue glow.
Mauree’s grip on the knife loosened. Nikki gulped in air, blessed and sweet.
“I offer you an exchange. The blue sunstone for,” his gaze swept to Nikki, the lines around his eyes softening before he returned his attention to Mauree, “my mate.”
“No, Gaetan, don’t.” Nikki pleaded with her eyes. If Mauree got her hands on the sunstone, she could defeat them all.
“My sweet Nicole, I would do anything to protect you.” Gaetan took a step forward, the sunstone cradled in his palm.
Still holding the knife to Nikki’s throat, Mauree stiffened.
Nikki’s entire body shook, fear and love for Gaetan mixing with her frustration and anger. The water around Roan’s Rock frothed.
“Hand it to me. Now!” Mauree held out her hand, her fingers curling with impatience.
Gaetan shook his head. “Send me my mate, then I’ll toss you the stone.”
“How do I know you’ll do that?” Mauree hissed.
His gaze narrowed. “As long as you’ve known me, Mauree, have I ever lied to you?”
The blade at Nikki’s throat tightened for a brief moment then resumed its resting spot under her chin. Mauree growled. “Fine. On the count of three. One. Two. Three.”
Mauree shoved Nikki toward Gaetan. He tossed the blue sunstone in the air. It flipped over, again and again, as it arced over Nikki’s head.
Gaetan wrapped his strong arms around her, cradling her in his embrace. Warmth filled her chest.
“Nicole, I do this for you.” He dug his heel into his satchel, crushing the pills.
Tears stung her eyes. She’d never felt so loved before, so wanted and needed.
A low, feminine titter eased from Mauree’s lips.
Goosebumps prickled over Nikki’s arms. She turned to face the evil female.
Mauree held the sacred blue sunstone in her palm and trailed a finger over the stone’s smooth edges. “Oh, how I’ve missed you, little gem.” Her gaze rose, and she smiled, a menacing glint in her eyes. “Now, you will all die.”
CHAPTER 36
Sitting cross-legged in front of the small chest, sweat coated Alora’s palms. She wiped them on her pants and placed her fingers along the box’s edge. Eagerness warred with her trepidation, and with a quick push, she slid the lid off the container.
An old ball, sports trophies, and several picture frames filled the box to the brim. Memories of Mitan, his smile, his laugh, his terrible jokes, flooded her mind. Her chest constricted even as she let loose a stifled laugh. Tears threatened to fall, and she blinked them away.
She withdrew one of the frames. The picture was of Mitan when he was a mid-youth. Dark hair, cut short, accentuated the deep brown of his eyes. His smile, along with his strong jaw, had made many a young female weep. “Oh Mitan, you always were a handsome one.”
She set the picture aside and retrieved another from the depths. Mitan with a curved bow in his hand, a hat on his head, and the look of sheer determination lining his features. How Mitan had loved to hunt, especially rhondo beasts.
As Alora drew the last frame from the pile, her breath caught in her throat. It was a picture of Veromé, Mitan, and Zedron wearing their formal graduation suits. They’d become friends while attending classes at the academy. She’d met Zedron and Veromé after the trio had graduated. Not long after, they’d both courted her.
She focused on the empty space above the dresser. How long ago that seemed, yet it had only been a few years since she’d bonded with Veromé. She exhaled and set the picture aside. After removing the two sport trophies, she peered into the box.
A disk, similar in size and nature to the ones she used in her visus bacin, sat in the chest’s corner. She gripped the small device and held it up to the light. The round orb shimmered. “Mitan, what were you doing with one of these?”
“Find something interesting?” Carine leaned against the doorframe. The ends of her blue hair sparked as they twirled around her shoulders.
“This box contains some old photos of my deceased friend Mitan, along with this.” Alora held up the disk.
Carine pushed away from the door, her eyes wide. “Hey, isn’t that a recording device for a visus bacin?”
“I believe so.” Alora glanced at the visus basin next to the old dresser. A sense of excitement tripped over her nerves. “Let’s find out.”
Alora rose from the floor and dashed to the scrying bowl. She held the round orb over the smooth water. She released the object and the disk slid below the surface with a soft plop.
Carine strode behind Alora. “You’ve piqued my curiosity. I can’t wait to see what’s in there.”
“Me, too.” Alora spun her hands over the water’s surface. The water bubbled, roiling into a frenzy before quieting.
Situated in a Rolmdew tree, Mitan’s familiar home came into focus. On the massive deck, Alora’s childhood friend placed his elbows on the deck railing, his brow furrowing over his intense brown eyes.
Alora leaned forward, her chest expanding with sweet melancholy at seeing her long-lost friend once again.
“Is that Mitan?” Carine asked.
“Yes, that’s him. Based on his age, I’d say this image of him is not long before he…” She swallowed.
Carine squeezed Alora’s arm. “I’m sorry. You must miss him.”
Alora nodded. “I do. He was—”
Zedron, wearing one of his custom suits strode onto the deck. A chilling smirk formed on his lips.
Mitan turned around and crossed his arms. “Zedron. I told you never to come here.”
“Oh, Mitan. You’ll come around, you always do.” Zedron’s menacing smile revealed his perfect set of white teeth.
Alora tensed.
“I won’t be a party to your plan to win Alora’s hand. She’s my best friend from childhood. Once she finds out you intend to tarnish Veromé’s reputation, she’ll never bond to you.” Mitan’s eyes flashed with bits of silver.
Zedron trailed his finger over the back of a deck chair, toying with the cushion’s ribbon. “Perhaps I should tell the council that a member of the neutral faction colonized a planet, a little blue one with a single sun.”
Mitan pushed away from the railing. The wood creaked from the pressure. “You wouldn’t dare.”
Alora’s pulse rose. Mitan had colonized Earth? That couldn’t be.
“Oh, I would.” Zedron tsked. “Neutral faction families don’t support free or slave parties, so your actions are scandalous. I know how much pain that would bring your council member father. He’d lose his seat in disgrace.”
/> Mitan’s nostrils flared, and he clenched his hand into a fist. “Alora won’t love you, not like she does Veromé. That’s something your money and power could never buy.”
Alora took in a deep breath, her lungs expanding with pride that Mitan would stand up for her.
“So, you’re telling me you won’t cooperate?” Zedron strode forward, that frightening smirk back on his face.
Mitan stepped into Zedron’s personal space. “No, and better yet, maybe I should turn you in. I’m sure the council would be very interested in how you acquired this information. Spying is a capital offense.”
Zedron’s arm shook with fury. He cried out, seized Mitan’s shirt, and shoved him.
Mitan stumbled and landed against the wooden rail. The wood groaned from the impact.
Alora gasped, and Carine gripped her fingers.
Mitan pushed away from the rail and bolted toward his rival. Zedron slammed his fist into Mitan’s chin. Alora’s childhood friend crashed against the railing once again. Wood splintered and slipped over the edge.
“Goodbye, Mitan.” Zedron curled his lip, and he kicked Mitan in the gut.
The railing gave way.
Mitan yelled and disappeared over the edge.
Growls from rhondo beasts, eager to claim a meal, echoed from below.
The horrible vision faded.
Alora brought her fists to her mouth, sealing in her scream.
Carine tugged on Alora’s arm, turning her around then wrapping her in a comforting embrace. “I’m so sorry.”
Alora held on to her friend for a long moment, soaking up the comfort. “I can’t believe it. Zedron killed Mitan.”
Murderer… The ramifications flitted across Alora’s mind. She drew away from Carine and paced between the visus bacin and the large bed. Her shoes tapped in rhythm with her pounding heart.
Alora stopped and glanced at her friend. “Do you know what this means?”
Carine shook her head. “Not entirely.”
“Zedron will go to jail for murder, as he should, that Kasard.” Alora curled her hand into a fist.
“And you’ll win the war.”
Alora took a deep breath and forced her fingers to relax. “Yes, I suppose that will be the natural outcome, except it sounds like Mitan found Earth first. If that’s true, I don’t know what the council will do.”
Carine glanced at the visus bacin. “Do you think the disk will show us?”
“Let’s find out.” Alora darted to the large scrying bowl then spun her hands over the water.
The water in the surface remained still, the small disk visible underneath.
Frustration flared in Alora’s chest, and she swirled her hands with more force. “Show me.”
Not a ripple materialized, but a few words scrolled across the water. Enter password.
“Mitan password protected his file. Something must’ve happened to it to get stuck on that one scene.” Alora furrowed her brow. “I wonder what his passcode was…”
“You knew him pretty well, didn’t you? Give it a try.” Carine peered into the bowl.
Alora tapped her finger against her mouth. Would he use one of his parent’s names? “Password, Desmond.”
A light blinked over the water, and the words reappeared. Enter password.
Frustration had Alora clamping her jaw shut. “Password, Tanya.”
The light blinked faster, and this time, new words appeared. Failed attempt two. Disk will lock permanently after three failed attempts.
Alora pounded her fist against the stone edge, again and again. “I don’t dare try again.”
The image of Mitan on the deck reappeared. As he leaned over the railing, his dark eyes furrowed. The recording device had reverted back to the original scene. Alora swiped her hand over the picture, unwilling to see his death again.
Carine placed her hand on Alora’s arm. “Perhaps we should tell Radnor about this, see if he knows the password.”
“Good idea.” Alora shoved her hand into the cool water and retrieved the precious disk. Gripping it tight, she shook off a few drops of water from her fist and headed out the door.
As she hurried into the living room, her breaths heaved from her excitement. “Radnor!”
Her voice echoed around the empty space.
“Hey, it looks like he left you a note.” Carine pointed at his desk.
Situated on one of the corners was a slip of paper, her name etched across the top.
She picked up the finely crafted page and read. “Alora, I didn’t want to disturb you as you looked through Mitan’s belongings, but I received a call and needed to leave. I’ll see you at the council meeting in a few hours. Don’t be late.” Radnor’s elegant signature graced the bottom of the page.
“Sounds like your meeting will be one to remember.” Carine exhaled. “Do us both a favor, bring Zedron down.”
Alora tightened her grip around Mitan’s recording device. “I shall. Oh, I shall.”
Despite her conviction, her stomach knotted. Zedron was no fool.
CHAPTER 37
G aetan held Nicole close, tugging her tight against him. Her warm, sweet scent burrowed into his senses, and his inner beast growled. She was safe and that was all that mattered to the beast, but they weren’t out of trouble, not by a long shot.
He wrapped his arm around Nicole’s waist, drawing her to his side so he could face Mauree. “As I promised, I’ve never lied to you, Mauree.”
Mauree blinked. “Are you out of your ever-loving mind? You sacrificed your entire species by giving me the blue sunstone to save this one,” her gaze raked over Nicole, “female?”
“I don’t expect you to understand, yet I think, deep down, you understand all too well. You don’t have to do this. You have a choice.” His words wound around his heart, the truth hitting home harder than he’d expected. Nicole had shown him that life and love were about choices. You were responsible for your own decisions, not anyone else’s. A weight lifted from his shoulders. He’d given Nicole an option to live or die. She’d chosen to live and had grown to love him in the process.
“What are you talking about?” Mauree clutched the blue sunstone to her chest. “With the sacred sunstone, I have the power to control the elements, such as you, Nikki. I could kill you in a heartbeat.”
Gaetan stepped in front of Nicole, blocking her from Mauree’s view. “But, you haven’t. Why is that, Mauree?”
“It’s not time yet, that’s all.” A smile crossed her face, but lines formed around her eyes.
She has regret.
A pang bloomed in Gaetan’s chest. The line for empathy on the back of his hand burned, darkening. Maybe, just maybe, he could convince Mauree to change her mind. “This hasn’t been easy for you. If anyone understands what it’s like to live your life with regrets, it’s me.”
“What do you know of regret?” she spat and glared at him.
“More than you might think. I’ve come to realize it’s never too late to make amends and change your life. All it takes is one small step to start you on the path and that begins with forgiveness.”
Nicole squeezed his palm, encouraging him.
He returned the affection then took a step forward. “I forgive you, Mauree. You still have time to change your life. Trust me.”
A pained expression tightened Mauree’s features. She peered at the rock in her palm and shook her head. “How can you forgive me? I’ve done terrible, terrible things and have gone way too far down this road to ever come back.”
“If I can forgive myself for making so many mistakes, then you can forgive yourself, too.” He’d thrown away his medication after hiding his guilt and pain behind the small pills for longer than he cared to admit. Nicole had helped him realize he wasn’t responsible for others’ choices, only his own. The sense of freedom still swelled his chest. The need to convince Mauree she could do the same itched in his veins.
She met his gaze. Her eye, rimmed red with unshed tears, studied him. “Al
l I ever wanted was to be queen…to be respected and obeyed.”
Empathy for her swelled inside along with his desire to aid her. His line for benevolence warmed, darkening on his skin. Pulling on his patience, he held out his hand, as if she were a scared animal. “Give me the sunstone, Mauree. Let me help you.”
If he could touch her, he could give her some of his calming influence, help her ease away from the brink.
She blinked several times, but couldn’t stop the tear as it slid down her cheek. With shaky fingers, she lifted her hand toward him.
Hope soared in Gaetan’s chest. He opened his palm.
“Aiyeeee!” The war cry boomed across the field.
Gaetan’s muscles tightened.
Swords raised, warriors closed the distance, pushing back the Gossum and Ursus. Kaelyn and Saar led the charge, along with Demir and Aramie. Out of the melee, a familiar figure appeared. With broad shoulders and short blond hair, he swung his blade with a grace and experience few possessed. The warrior’s identity was clear.
Gaetan’s heart skipped a beat before beating double time. “Noeh… How can this be?”
Gossum and Ursus surged from their hiding spots along the tree line, approaching at a fast clip. As the groups merged, the clashing of swords and battle cries echoed into the night.
Mauree tugged the blue sunstone to her chest. “No, it can’t be Noeh, I killed him.” She shook from her rage, her features tightening into a grimace. “Kill them! Kill them! Kill them all!”
Kaelyn bolted toward a Gossum, her feet pounding over the meadow’s tall grass. Wet from the evening dew, the blades slapped against her pant legs. She gripped the handle of her mace and swung the spiked ball over her head. The weapon hummed from the air displacement, the sound familiar and comforting.
At her side, Saar let out a bellow of rage.
They closed the distance, and the Gossum’s dark eyes reflected the moonlight, eerie and chilling. Close enough to hear the creature’s small cries of excitement, she swung her mace. The ball connected with its skull, crushing the bone in one fell swoop. She yanked her weapon free. The creature slid to the grass and turned into a pile of sludge.