Demon Retribution (Shadow Quest Book 3)

by Kiersten Fay

  Cale clamored for a seat next to Kyra, but to his extreme disappointment, she offered him a withered expression before moving to the opposite side of the table…between two dragons!

  Cale took a calming breath. Didn’t matter. It would make it easier to look into those steely eyes. They locked gazes as if she read his thoughts, but too soon she turned away, straightening her shoulders to address the dragons.

  “Do you know what’s happened on Evlon?” she started.

  Mar leaned back in his chair. “Vera little. We have been unable to establish contact.” He went quiet then with his brows knit. Cale got the sense he wasn’t saying all. A quick glance at Sebastian and Anya said they both agreed.

  Getting right to the point, Kyra proceeded to explain her family’s escape and her father’s prediction. “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.”

  They all waited for the king’s response. He took his time. “You know I have been friends with your father, Alastar, since before you were born.” At Kyra’s nod, he continued. “I am well aware that his predictions canna be counted on as fact. Alastar 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.”

  She quirked a brow. “My lord, I never said they were technologically advanced.”

  Chapter 24

  Kyra narrowed her gaze, realizing something was amiss. The way Tristan avoided eye contact told her they all knew more than they’d let on. She struggled to loosen her jaw, suddenly wondering if coming here was a bad idea. “My King, 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?”

  “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?”

  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.”

  Ghostly form was what the dragons called her father’s power to leave his body and project himself across vast distances. Kyra had seen him do it once. He’d looked nearly transparent, and could neither affect anything nor be affected by any outside force. But he could observe or deliver messages.

  “It must have been just after the attack,” Mar continued. “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. But that is no’ what brings us shame.”

  Kyra swallowed.

  “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.”

  Stunned, Kyra looked at her sister. “Analia?”

  Anya grew visibly uncomfortable by the sudden attention. “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.

  Nadua had hinted at what their sister had been through. Now Kyra believed it was worse than she wanted to imagine. To the dragons she said, “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.”

  There was even more than that, such as locations where some of her people have taken to ground and a list of weapons and battle tactics. Her father had been thorough.

  Mar looked marginally impressed. “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 spoke then, his tone nearly a sneer. “Why don’t you tell them what you want, Highness.”

  Mar turned deadpan before a smirk crept onto his face. “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 into the table. “What is this about?”

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

  Sebastian’s brows shot up as Cale sneered, “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.”

  At that, the dragons shot to their feet. In a coordinated motion, the demons rose as well. Kyra could see where this was headed. “Everyone simmer down. No offense was intended, right Cale?”

  Cale shrugged, keeping his attention on the dragons, Tristan in particular. “No, they took it right.”

  Rex and Sonya both snorted in laughter. Sebastian looked unamused, but ready to defend his brother if it came to that.

  Kyra heaved a sound of exasperation. She was completely losing control of the situation.

  “We don’t need these amphibians,” Sonya added in a mocking tone. “They probably boast little more bravery than their own larvae.”

  Tristan hissed, “And you the intellect.”

  With that, she lost Ethan, the last rational male member of the group. Anya just shook her head.

  “Enough of this,” Kyra barked desperately, seeing the dragon guards move in. “Enough!” But no one listened.

  Then Aidan muttered a simple phrase that gave everybody pause. “I’ll do it.”

  After a moment of silence, Sebastian commented, “Are you sure?”

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

  “I’m sure,” Aidan interrupted, probably knowing Cale was about to offer another slight. “I’ll join the Lagura 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.”

  “Thank you,” she replied, a little taken aback by the swift shift in mood. “What of the other clans? Would you be able to persuade them to join the fight?”

  “I will try, but I cannot guarantee it.”

  “I trust you’ll do your best,” she said. “Oh, there is one other thing.” She brought his attention back to the open book. “My father indicated that there should be a message for you on the last page, but to us it blank.” She suspected it was bespelled to appear only for him, a common way to pass secrets through space. Turning to the page she asked, “Do you see anything?”

  The king sat, looking it over. His eyes traveled as if there was indeed a message there. As she waited, she watched his mouth drop into a frown. Then his head darted to his sons, “You canna read this?” he asked…hopeful?

  “No’ at all,” Gavin answered for them.

  The king turned back to the page and continued reading silently. His face
paled further and sorrow took root in his eyes. Kyra fidgeted with curiosity, but when he finished, he softly closed the cover. It was clear he wasn’t going to enlighten them. At least not now.

  He stood. “We will take our leave to implore the other clans for aid. Till next we meet again.”

  After saying their goodbyes, Kyra snapped, “What the hell is wrong with all of you?”

  “I thought that went well,” Zoey said in a sarcastic tone, taking command of the book.

  “What do you think that message said?” Sonya changed the subject as if their ridiculous behavior had been completely acceptable.

  “Whatever it was, he didn’t like it,” Ethan replied.

  Rex had lost interest in the conversation altogether and surveyed the dancers. “Can we stay for a drink?” he said absently.

  “I’m surrounded by madness.” Kyra buried her head in her hands.

  “Is that what I’m getting myself into?” Tristan said from behind.

  Kyra looked up to see everyone bristled once more. The other dragons were nowhere in sight. “Pardon?”

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

  On the third set of drinks, Cale became aware that everyone was against him. Just because the dragon was being civil, Sebastian had agreed to allow him on the ship. Aidan, previously the only dragonshifter on Marada, was showing interest in getting to know his new…kin. Ugh.

  Sonya would have remained his only ally, but she and Ethan had gone off on their own. He hadn’t even noticed they’d gone till a moment ago, what with all his attention on Kyra’s every action. She was too friendly with the bastard, smiling at him, sharing stories. Did she not realize what she was doing to him? Every now and again she would raise a brow in his direction, making him wonder what she saw in his expression. He couldn’t fathom what his face looked like at the moment, though Sebastian’s constant watch gave him a clue. Anya too presented him with odd, studying looks.

  “Did your father tell you what he read in the book?” Kyra asked Tristan.

  His brows knit together. “He would no’ speak of it, but it seemed to distress him somewhat. Did it no’?”

  “I thought so too.”

  “If it is important, he’ll tell us in time.”

  Cale couldn’t help it. “He cut out of here pretty quick. You sure he wasn’t spooked all the way back to his castle?” The disdain on the dragon’s face was satisfying.

  Tristan growled through his teeth, “My father is no coward.”

  “I’m sure you think so.”

  “Cale!” Kyra scolded.

  Rex and Zoey sat to the side, wide-eyed and uncomfortable. Rex cleared his throat. “I think we’ll head back to the ship.”

  “Great idea,” Zoey said, already quitting her seat.

  “We should all get back,” Sebastian ordered. “Cale, maybe you should go find Sonya and Ethan.”

  Cale was about to declare that there was no way Sebastian could expect him to leave his “mate” with a rival male when, to his surprise, Kyra offered to join him in the search.

  A triumphant grin spread across his lips. That is, until he saw the wrath behind her eyes. Still, when he got her away from that dragon, the feeling returned, but he tried to keep it to himself.

  Once they were far away from the others, she rounded on him. “What is your damage?”

  “My what?”

  “Are you mental? Bipolar?”

  He frowned.

  “After everything you said? Why are you acting like a jealous lover?”

  “Because I am,” he said honestly. “I can give you a reminder if you need.”

  She threw her hands in the air. “You risked us losing the dragon’s assistance. I would think you’d be a little smarter than that. Especially since whatever it is you feel for me is false.” She flinched on the last word, and it sent a crack through his chest.

  “What I’m feeling might not be real, but it’s too strong for me to ignore. My kind are very protective of their…mates.” As expected, surprise flashed across her face. Saying it aloud had been like a quake inside him as well. One that he liked.

  “You can’t possibly mean that.”

  “Seeing you only smile at that dragon makes me murderous. Knowing you have a past with him”—he grit his teeth—“is killing me.”

  She seemed to be digesting his words, not bothering to disguise her emotions. Anger. Confusion. Horror. Finally, resolution. He didn’t like the way that one looked.

  “In the training room, you were revolted by the idea of wanting me. Thinking I used magic on you in some way. You said we were impossible. I took that as the end of our relationship.” She air quoted the last word.

  Something in him snapped. “Nothing ends between us,” he hissed, grabbing her elbow and steering her into a darkened corner. Stubbornly, she jutted her chin. He longed to kiss that look off her face, until her lips were swollen from his touch and the heat that drove him mad with lust ignited behind her dark lashes.

  Instead, he pressed his body against hers, pinning her to the wall. She stilled, and he knew she could feel his stiff erection straining between them.

  “That’s for you. Only you. Do you understand? I only want you.”

  Her mouth opened, but she said nothing as she searched his eyes. For a moment, he imagined she had the same desire to kiss him until everything else drifted away.

  Then her expression fell, and it was like a knife through his heart. “We’re finished, Cale.”

  “No.”

  “I don’t want you.”

  “You lie.” Finger bent under her chin, he forced her to gaze up. She looked wrong, cold.

  “Don’t,” she whispered, predicting his next move.

  In an act of desperation, he claimed her lips with his, cupping the back of her neck to hold her in place. But she didn’t return the kiss.

  Defeated, he pulled back with a growl. “Is it the dragon you want? I’ll kill him if he touches you.” Then a mind-numbing thought nearly drove him to his knees. An image of a younger Kyra and the blond male...together. “Has he…? Have you…?”

  She ducked her head, cheeks burning, giving him his answer. An icy rage broke inside him.

  “It’s none of your business,” she snapped, pushing at his chest. He didn’t budge. “Are you forgetting all the women you’ve had? Is there a single woman on Marada who hasn’t seen your O face?”

  O face?

  “And you have the gall to judge me?”

  “I have the gall to rip your pretty boy’s face off when next I see him.”

  “You’ll do no such thing.” She thrashed, but he easily quelled her struggles. When she went limp in the next instant, he grew alarmed. Her features twisted with grief, her eyes glistening. “Why are you hurting me like this?”

  Instantly, he released her. Had he been too rough? Then he realized she wasn’t talking about physical wounds.

  “My heart can’t take it, and you’re distracting me from what’s important. I need to focus on saving my people. They need me.”

  I need you.

  The plea rose up from the depths of his soul. He managed to choke it back, but the truth of it rocked him to the core.

  Slipping past him, Kyra had one more dagger to throw before she left him reeling. “Once this is over, I don’t want to see you again. For now, if you have anything to say to me, you can go through Anya.”

  It had been nearly impossible to get the words out. After telling him she didn’t want him, she’d nearly broken down in tears, her mind screaming to take it back. But she’d been resolved. Cale occupied most of her thoughts, and she found it difficult to focus when he was near.

  The meeting today had been a prime example. Aside from the fact that she was a rusty diplomat, she had been too concerned about Cale meeting the dragons—Tristan, specifically—than procuring their help. And it had gone as horribly as she’d feared.


  A dark part of her had been pleased to see a jealous Cale, thrilled at the sight, because in a small way it proved that he did care for her. At least a little.

  Unfortunately, a little wasn’t enough, and she would not be cowed by a rampaging demon who wasn’t even sure if he liked her, or if he was just under a spell.

  She traveled back to the ship alone, finding herself musing over a bit of self-discovery. She’d lived her entire life never knowing she could be turned on by scary sexy.

  Just remembering the intensity of his gaze had a shiver streaking through her.

  Thankfully, he hadn’t followed her. If he had, and continued with his barbaric you-are-mine talk, she feared her resistance would have faltered.

  Many of the crew had yet to return, so she managed to make it to her room without being seen. A small gift from fate, because once inside, everything she’d been holding back burst out of her as if a dam holding back her frayed emotions had just crumbled into dust.

  Chapter 25

  Sebastian entered the control room, signifying the end of Cale’s shift. They’d been traveling for weeks now, and were nearly to Evlon. After stopping at a few more spaceports, the crew was now replenished…mostly by hired mercenaries. And they’d found others who showed an interest in joining the fight, whether for a price or just for kicks. Didn’t matter. They’d take it either way.

  Cale glanced at his brother. “Have you seen her?” It was always the first thing he’d ask.

  “She’s with Anya and Nadua in the Sanctuary.”

  Cale let out a relieved breath. It was when Sebastian couldn’t answer that question that things became difficult for him. It meant she could be anywhere…or, more specifically, with anyone. Which she was, often! That bastard dragon was practically her shadow.

  After Kyra had ordered his “banishment”, he’d sought out the dragon for a “conversation”. The confrontation had been a destructive one. Both walked away bloody and bruised, cursing the other, with nothing resolved. Tristan refused to heed his warning to stay away from Kyra, and Cale could do nothing about it, save locking Kyra in her room for the rest of the trip.