by Lili Zander
The red dragon makes a valiant effort to save his friend, diving in pursuit, but there’s not enough time. I watch, my heart in my mouth as the two dragons streak head-first toward the ground.
Then there’s a thunderous noise, and the dragons crash into the cold still waters of Lake Ang.
Zunix is already running toward them. “Get the boat,” he screams. “They will transform back to men when they lose consciousness. We can’t let them drown.”
I can only hope it isn’t too late.
19
Olivia:
I can swim, but I’m no Draekon. Created for battle, the men have speed and strength far beyond even the most elite soldiers back on Earth. Zunix and Liorax race to the lake, moving so fast that their bodies are a blur, and then they dive in. Paige and May’s mates follow.
Instead of diving into the water, I run to Zunix’s house. With shaking fingers, I loosen the ropes holding the canoe tied in the air and lower it into the water. “Use the boat,” I scream at the nearest Draekons.
Yasix hears me. He changes direction, swimming toward the boat. He pulls himself into the small canoe and grabs the paddle in the bottom. Now that he has the boat, I try to locate Zunix and Liorax. Where are they? What if the dragons haven’t shifted back to men, and what if they attack my mates instead?
My mates.
I guess I’ve figured out where my allegiances lie.
Minutes tick by. Finally, Liorax emerges from the water, dragging a dark-haired man behind him. I shudder with relief, one that fades quickly when the man is helped from the water. One side of his body is badly burned. His skin is red and purple and blistered, and my stomach churns when I look at him. Damn Luddux and the other Draekons.
Zunix breaks the surface of the lake just seconds later. “I have the other one,” he shouts, his voice sounding strained in a manner that I’ve never heard. His arms are wrapped around the other Draekon’s shoulders. “Find Dariux. We need the med-kit. Now.”
Zunix:
We have done some stupid, foolish and misguided things before. We let Herrix chase away the Lowborn. We let Jorix and his friends walk away after their confrontation with Dariux.
But all of that pales in comparison with what we’ve done now.
Because the moment I glance at the man I rescued, I recognize him. He is older now, and much of his face is covered with a beard. His hair is long, hiding the ritualistic tattoos on his skull, but I would know this man anywhere.
Arax, Firstborn of Zoraht.
We have attacked the High Emperor’s son.
Liorax has pulled the man he saved into the boat. He reaches into the water to give me a hand, and then his face goes blank with shock. “What in the name of Caeron?” he whispers.
“Don’t let the others see his face.” I’ve never been as afraid as I am right now. We have attacked the Firstborn of Zoraht. Civilizations have been razed to the ground for far less provocation. According to our laws, Arax is well within his rights to demand the death of every single person in our camp.
Including Olivia.
If the others find out who they attacked, there will be mass panic. I can’t allow that to happen again. “I’m going to take them to the mansion,” I say, using Olivia’s nickname for the large treehouse we built for the human women.
Liorax nods. “They might not recognize him,” he says. “Not if they only catch a glimpse of his face. I’ll distract them.” He jumps to the shore and starts calling out orders, his voice firm and authoritative. “Enough gawking. We have work to do. Rezzix, Magnux, go in search of Dariux. We need his med-kit. Luddux, take five men and set up a perimeter patrol. Bolox, we need a grave dug for Jorix.”
Mutters of assent greet his commands. Obedience to the Highborn is instinctive to all of us from the High Empire. When the Lord of Laris issues an order, it will be followed, especially because Liorax so rarely uses his birthright as a weapon.
“What’s going on?” Olivia’s voice makes me jump. “You look like you just saw a ghost.”
“In a manner of speaking.” My throat is dry with fear. Olivia’s life is in grave danger. “I will explain everything. But we need to get them to the mansion first.”
She notices the way I’m shielding the Firstborn’s face. “And you don’t want people to see him.” She nods. “Okay, I’ve got you.”
She runs into the middle of the clearing and starts to scream, shout and sob. “What if they’re more of them?” she cries out, tears streaming from her eyes. She clutches at Herrix. “I’m so scared. I don’t want to be kidnapped.”
My lips curl into a smile. Herrix pats her on the back and peers down her shirt at the same time, and though I want to tear out his throat for touching her, I appreciate what Olivia’s doing.
She’s brave, and she’s smart, and she’s our mate.
If we can survive the oncoming storm.
Dariux returns to camp two hours later and immediately makes his way over to the room where the two Draekons are sleeping. “Well, well, well,” he says, looking down on Arax’s sleeping face. “Look what we have here.”
Dariux’s tone isn’t one of horror. It’s one of satisfaction. Unease trickles down my spine. “I don’t like your reaction,” I say slowly.
He ignores my words. “Has he woken up at all?”
“Just once. We put him back to sleep.” A heavy dose of the rubra leaves for the burnt Draekeon, and a more diluted potion for the Firstborn. “The other man needs immediate attention.”
“Hmm.” He walks over to the other bed in the room. “He’s Lowborn,” he says dismissively. “He can’t be important.” He lifts his head and gives me a searching look. “I’ve heard the accounts from the others,” he says. “What really happened?”
I don’t mention our suspicions that Belfox might be assembling a spaceship. I’m not planning on sharing that piece of news with Dariux. “Herrix and Belfox whipped the others up to a frenzy,” I say shortly. “I don’t care if he’s Lowborn. Use your med-kit, Dariux. That’s not a request.”
He gives me a mocking look. “Liorax’s idealism is rubbing off on you,” he says. “You ever think that the med-kit could be our bargaining chip out of this mess?”
“You do not bargain with the Firstborn of Zoraht,” I snap. Is Dariux insane? “You throw yourself on his mercy and hope and pray that he will let your loved ones live. We made a mistake when we attacked Arax. Let’s not make things worse by withholding care from his friend.”
He doesn’t react. “Dariux, use your head. Arax was in dragon form. If he can transform at will, then this man is very likely his pair-bond. Think of what will happen if you let the Firstborn’s pair-bond die. Don’t be a fool. This isn’t a game. All our lives are on the line.”
My words finally sink in. “Fine.” He pulls out the small piece of tech and holds it over the burnt flesh. It lights up, and the unconscious Draekon convulses as he begins to heal. In less than a knut, the man’s skin has lost its angry red color and has regained its bronze shades.
I take a deep breath, feeling a measure of relief for the first time since I pulled the Firstborn out of Lake Ang. “He’ll sleep through the night,” Dariux says. His eyes glint with anticipation. “And in the morning, we will talk.”
“What do you mean, talk?”
Dariux rolls his eyes. “Do you think I’m going to let them go? Don’t be ridiculous, Zunix. Of course not. Arax is going to help me solve a puzzle, one I’ve been working on for a very long time.”
I grow cold. “You are talking about holding them hostage.”
He doesn’t bother to deny this. “Yes.” His lips thin into a smile. “There were four human women in their camp. Assuming they have all mated, we are evenly matched. They have six more Draekons that can transform. So do we. They won’t risk a direct attack.”
This doesn’t make any sense. Unless… “What do you want?” I ask abruptly. “You think the other exiles have something you need. What?”
“You grew up on the
homeworld. You know what the most important thing is. Knowledge, of course. If Arax doesn’t have what I need, then Brunox’s daughter will. One way or the other, I’m going to find what I’m looking for.”
“And what’s that?”
His eyes glimmer with amusement. He’s not going to tell me. “Knowledge is power, my friend. And I don’t share my power with anyone.”
“The others will not stand for this. They will not hold Arax for ransom.”
He holds up the med-kit. “Remember your deal, Zunix,” he warns. “I healed the human woman, and you and Liorax swore an oath. You promised me your support in a manner of my choosing. I call for it now. Do not interfere with what’s going to happen.”
Bast. I remember the terms well. Dariux isn’t threatening to kill the Firstborn. He’s just holding him hostage. I am bound by my word to stand by him.
Dariux is many things, but he’s not a fool. I am willing to wager my syn that he’s received similar promises of support from the other Draekons.
We have no reason to view the other exiles as enemies, but that’s what we’re doing.
This is a dark path we’re going down.
20
Olivia:
Bryce and I are unceremoniously moved from the mansion to Dariux’s treehouse. I don’t protest. The mood in the camp is tense and strained, and everyone’s nerves are on edge.
“What’s going on, do you know?” Bryce asks me once the two of us settle into the small room.
Oh, right. She was away with Dariux. I fill her in on the day’s events, and she whistles silently. “Do you think the other exile batch was going to kidnap us?”
I shake my head. “I think this was all one big misunderstanding. They found that dead guy and everything went to hell.”
“So that’s simple enough to solve, right?” She tilts her head to one side. “Dariux zaps the two Draekons with his med-kit, apologizes for attacking first, and all’s well that ends well.”
Something tells me things aren’t going to be quite that easy.
All evening, I wait for Zunix to knock on the door and tell me what’s going on, but he never shows up. By the time the sun rises the next morning, I’m struggling to contain my curiosity.
And, if I’m being perfectly honest, I’m also a little bit irritated. I told Liorax and Zunix about Felicity’s mates allying themselves with Herrix and Belfox. It’s only fair that they reciprocate by telling me what the hell is going on.
I wait for an hour, but when neither of them arrives to fill me in, I decide to take matters into my own hands. I might have dropped my cover with Liorax and Zunix, but the rest of the Draekons still believe I’m a ditz, and I’m going to take advantage. If I have to whip my top off and jiggle the girls in people’s faces, so be it. Something important is happening, and it is not in my nature to sit on the sidelines and watch the men take charge. Nobody puts Olivia in the corner.
I dress in my lowest-cut top. Bryce whistles admiringly when she sees the girls. “You’re up to no good, aren’t you?” she asks astutely. “Who’s the target?”
“Zunix and Liorax,” I answer grimly.
She laughs. “In that case, I’m not going to feel too sorry for them,” she says. “They can take care of themselves.”
Liorax:
Dariux is a reckless fool, and this time, he’s outdone himself.
At the crack of dawn, Zunix and I thread our way to the house where Dariux is holding the Firstborn and the other Draekon captive. Rezzix and Magnux are outside, standing guard. “Dariux said no visitors,” Rezzix says as soon as he catches sight of the two of us.
I don’t want to fight either man. “He isn’t here,” I point out.
Magnux stares at Zunix. “Your syn has made Paige’s life here comfortable,” he says. “You have my gratitude.” He steps aside. “Bolox and Narix will be here soon to relieve us,” he warns.
“That can’t be helped now,” Zunix says grimly. “We’re too far gone for that.” He gives me a sidelong look as we enter the large living area. “I really hope the Firstborn remembers you,” he mutters under his breath.
“You’re not the only one.” Like Arax, I spent summers in Giflan as a child. The Arax I knew from my childhood was calm and reasoned, but a man can change in exile. Arax had everything on the homeworld. The Draekon mutation would have been a huge shock. Would it have made him bitter, the way it has Dariux?
The two men are in the bedroom of one of the humans, still asleep. “Dariux is keeping them drugged,” Zunix says, his voice thick with disgust. “Until he’s ready to act.”
Of course, Zunix has already anticipated this move. “You have the antidote.”
He pulls two small vials from his pouch. Zunix’s syn does a limited amount of medicine. I take one from him and approach the Firstborn of Zoraht, resisting the instinctive urge to drop to my knees in the presence of the man who was once the second-most powerful person in the High Empire, next to only the High Emperor himself.
I tip the potion between Arax’s lips and wait. Not for long. The drug is a powerful stimulant, and it jerks him awake. The Firstborn of Zoraht coughs, and his eyes fall open. When they rest on me, he frowns in puzzlement. “Liorax? What are you doing here?”
This time, I kneel, as does Zunix. “Firstborn, I was exiled to the prison planet.”
“Yes, of course. I knew that.” He struggles to sit up, waving off my offer of help. “It’s strange to find a familiar face so far away from home.” His gaze sharpens. “Is Nyx okay? He was badly burnt.”
Zunix nods, still kneeling. “Yes, Firstborn. We have a med-kit. He is healed.”
“You have tech?” Arax sounds astonished. “How?” He catches himself. “Never mind, that’s not the most important issue.” He gestures for us to rise, and his eyes narrow. “Six dragons attacked us without provocation. Liorax, I trust you will not lie to me. Raiht’vi told us you abducted the human women. Were they forced into the mating bond?”
“No, of course not, Arax,” I snap, forgetting who I’m addressing for a second. “Don’t be ridiculous. We aren’t savages.”
Zunix’s face goes blank with shock, and he clears his throat, possibly to remind me that the Firstborn of Zoraht isn’t used to being addressed in that tone. To my surprise, Arax seems to relax. “Of course the scientist lied,” he says, shaking his head ruefully. “I should have known. Are they well, the five humans?”
“About as well as can be expected.”
Arax swings to his feet and sways. Zunix is there to steady him. “Who are you?” Arax asks him, his forehead furrowed. “I’ve seen you before, I’m sure, but I can’t remember the details.”
Zunix’s lips twist into a dry smile. “You weren’t supposed to,” he says mildly. “My name is Zunix und Kalox ab Mamarce. I was one of Surax’s assistants.”
Arax raises his eyebrow. “The Spymaster’s assistant was struck by the mutation? Surax seemed to be something less than his usual competent self after Liorax’s batch was exiled. I now understand why.”
“Not just one of us,” Zunix says. “Two of Surax’s three assistants tested positive. Only Ru’vi was left. Which brings us to our current predicament. Dariux, Surax’s other assistant, is threatening to hold you hostage.”
Arax’s eyebrow rises even higher. “Is he?” he says grimly. “Perhaps you better wake Nyx up. He’ll need to hear this too.”
I do as the Firstborn commands, tipping the potion to Nyx’s lips. It takes only a few moments for the other man to sit up. “We’re both still alive,” he says to Arax, his voice weak. The med-kit has done its job, but Nyx will need another day or two of rest before he can fly again. “This is a pleasant surprise.”
“You were badly burned. I feared the worst…” Arax’s voice trails off, and his expression is strained. Then he gathers himself together, and his voice turns crisp. “Nyx, meet Liorax, Firstborn of Laris, and Zunix, one of the Spymaster’s assistants. They were exiled five years before we were. And,” he adds, “they
seem to be holding us prisoner.”
“Is that so?” Nyx surveys us coolly. “Why did you attack?”
I hold up my hands. “I didn’t attack you.” I explain about the dead man, the metal knife, and the frenzy Herrix had whipped the others into. “They thought you were going to take the women.”
“Let me guess. The women aren’t in any danger, and once again, Raiht’vi has misled us.” Nyx shakes his head in disgust. “We didn’t kill anyone. We have no metal, except stray pieces of diarmod we salvaged from our drone ship. Our knives are carved out of bone.”
“You were searching for the women? That’s why you were here?”
Arax and Nyx exchange looks. The silence stretches out. “There was another reason,” Arax says finally.
“The ship,” Zunix guesses quietly. “So we were right. You were searching for the parts as well?”
Arax gives Zunix a sharp look, and Zunix meets his gaze. “My loyalties are always to the High Empire, Firstborn,” he says directly. “I have no secrets from you. We believe that four of our exile batch have found the ship. One of them is a technician.”
“Escape from this planet isn’t important right now,” Arax replies. “We should have returned back to our home last night. Our mate Viola will be frantic with worry. We have to get out of here.” He gives me a questioning look. “Why is Dariux holding us hostage? What does he want?”
Zunix answers. “He’s searching for something,” he replies. “I don’t know what. He believes that you hold the answers. And if not you, then Brunox’s daughter.”
Arax’s head snaps up. “Raiht’vi is Brunox’s daughter?”
“You didn’t know?” Zunix shakes his head wryly. “Surax really did love his secrets.”
Arax’s lips narrow to a thin line. “This changes things,” he muses. “Brunox will not allow his daughter to be stranded on the prison planet. He’s a powerful man. Asteroid belt or not, they will come for her. No matter how many die in the attempt.”