Dark Overlord New Horizon

by I. T. Lucas

  “How come there is no record of it?”

  “There is. The Sumerians describe it perfectly, but historians interpret their writing as an allegory, not the reporting of what had actually happened. There is a lament talking about a poisonous wind blowing east and killing every living thing in its path but leaving the buildings and other inanimate objects intact.”

  “What about radioactivity? Can’t they measure it even if the bomb was dropped five thousand years ago?”

  “That’s a very good question. If the bomb was detonated high in the sky, there would be no trace of radiation left. Also, we don’t know what kind of bomb it was. It might have been similar to the nuclear bombs we have today, or it might have been something completely alien.”

  “Ha, I knew it. I asked Arwel if his people were aliens, and he said that they were the descendants of gods, but he wasn’t sure whether the gods were from somewhere else in the universe or the survivors of an ancient civilization that was wiped out during one of earth’s extinction-level events.”

  Kalugal smiled. “I asked my father the same question. Usually, he gave me evasive answers, but on one occasion, he blurted something about the gods' home world.”

  “Why did they come to earth?”

  “According to the Sumerian records, the official purpose was to mine for gold.”

  Jacki snorted. “That’s silly. Why would the gods be interested in gold? Because it’s pretty and shiny?”

  “Not because it’s pretty, but because it’s crucial for space travel, among other things. In outer space, radiation from the sun transfers heat directly into objects, and gold-coated Mylar reflects heat without creating a glare. Gold is also one of the best natural conductors of electricity, it is resistant to rust and corrosion, and that’s why it is used in computer chips, cellphones, and other electronic devices.”

  That made much more sense.

  “You said that gold mining was the official reason given in the Sumerian records. Was there an unofficial one?”

  “When I was growing up, I tried to get as much information out of my father as I could. He wasn’t very forthcoming, but here and there he would blurt something out, and I collected those puzzle pieces like gold nuggets. I might be completely off, but from what I managed to piece together, things weren’t always peaceful on the gods’ home world, and there was a revolt in which some of the ruler’s children were involved. It was quashed, but since executing a god was not allowed, the ruler exiled them to earth.”

  “He wouldn’t have killed his own children.”

  Kalugal arched a brow. “You need to read up on history, Jacki. Things like that happened a lot. Besides, you can’t apply human standards to an alien race. That being said though, human morality and just laws originated with the gods. They established the code of law in Sumer, and later it got incorporated into the Bible. But as I mentioned before, once the gods were gone, everything kept deteriorating for thousands of years, and that included their code of law.”

  Jacki lifted a hand to her forehead. “I’m flabbergasted. It all sounds so logical but at the same time fantastic. How much of it is speculation and how much is fact?”

  “Everything except for the alien planet can be substantiated. For most humans, the gods would fall into the category of myths and legends, but immortals are proof of their existence.”

  71

  Kalugal

  “Do Kian and his clan know anything about it?” Jacki asked.

  “I’m not sure,” Kalugal admitted. “It depends on how much Annani knows, and what she shared with her descendants. As I said, my father wasn’t forthcoming with the information, and what I’ve learned was from bits and pieces interwoven in casual remarks that he made. I’m a good listener, and I’m also curious by nature, so I was on the lookout for those. Still, he might have been untruthful, or he might have exaggerated some of it. But it makes sense given what we know about how valuable gold is for technology and space travel. Also, in many cultures, gold was considered the property of the gods.”

  “You make me want to dive into books and learn as much as I can about all this. It’s like you’ve opened a whole new window on the world to me.” She looked at him with admiration in her beautiful eyes. “Thank you for sharing all that.”

  “You’re welcome.” He rubbed his hand over her arm. “It’s my pleasure. I don’t get to talk about this so openly with anyone. Humans are a no-no for obvious reasons, and my men are not interested. They treat my preoccupation with the past as an eccentricity, and they find the subject boring. It’s refreshing to have someone listening so attentively and getting excited about a subject that fascinates me.”

  Suddenly looking uncomfortable, Jacki pulled away from his embrace. “I should start on lunch. Is it okay for me to go back to the house?” She got up.

  “Sure. Let me escort you back. Do you need to pack your things first?”

  “Yes. I almost forgot about that. But it will only take me a minute. I don’t have much. Just the nightgown, the robe, and the toiletries.”

  “Take your time. I’ll wait for you.”

  She was talking fast again, a sure indicator that he’d made her nervous. Was it the arm rubbing? Or maybe his admission of how much he enjoyed talking to her?

  He had to find a way to overcome her skittishness. Why was she fighting her attraction to him so hard? Was it because he was the son of a goddess? Or maybe it was just because he was immortal, and Jacki thought that she was human.

  From her perspective, a long-term relationship between them was not possible. But then, contemporary women, especially young ones like Jacki, weren’t overly concerned with the future. Most were content with one-night stands as long as the guy met with their approval.

  Jacki was acting like a maiden from a bygone era, when young women had been expected to be virgins on their wedding nights. Surely that couldn’t be the reason for her odd reluctance to let him get close to her?

  Could it be that she was still resentful because of his fake attack?

  Maybe he could ask her in a roundabout way.

  “I’m ready.” Jacki stepped out of the room.

  He took the overnight bag from her and slung it over his shoulder. “I was wondering about something, and if my inquiry is too personal, you can tell me to mind my own business.”

  “What is it?”

  “Rufsur is a fine male, and he made it very obvious that he’s interested in you. What do you find objectionable about my second-in-command?”

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “Did he put you up to this?”

  “He didn’t. I’m just curious about what’s your type. If you had to describe your ideal man, who would he be?”

  For a long moment, Jacki stared at him as if he’d asked the stupidest question possible. “What do you want me to say? That I like tall guys? Or guys with blue eyes? Physical attributes are not the most important thing.”

  That was a good start. Kalugal was tall, and his eyes were blue.

  Jacki shook her head. “Wipe that smirk off your face. I wasn’t describing you.”

  Liar.

  “Of course not. So, what’s important?”

  “Love, respect, devotion, and loyalty.”

  “Those are all feelings, not attributes.”

  “Precisely.”

  72

  Jacki

  “How are you today?” Atzil asked as Jacki walked into the kitchen.

  “I have a new bracelet.” She showed him her cuff.

  “Pretty.”

  The guy looked unimpressed. Perhaps Kalugal hadn’t told anyone about the tracker?

  “You know what it’s for, right?”

  He nodded. “I heard that you were implanted with an undetectable tracker. Sucks.”

  She let out a breath. “It does. I don’t know how they did that without me noticing anything. The only way I can think of is through the immunization shots or the blood tests. But those were just small needles and the shots were quick. How the hell d
id they manage to put a tracker through that?”

  Atzil shrugged. “The technology of tomorrow is here today. It’s like living in a sci-fi movie.”

  “Absolutely.” Jacki rolled her sleeves up and tied an apron around her middle. “I’d better start cooking if I want to make it in time for lunch.”

  “You don’t have to. Kalugal has been eating my cooking for years, and he never complained. I can serve you lunch in the library the way he likes.”

  “You are already serving us dinner. Lunch is all that’s left for me to do.”

  He cast her a sidelong glance. “You know that this is not what the boss wants from you.”

  Jacki grimaced. “I know. But since he’s not going to get that, I feel obligated to compensate him in other ways.”

  “Why not, if I may ask?”

  Men. Were they all in cahoots to find out what made her tick?

  “You may not,” she spat.

  Atzil lifted his hands in mock surrender. “Okay, okay. No need to get antsy. I was just curious. But I’ll keep my mouth shut from now on.”

  “Thank you. I appreciate that.”

  She needed to think and doing that while Atzil was prattling on would have been impossible.

  What was she going to do about Kalugal?

  He was taking more liberties with her, but none that she could object to without looking like a damn prude or a stuck-up bitch. Besides, she liked it when he put his arm around her and pulled her against his body. He made her feel safe when she felt like the walls were closing in on her, but that safety was an illusion.

  Right now, Kalugal was more dangerous to her than the director and his damn tracker or even the disturbing vision. The worst that could happen if the director found her was that she would go back to the program, and the worst thing that the damn vision could do was a few nightmares and bouts of bad mood. Watching people die a horrific death was going to haunt her for a long while.

  Kalugal, on the other hand, could break her heart.

  Except, she was tired of fighting the attraction, and Jin’s words still echoed in her mind.

  Live for today, Jacki. Don’t think about tomorrow or yesterday.

  There was wisdom in that approach too.

  With a sigh, Jacki immersed herself in preparing a light lunch. The chickpea spinach salad looked fancy and was flavorful but took only ten minutes to make, and since Atzil had gotten fresh shrimp, she also made shrimp-stuffed avocados. The best part was that both were served cold, so nothing needed heating up, and she had time to go freshen up.

  “Looks good,” Atzil commented. “A little on the girly side, though. It’s not a hearty meal.”

  Jacki took the apron off. “If Kalugal is still hungry after eating my lunch, he can have some of your stew.”

  “Good deal.”

  Heading upstairs, Jacki planned on brushing her hair and spraying a little perfume on, but when she walked into the bathroom and looked at herself in the mirror, she grimaced.

  Kalugal was always so elegant, wearing slacks and fitted button-down shirts, with or without a cashmere sweater over them. She didn’t want to look like the hired help while sitting next to him.

  It was a silly thought. First of all, the jeans and the soft sweater she had on were both top designer label, and secondly, it had been her idea to cook for Kalugal. He’d never asked her to do that.

  Still, after putting on a skirt, a nice blouse, and low-heeled pumps, Jacki felt much better. She even pinned her hair up, making herself look a little bit more sophisticated.

  What for, though?

  It wasn’t as if she wanted to encourage Kalugal.

  Or maybe subconsciously she did? Maybe this was about her wanting to feel worthy of him?

  Her entire life Jacki had been staving off advances and planning to have sex only with her husband. It wasn’t that she wanted to be a virgin on her wedding night, she just wanted her first to be her last. Was that too much to ask for?

  73

  Kalugal

  At one o’clock in the afternoon, Kalugal left his office and headed to the library, wondering what kind of mood he would find Jacki in.

  The morning had been full of excitement for her, and he hadn’t made it any easier by putting gentle pressure on her with his well-placed comments.

  First, he’d told Jacki that having her sleep in the room next to him made him feel as if they were a couple, and then he had told her how much he enjoyed talking to her.

  Both comments had been sincere, and he hoped that they’d conveyed his feelings for her without making her think that all he wanted was to get her in his bed.

  And yet, she was still skittish like a Victorian-era virgin.

  Kalugal had a feeling that if he waited for Jacki to initiate their first real kiss, it was never going to happen.

  When he opened the library doors, she wasn’t there, so he walked over to the bar and poured himself a drink. Should he make one for Jacki as well?

  She’d already had an old-fashioned this morning, so maybe that wasn’t a good idea. Kalugal remembered reading somewhere that women shouldn’t have more than one alcoholic beverage a day, and since Jacki was still human, that warning applied to her.

  Perhaps a bottle of Perrier would be better.

  He took one out of the bar’s fridge and put it on the games table, which had been used exclusively for dining lately.

  Ever since he’d set his sights on Jacki, Kalugal hadn’t played even one chess game with Rufsur or Phinas, or Shesh Besh with Atzil or Shamash.

  He was neglecting his men, but it was necessary.

  Finding out whether Jacki was the one for him was more important. He needed to seduce her, and then make her fall in love with him. Or the other way around. The most important part was her falling in love with him. Until that happened, he couldn’t tell her about the possibility of her turning immortal, and he was getting impatient to do that.

  Except, his progress was too slow. He needed to get the first step out of the way so they would officially become a couple. So far, he’d managed to foster friendship, which was a good start, but it was time to move to the next step and encourage romance.

  Perhaps soft background music would contribute to the right atmosphere. Frank Sinatra or maybe Bing Crosby. But what if she’d never heard of them?

  Jacki wasn’t like other women her age, and it was easy to forget how young she was when she appeared so much more mature.

  Still, good music was good music.

  Kalugal pulled his phone out and scrolled down his playlists. Choosing the one he had in mind, he patched it through to the library’s sound system.

  As the first song started playing, the door opened, and Jacki came in, looking absolutely gorgeous in a knee-length skirt, pumps, and a hairdo that accentuated her high cheekbones.

  Pushing to his feet, Kalugal walked up to her. “You look stunning.” He leaned and kissed her cheek, then took her hand and led her to the games table. “My lady.” He pulled out a chair for her.

  “I need to get back to the kitchen and bring the food. I just came to see if you were here.”

  “Nonsense. You are going to sit down, and I am going to serve you.”

  Jacki shook her head. “You wouldn’t know what to bring.”

  “I’m sure Atzil can help me with that.”

  “Maybe Shamash can do it?”

  Jacki seemed uncomfortable with him serving her, but that was precisely what he wanted to do. Perhaps the role reversal would finally convince her that he was serious about her.

  Lifting her hand, he kissed the back of it. “It will be my pleasure to serve you.”

  A blush painting her cheeks a deeper shade of peach, Jacki nodded. “I see that there is no arguing with you.”

  “Not about this. I’ll be right back.”

  74

  Jacki

  It felt so weird to be served by Kalugal. If he was any other guy, Jacki would have had no problem with it, but he was a freaking demigod, or
half a god, or whatever term having one parent who was a goddess qualified him for.

  And it wasn’t only that.

  Kalugal was regal, sophisticated, and well-educated, even though he was basically self-taught. Heck, that only made him even more impressive.

  Her fancy outfit was just a sham, a cover-up for the fact that she was a nobody in comparison, and that she was the one who should be serving Kalugal and not the other way around.

  The only reason he had done it was to make her feel good, but it had the opposite effect. It only amplified the vast difference between them.

  Why was he trying so hard, though?

  Kalugal could have any woman he wanted. Why her?

  So yeah, she was pretty, but so what? She wasn’t gorgeous, and there were thousands of girls more beautiful, smarter, and more sophisticated than her. Was he chasing her because she was the only one who hadn’t fallen into his bed right away?

  Some guys liked the challenge of the chase. Was that Kalugal’s thing? Would he lose interest the moment he had sex with her?

  Probably.

  She just needed to stay strong and keep saying no.

  Straightening her back, Jacki reached for the bottle of Perrier, unscrewed the cap, and took a long sip. The bubbles induced a small burp, which made her chuckle.

  If Kalugal were there to witness it, he would no longer think that she was such a lady.

  Note to self. Don’t drink carbonated beverages on a date.

  Right. As if she was ever going on one. Did immortals even date? Jin and Arwel had just hopped into bed on the second day after they met and had become a couple.

  A loving couple who had just moved into a new house together and were having the time of their lives.