Destiny Series Boxed Set

by Bronwyn Leroux

  Gently, Jaden wrapped his hands around her wrists, placing their hands between them. Keeping them apart. Kayla’s eyes flew open. Her green gaze met his blue one, her question clear. But Jaden didn’t need to answer. Every ounce of him told her he hadn’t wanted to end the kiss either. He yearned for her as she did for him. Yet he held back.

  “Kayla.” Jaden’s voice was hoarse. “I want to give you the quality time you deserve. But we will never have that time, never have that freedom, unless we finish this mission.”

  Kayla’s face crumpled. She didn’t want him to be right. But he was. With a sigh, she dropped her head. Running a thumb over his hands where they touched her wrists, she sighed again. “Let’s get on with it, then.”

  Jaden feathered a kiss on her brow. “If it’s any consolation, I have a surprise for you.”

  Kayla perked up. “You do?”

  Jaden grinned, then released her wrists to pull something from the inside pocket of his smart suit. Kayla tried to see what, but his hands obscured it.

  Jaden’s grin widened as she tried to pry his fingers open. “Close your eyes and open your hand.”

  Obediently, Kayla did. Something cool dropped into her palm. Her eyes snapped open. Sparkly. Silver. Familiar. She gasped, and her gaze flew to Jaden. That incredible smile hadn’t left his face. His wonderful, gorgeous, handsome face. The face she loved so dearly. A face she hadn’t dared hope she might see again.

  And he had brought her medallion back to her. She was ecstatic. “You did it! How?” Kayla hugged the medallion. “Thank you!”

  “Shall we join the others now?”

  Chapter Fifty-Two

  His question reminded Kayla where they were. What they had to do. Who it was that waited with Iri and Atu. How could she have forgotten about Slurpy? Kayla turned and stomped to where Iri and Atu waited.

  “Care to explain yourself?” There was so much hostility in her tone Kayla barely recognized her own voice.

  “Whoa, ease up.” Jaden took her hand and squeezed it. “Iri’s on our side. We’re all part of the same team.”

  Kayla didn’t acknowledge his touch. “Why didn’t you just let him fall?”

  Iri leveled her gaze at Kayla. “Because that would make us no better than him. Because that might turn us into him.”

  Kayla tossed her hands in the air. “What are you babbling about?”

  Iri’s attention reverted to Slurpy. “He used to be like us once. Used to be someone with hopes and dreams and ambitions. But he allowed the cruelties and disappointments of life to poison him. He allowed the roots of bitterness to take hold. They bound him in chains so unbreakable they twisted him into the monster he is now.”

  Kayla gaped. “You’re on his side?”

  “I’m not on anyone’s side. I’m simply stating what I see in him.”

  “What you see in him?”

  “Yes. Here.” Iri touched Slurpy’s chest where his heart would be. “And here.” She touched Slurpy’s head. “Chunks of black, like hunks of coal.”

  Jaden’s mouth fell open. “That’s why you stopped him from falling to his death? Because you saw black pieces inside him?”

  Iri’s voice remained calm, a soothing stream to cool Jaden’s rising anger. “We have no way of knowing for sure he would’ve died if he’d hit those rocks. With his power, I wasn’t prepared to take a chance. I think there’s a better way. A way to ensure he’s never a threat again.”

  Jaden’s laughter lacked mirth. “You think there’s a way to stop him without killing him?”

  Iri nodded, her face solemn. “Whether it’s because of the power he wields or because it’s been a part of him for so long, the bitterness has become a sickness, a malady. Like a cancer eating away at his soul, leaving tumorous pieces.” Iri glanced at Atu. “A disease someone with a very special gift can cure.”

  Atu gaped. “You think I can heal that?”

  “We won’t know unless you try. I would suggest trying sooner rather than later. He will not stay unconscious forever.” Iri stepped away, indicating Atu should take her place at Slurpy’s side. “You need to remove those black cores.”

  “You’re telling me that if I do that—and that’s a big ‘if’—it will get rid of the bitterness, hatred, envy, rage,” Atu threw a hand in the air, “heck, whatever other negative emotions made him the monster he is? That it will make him more ‘human’ again?” Atu half-laughed.

  Kayla shared Atu’s incredulity. Jaden was on the same page too.

  Iri shrugged. “Jaden, haven’t you always maintained we should work as a team? This is a fulfillment of that. My ability to see the problem. Atu’s ability to heal. What’s the harm in trying?”

  “If that’s true, what part are Jaden and I playing?” Kayla shot back.

  Iri flashed that smile of hers. “Oh, I believe you have your part to play. That little secret you and Atu are sharing no doubt has something to do with it.”

  Kayla inhaled sharply. Iri knows we’ve worked out how to destroy the medallions?

  Iri focused on Jaden. “You have your part too. Whatever the usurper said to you while you were his captive, those words cling to you like a second skin.”

  Jaden looked like he’d been sucker-punched. “He said a lot of things.”

  Iri smiled. “But only one thing that would leave that aura of responsibility glimmering around you. What did he say you had to become?”

  Kayla wanted to whack Iri for making Jaden looked so uncertain, so unsure of himself. But then Jaden’s face cleared. “He said I had to become the Gatekeeper.”

  Iri nodded. “Then that’s the role you have to play in this.”

  “But I don’t know how!”

  Kayla felt Jaden’s exasperation. She had to admit to a level of annoyance herself. Had Iri been holding out on them? Only showing them part of what she was capable of?

  “You’ll figure it out,” Iri said. “If anyone can, you will.”

  Her statement didn’t convince Jaden. “I’ll remind you of that when I can’t work it out. I’ll make you help me.”

  Iri smiled sweetly. “And isn’t that what Kayla wanted all this time? For you to learn that we’re a team? Which brings us full circle—and is a reminder we don’t have a lot of time.” She faced Atu again. “Well?”

  Atu looked totally put out. He huffed. “I don’t know how you think I can do this.”

  “You’re our healer, aren’t you? I believe Zareh gave your family this gift for this specific purpose.”

  Atu rolled his eyes. “Fine, I’ll do my best.”

  Kayla was suddenly aware of the hand Jaden had wrapped around hers. For no reason she could place, she had wanted comfort. And there it was, in Jaden’s touch. She squeezed his hand. His gaze swiveled her way, and he smiled, squeezing her hand back. His eyes, however, still held uncertainty.

  “As Iri said, we’re a team. We’ll figure it out together,” Kayla reassured him.

  Jaden only nodded before turning his attention back to Atu. Kayla snuggled closer, putting Jaden’s chest against her back. Then she settled in to watch.

  Atu knelt, his eyes closed, his hands hovering a foot above Slurpy. That golden light appeared, flowing from Atu’s hands, washing over Slurpy. Abruptly, Atu’s face went rigid.

  Kayla made to leap forward, ready to snatch Atu away from whatever Slurpy might do to him. But Jaden wrapped his arms around her, keeping her where she was.

  “I think Atu found what he was looking for. I don’t believe he’s in any danger,” Jaden whispered into her ear.

  Kayla remained alert, in case Jaden was wrong. The golden light fanning over the length of Slurpy’s body shrank, gathering into a tight, shimmering golden ball right over the place Iri had pointed out on Slurpy’s chest.

  The ball dropped lower, then sank into Slurpy. The golden light vanished when the ball was completely absorbed. A quick glance at Atu showed perspiration running down his forehead. Kayla saw no sign of distress, only Atu’s fierce concentration.
>
  A soft glow drew Kayla’s gaze back to Slurpy. Ever so slowly, the golden ball was reemerging. It eked its way out. It was suddenly obvious why its exit was so laborious. It dragged something black and solid out of Slurpy’s chest, the black piece secured in the center of the ball.

  Kayla gaped. “He’s doing it!”

  Her words were barely about a shouted whisper, but the golden ball faltered. Neither Jaden nor Iri said a word, just directed meaningful stares her way. Okay, I get it! I’ll be quiet!

  The golden ball resumed its path. It took a full two minutes before the ball was completely out of Slurpy’s chest, floating a few inches above Slurpy. Abruptly, Atu slapped his hands together. The snapping sound was so loud in the unnatural silence that Kayla jumped. She jumped again when the ball flashed—and vanished.

  Atu fell backward, breathing heavily.

  “Help him!” Iri shouted.

  Jaden’s arms dropped from Kayla. He was at Atu’s side with a water bottle snatched from his pack before Kayla could react. She rushed over to join them, panning an analytical gaze over Atu. His face was pale. His hands trembled. No sign of fever, though.

  “He needs more than water. Jaden, do you have any of those protein drinks?”

  Jaden raced to his pack and returned. Bending down next to Atu, Kayla gently lifted his head and pressed the bottle to his lips. “Drink!”

  Atu’s mouth opened, and he swallowed as Kayla allowed small amounts of the liquid into his mouth. After a few sips, she picked up the water bottle. “Jaden, do you have more water if we need it later?”

  When Jaden nodded, Kayla carefully poured the water onto a clean shirt taken from her own pack. She wiped Atu’s face and the back of his neck with the cloth. Then she used the dregs remaining in the water bottle to wet Atu’s hair.

  Atu’s eyes popped open at the same moment his mouth did. “Aargh, that’s cold!”

  Kayla grinned. “You needed a little refreshing.”

  Atu scowled. “I do all the heavy lifting, and you give me grief.”

  Chuckles all around. Kayla offered him the protein drink. “I think you need more of this before you attempt the next one.”

  Atu groaned, and he flopped a hand over his eyes. “Don’t remind me.”

  “Iri, your attention here.”

  Rozie’s interruption was unexpected. Kayla and Jaden turned with Iri. Kayla’s blood curdled. Slurpy was moving!

  Chapter Fifty-Three

  Iri was closest. She didn’t stop to think, just snatched up a rock and bashed it into Slurpy’s head. It made a sickening crunch, and Slurpy slumped. Did I hit him too hard? Oh no, have I killed him?

  About to lean forward to put a hand under his nose, Rozie’s darted between Iri and Slurpy. “He’s still alive. I can hear him breathing. But it’s not deep like it was before.”

  “He’s not unconscious!” Kayla yelled. “Hit him again—on the jaw!”

  Iri screamed, striking Slurpy again. She hadn’t hit him too hard. It hadn’t been hard enough. This time she put her weight behind the blow.

  There was no artifice to Slurpy’s slump this time. Just to be sure, Iri checked with Rozie. “Is he out?”

  “Yes.”

  “Splendid!” Iri glanced at Atu. The musty scent of fatigue still rolled off him. Not as sharp as before, but unmistakably there. “I know you’re tired, but do you think you can pull it together to finish this? I really don’t want to have to bash him a third time.”

  Atu’s smile was weary. “I suppose I can relieve you of that burden.”

  Kayla helped Atu sit up. She glanced at Iri. “I think your senses are better than my medical judgment here. How exhausted is he?”

  Iri studied Atu. The lavender hues of fatigue were fading quickly, as was the musty odor. “He’s on the mend.” She glanced at Slurpy. “If we can give Atu another five minutes, it’ll help.”

  Jaden nodded emphatically. “I’m not sure we have five minutes. The blast that killed his Gaptor was impressive, but it only knocked Slurpy out for about ten minutes. No offense, Iri, but I’m not sure how long your blow will keep him under.”

  Atu had had enough. “I’m sitting right here. If anyone knows what I’m capable of, it’s me. I’ll take another minute, then attack the next one.”

  None of them dared disagree, but Kayla made him eat the dried fruit she retrieved from her pack. Iri, sneaking glances his way, saw the lavender tones wink out, replaced by neon yellow. If nothing else, Atu was determined to succeed. That she could see colors on him when she typically couldn’t, made her worry though. Iri wasn’t sure it was even a minute before Atu knelt next to Slurpy again.

  “Last one,” was all he said as he closed his eyes and focused.

  This time, the golden light didn’t stretch out along Slurpy’s body. It formed a smaller glow around Slurpy’s head. Then, as before, it shrank into that shimmering, golden ball.

  This black spot was smaller than the last. Hopefully, removing it would be less difficult. Atu’s strain removing the last one had almost made her stop him.

  Anxiously, Iri noted Atu’s rising stress. The lavender hues had returned. Iri couldn’t be certain, but it seemed this ball was taking longer to sink into Slurpy. A horrible suspicion assailed her. Is Slurpy waking up? She glanced at Rozie, whose eyes were honed on Slurpy.

  Rozie sensed her attention and darted a quick glance her way. Iri mimed breathing. Rozie shook her head. Does that mean Rozie doesn’t know? Or that nothing’s changed? Iri mentally shook herself. Stupid question. If anything changes, Rozie won’t hesitate to tell us. So why is the ball sinking so slowly? Is Atu more exhausted than I can tell?

  The lavender hue hadn’t changed. The musty odor was at about the same level. It was something else. Iri studied Slurpy again. Then clarity! This piece was somehow entwined with part of Slurpy’s brain. What she had taken to be a few holes were actually spaces where Slurpy’s brain had meshed with the black.

  Iri wanted to throw up. While this piece might have been smaller than the last, retrieving it and healing the aftermath would be a far more intricate endeavor. Slowly, so as not to disturb Atu, she sidled over to Jaden and Kayla, motioning for them to follow her.

  When they had removed themselves a safe distance, Iri hastily explained. Turning to Kayla, she said, “Is there anything we can do to give him more energy?”

  “Short of giving him an adrenaline shot, which we don’t have, I can’t think of anything. Besides, when I just whispered earlier, he paused. What do you think he’ll do if we touch him?”

  Iri sighed. “Nothing we can do then?”

  Kayla shook her head. “Not that I can think of.”

  “Me either,” Jaden added.

  Quietly, they crept back. Perspiration beaded on Iri’s forehead, then trickled down as Atu worked far longer than he should. The golden ball finally submerged in Slurpy’s brain, but Atu’s lavender tones had darkened. They were pale violet. Not good.

  Trying to keep her apprehension at bay, Iri noticed the rising tension in Jaden and Kayla. She wished she had said nothing. But it was too late now. She had had to take the chance Kayla might have another way to boost Atu’s health. Apparently, Atu was the only one capable of miracles.

  A miracle it was when the golden light suddenly shimmered on the surface of Slurpy’s skin again. Ever so slowly, the ball retracted from his skull. Iri darted glances between the ball and Atu. Pale violet had turned to dark violet. If he didn’t hurry, he would pass out before the ball was completely removed. If that happens, will the black piece sink back in?

  Seconds ticked by. A minute. Ninety seconds. At almost two minutes, the golden ball popped free. Atu clapped his hands together. The sound was feeble. The ball contracted but didn’t disappear. The colors around Atu were slate gray now. Iri raced toward him before he opened his mouth.

  “Help.”

  Jaden and Kayla rushed forward, looking confused. But Iri was already there. She understood what Atu meant. Leaning down carefully
so she didn’t touch Atu anywhere else, she encased the back of Atu’s hands with her own. Using her thumbs and little fingers, she supported Atu’s hands, sliding her middle fingers between his to brace them. Then, careful to ensure her fingers didn’t touch his palms, she slapped Atu’s hands together.

  Thwap! Iri wasn’t sure whether the sound or action did it. The golden ball flashed and vanished. The black piece disappeared. Iri was still crouched around Atu when he went limp in her arms.

  “Atu!” Her voice rose with her panic as Atu collapsed sideways. She noticed the charcoal tones swamping him. Covering him. Claiming him! Iri jolted when Kayla shoved her aside.

  “Move!”

  Iri scrabbled backward on all fours, getting out the way. Kayla knelt next to Atu, listening for breathing, tilting his chin back. Tears blurred Iri’s eyes.

  “Jaden, I need help!” Kayla barked. “Bring that wet cloth.”

  Iri sat frozen, too stunned to move. She stared at Kayla. Blinked. Then Jaden was there. Kayla directed Jaden to wipe the cloth over Atu’s forehead. Kayla moved to Atu’s feet and lifted them, holding them about twelve inches off the ground.

  Iri remained frozen. Why did I think this would work? Did I just kill Atu? Iri heard her own ragged breathing.

  “Iri!”

  The sound caught and held. Iri turned her head, seeking the source.

  “Iri!” Kayla’s voice. “Yes, that’s right. Look at me. Nod if you can hear me.”

  Iri nodded.

  “He’s okay. Probably exhaustion that made him pass out. He’ll be back with us in—” Kayla broke off as Atu moaned. “Hello, soldier! We lost you for a moment there.” Atu tried moving. “No, no, just stay where you are.” Kayla flicked her chin at Jaden, and he obligingly placed firm hands on Atu’s shoulders, keeping him down.

  “Easy, dude.” Jaden smiled.

  Atu grimaced. “Okay, I get it. Can I have some water?”

  “Iri, can you get that?”

  It dawned on Iri that Kayla had asked her to do something. That Atu was not dead. Or dying. She leaped up. “Yes!”