Off to his right, Fritiof, Maya, and two of Ramiro’s daughters glanced at him with an expression he didn’t like. Behind them, Eachann and Bromm frowned.
Utterly confused, he shook his head. “What the hell, Soren? I’ve been asleep in my bed. And what’s all this? Did you start the meeting? Why didn’t you call me?” He held up his phone, showing a screen devoid of notifications.
Soren grabbed his phone and tapped the blank screen. “I don’t get it. We texted you. Gustaf, Fritiof, and myself. There’s nothing here. Not a single damned message. When we got no response, we called. We sent someone to knock on your door. You didn’t answer. We were debating whether to just go in.”
Kailen clutched Soren’s forearms and shook him as he searched the room’s occupants. No miracle. Talaith wasn’t here.
“Soren, I…” Damn, his mouth had a will of his own and didn’t want to ask. Neither did his mind. “I woke up a few minutes ago and Talaith was gone,” Kailen said. “At first, I thought she was out and about enjoying the compound, but then I got this weird premonition. I went to the balcony and found smudges of blood on the door and drops on the cement. I think she was attacked and hit her head. I searched, and there are no further traces of blood or additional clues. If she’s not on the property, she was abducted.”
“Understood.” Soren turned to the jaguar leader. “Ramiro. Talaith is also missing. Can you order a search?”
“Right away.” The jaguar nodded and left the room.
As the werejaguar exited the conference room, Maya went straight to Kailen. Cocking her head, she studied him, every part, then with the tip of her fingernail, she scraped his tunic at shoulder level.
“Hmmm,” she murmured, bringing whatever she’d picked closer to her eyes. “Why would you have a bit of char clinging to your tunic? Do you feel anything…strange, different?”
“Char?” He opened his hand. Maya dropped the fragments in his palm. A tingling sensation hit him. He shuddered. “What is it?”
“Just as I thought,” she muttered, looking intently at him as if he should know her thoughts and suspicions.
Soren had no trouble hearing his mate’s thoughts. “Fuck,” he whispered under his breath. “Sötnos, are you sure?”
Glancing at the fragments again, she pouted speculatively. “It’s a perfect fit. Wouldn’t you say?”
Kailen felt silly holding char in one hand while he listened to Soren and Maya carry on a cryptic conversation. “Stop it. I realize mind communication is quite normal between the two of you, but the rest of us have to play catch-up. I have no clue what you’re saying. Will you please explain?”
“Gods, please forgive us. We get caught up and forget others can’t hear us. Think about it, Kailen…” Maya paused. “Char is a product of fire, right? And which elemental creature dwells in fire?”
Oh, yes. He was on the trail with her. “Or creatures,” he added, scanning the room. “Son of a bitch, they’re not here.”
Soren crossed his arms. “Idrás must be convinced of his side’s superiority. What he and the ifrit have done is a brazen hostile declaration. My guess is they’re hiding out in a subterranean dimension. We won’t see them again. You were hit with a spell, and that char was the medium.”
“It’s no wonder I slept so soundly.” He fisted his hand, crushing the char to powder. When he caught up with Idrás, he’d do the same to his face. “Gods. Why Talaith? Why would they take her?”
“Because she’s talented and powerful, plus she has you, and you love her,” Soren said. “Taking her out of the equation removes you when you set out to find her. Divide et impera, said Philip II of Macedon, a maxim Julius Caesar and Napoleon adopted in their campaigns. Divide and rule. It seems mage Dubtach is a devotee.”
“If he thinks abducting Talaith will keep me from the fight, he’s out of his mind. He’s made it worse. I want to take his head. Yes, Talaith comes first, and I won’t stop until I bring her back. Once she’s safe at home, I’m going after him. He will pay for touching her.”
“We have options Dubtach doesn’t know about,” Maya said. “The phoenix augments the search powers of a witch. We summon Anna, use one of Talaith’s belongings, and in minutes, we locate her. Easy.”
“Thanks to the duo of Ginny and Anna, Eachann rescued Bromm,” Soren said. “The ladies found him right away.”
“Yes.” She smiled. “We’ll do the same with Talaith.”
“Thank you, Maya,” Kailen said. “Your help is most appreciated. I sense an additional matter has everyone upset. When Soren requested a search of the grounds, he said ‘also missing.’ What did he mean?”
Maya sighed. “You arrived toward the end of the commotion. We believe Gisela was taken as well. Her personal effects are in her chambers, and no one has seen or heard from her since dinner last night.”
Kailen was about to ask for more details, when Ramiro spoke from the doorway, his expression grave.
“Ladies and gentlemen, there are further developments. Please take any seat and get comfortable. I’ll send for refreshments. We have much to discuss.” He moved toward his place at the head of the table. A murmur followed as Lord Alain, leader of the elves, walked in after Ramiro. His gait was slow, his bearing tired; Alain carried a heavy weight.
Soren went after Alain. He stood at the elf’s side, facing Ramiro.
“Indeed, Lord Alain has much to explain and atone for. I can’t wait to hear his reasons for coming after he’s betrayed us every step of the way. However, we’re dealing with an urgent situation that needs resolving. Two supernaturals have been abducted. We don’t know where they are or who has them. Kailen, Maya, and I are summoning the one who can help. If we’re not in the meeting, don’t take offense. We’re working hard to find them.”
“Please, Soren.” Alain, his face contorted in a grimace, held out a fist. “This is why I’m here. Gisela is my only daughter. I brought this to use as a bargaining chip. Dubtach wants this more than anything.” He opened his hand, and Khnurn’s brilliant ankh pendant fell on the table.
Eachann cursed, Maya gasped, and a loud chorus of exclamations ensued. Kailen scowled at the elf. This supernatural lord, leader of the elf race, had been one of the principal masterminds in Sterling’s chemical conspiracy. He’d injured Vallen and had ordered the tragic death of Kathy, the woman who’d spoken to Talaith in the Manhattan bar. His cruel experiments had caused the suffering and deaths of countless creatures, their remains left to rot without a proper burial, all in his quest to defeat the High Council and the Titanians.
No, Alain’s tragic demeanor didn’t impress him, nor did he believe the elf’s sudden contrition was real. He spoke behind Soren. “Alain cannot be trusted. He is presenting an honest facade because he needs our help. He’s the fabled scorpion that cannot deny his nature. You and I know he will sting our hand as soon as circumstances go his way.”
Alain remained impassive.
“No worries, friend,” Soren said. “I’ve not forgotten. He’s duplicitous to the core. Everyone in this room will know the full extent before the meeting is over. Until we figure out what to do, though, I intend to keep him under close scrutiny.”
“And so will I.” Fritiof came to Soren’s side.
Maya slid quietly between the men, grasped her mate’s arm, and whispered, “She’s here.”
Kailen turned. “Already?”
“There’s not a second to spare,” she said.
“Right you are.”
“Great work, sötnos.” Soren grasped Fritiof’s shoulder. “Dad, we have to take care of some things. Don’t let him out of your sight.”
“Count on me, son. And let me know how you make out.”
“Of course.” Soren raised two fingers at Eachann, who’d been all ears, listening to the exchange. “You too. We need you.”
Eachann grinned. Without further comment, all four streamed out of the room.
Out in the garden, standing in the shadow of a clump of royal palms, Anna smiled
and waved. Maya’s godmother must have teleported directly from her solstice celebration. She had multicolor ribbons and beaded strings braided within her graying hair. Her tunic was a kaleidoscope of aquas, blues, and lilacs. Over her tunic, Anna’s rose-quartz-and-gold pendant sparkled in the sunshine.
Maya kissed her. “Thanks for coming so quickly.”
“If it’s in my power, I’ll always help.” She smiled, patting her goddaughter’s cheek.
Kailen bowed. “You look well, Anna.”
“Gods, such formal nonsense,” she said. “Come here and give me a hug.”
Anna embraced Kailen, then turned to Eachann. Laughing with the easy camaraderie of those who’d worked and fought together, she opened her arms to the vampire. When the big male embraced her, her feet dangled off the ground.
“Talaith’s been abducted, and we don’t have a hint or idea as to where she was taken,” Soren explained when Eachann released her.
She gathered her features in concentration. “I understand. We need a personal item. Maya’s phoenix force will jump-start my powers.”
“Hold on, I’ll go get something you can use,” Kailen said.
“Actually, it’s best if we do this in your room. It’s private, with no curious bystanders, and the searching power concentrates within walls. Once we locate her, we can move outside to open a portal.”
“Then follow me. Our chambers are in the next building.”
Kailen wanted to run back and get the search started. How he managed to contain his anxiety and keep a normal pace, he would never know. After what seemed an endless span of time, he strode in, leaving the door open for everyone else. Talaith’s gown was still on the floor. Now he picked it up lovingly, as if the gentle gesture would find her wherever she was and give her some comfort.
“I will find you, my love,” he whispered. “They cannot keep you from me. I’ll bring you home.” As he draped the gown on the bed, he noticed a spot of char clinging to the bodice, same place as his. He scraped the char off, crushed it in his palm, and took it to the patio. He opened his palm, watching the breeze lift and scatter the evil dust.
Maya’s expression asked in silence. He nodded in a voiceless answer. Magic of the first degree had been used against Talaith and him.
He tried to think how they did it, searched through his actions last night, and came up empty. Neither Talaith nor he had been close to Idrás or Temu. The mystery would remain until he caught up with them.
Leaving that riddle aside, he swept through the bathroom looking for a smaller personal item. He saw her pj bottom and returned to the room. Repressed tears burned in his eyes.
“Bastards. She’s only wearing her panties and half her pj’s. She’s practically naked. My poor sweetheart. She must be so afraid, so cold… I will rip them into pieces,” he growled, fisting his hands.
“Easy, lad.” Eachann clasped his shoulder. “It’s hard to do, but stay calm. You’ll take your vengeance soon.”
“Let’s do this,” Anna commanded. “The gown is a perfect conduit. Maya, hold on to my wrists. Concentrate on Talaith. See her, feel her, hear her…”
Anna closed her eyes, and Maya grasped her wrists. The juxtaposition was curious, an older, mortal female at the height of her abilities, standing before a younger, still-learning supernatural, their powers mingling in a common purpose. They exhaled slowly through parted lips. A flash of pink light shot out of Anna’s pendant, and the piece twirled on its chain. Under closed eyelids, Anna’s eyes rolled and shifted. She shuddered and gaped as she exhaled. Maya’s shoulders hunched.
Kailen eyed Soren and Eachann, who didn’t move, but watched as he did.
“There,” Anna whispered. “There it is. The entrance.”
Anna jerked. Her body trembled so violently, Kailen thought she would dislodge Maya, but the phoenix held on firmly.
“I see her,” Anna whispered. “She’s scared and alone. There are no guards and no watchers. The cell is empty.”
“Talaith?” Maya’s voice was soft, and every hair in Kailen’s body stood on end. “Can you hear me?”
“She can’t. The space is blocked. It’s forbidden. We can’t go. Let go, Maya. Let go.”
Maya exhaled a sharp breath, releasing her godmother. Anna dropped one arm, then tossed the gown on the bed.
“I have the exact location, Kailen.” She frowned. “The dimension containing the cell is well within ifrit territory, two levels above Hades’s domain. It’s also very small. Something peculiar is going on. The Dark King doesn’t control it and doesn’t appear to want it. I suspect the dimension is so new, he’s not even aware it exists. And when he does learn, there’ll be hell to pay, no pun intended. He doesn’t suffer unsanctioned creations close to his realm.”
“Why do I feel there’s more to tell,” he said.
“Well, there is,” Anna said. “Neither I nor Maya can go with you. The dimension is blocked to the energy female. Only the energy male can enter. The creator, or creators, I suppose, Temu and Idrás, brought Talaith in, and that’s the only reason the space is barely tolerating her presence. Otherwise, she would have been ejected to Hades’s underworld, the nearest and all-encompassing realm. In fact, the longer she remains, the more likely it is she’ll be expelled.”
“Damn,” he muttered.
“Which means hurry,” Maya said.
“I’m going with you,” Soren said.
“Nae, lad. I’m going.” Eachann’s tone brooked no disagreement. “I can disappear at will.”
“So can I,” Soren retorted.
“But you canna wield the wind. Aye?”
“Nope.” Soren held up his palms. “You got me there.”
“Give me a second to change.” Kailen gathered his tactical clothing and dashed into the bathroom. He came out in minutes, checked the laser sword, folded and opened it, scanned the status light. Satisfied, he said, “I’m ready.”
Anna placed her hands on his shoulders. “Ifrits are dangerous. I’m shrouding you with an emergency protective spell, Kailen. It’s not the strongest, but it’ll help. Eachann doesn’t need it because he has elemental fire in him. He’ll repel any attack at will. But if there’s an ambush waiting, or more than one ifrit, you could be harmed.” Murmuring strange words and sounds, she began circling her palms over his head, moved around his shoulders and arms, front and back, down his legs. She finished at his toes.
“That’s it. The full potency will last forty-eight hours, then it begins to wane. If you’re not back by then, you’ve got much bigger problems. Oh, gods, I almost forgot. Talaith’s hands are wrapped together and her ankles are bound with fire magic. It’s not an overly strong enchantment, yet effective, as it limits her movements. She can’t use her hands. Otherwise, she’d free herself.”
Anna rummaged through the pockets in her tunic. “But this little beauty will assist in dispelling fire magic.” She pulled out a round, smooth red stone. “Cabochon ruby. Although not gemstone quality its properties are effective at controlling and balancing fire. Plus, I’ve imbued it with some extra umph. It’ll work.”
“I can’t take that, Anna. It’s too valuable.”
“Sure, you can. Hover the stone right above or around her wrapped hands. Bring it back when you’re finished.”
“Thank you, Anna.” He kissed her cheek, then dropped the ruby into his pants pocket. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“Return in one piece.” She winked.
“I can do that.” He hoped. “Are we good? Should we go to the garden?”
“Yes,” she said. “I’ll whisper the outbound location into the portal. To come back, think Iguaçu, and it will bring you straight here.”
“Let’s go, then,” Soren said.
Hold on baby, I’m coming to you. He sent out the thought with so much force, he was convinced she’d hear it despite the barriers standing between them.
Talaith had no sense of time. One moment, she’d been gazing at a starry, moonlit sky, wanting to sha
re the experience with Kailen, and the next, she had burning ties around her ankles, pain stabbed her forehead, and then nothing. At some later point, she came to while traveling at dizzying speeds. Soon after, she was literally dropped into this dank, uncomfortable, icy cell, with a gelid cement floor for a bed and frigid walls to lean on. Much as she had tried to catch a glimpse of her captor, the fiend managed to avoid detection. The one thing the kidnapper couldn’t do was hide the heat. A creature of fire had abducted her. And she had a pretty good idea who it might be.
This situation was beyond serious, and she couldn’t do a damned thing to ease her predicament. Her hands had been carefully wrapped palm to palm with fire bindings, curbing her magic. She had tried to stand so she could hop around and warm up a little, but with tied ankles and no usable hands, it had been an impossible task. The only recourse had been to shift her weight from one frozen buttock to the other.
Her teeth started chattering. Hypothermia was around the corner. No matter how, she had to find a way to get her circulation going.
To succeed, momentum was required. Wheels and balls rolled best. With a touch of inspiration, she curled her body into a tight fetal position and began to rock side to side, again and again, her movements gaining strength and speed. She focused and, on the next swing, pushed on, throwing her weight behind the motion. She ended on her knees and forearms.
Now for the next step. She crawled forward and reached the wall. Lifting her torso, she pressed her forearms against the wall for balance as she inched her knees closer and closer. Time was inconsequential, bleeding scratches and bruises were unimportant, survival was everything. Here was the acid test, the reason she’d trained so hard in Germany. In a moment, that conditioning had to pay off. She carefully measured the distance from her knees to the wall, angled space was necessary for leverage and to jump up.
She had to go for it. If she failed, she’d try again and again. Her determined nature would require it. She slowed her breathing, tightened her core, and, as she bore her forearms into the wall, she hopped, lifting her knees and ankles in a single movement.
The Last Danann (Titanian Chronicles, #2) Page 26
