Fire Pearl (Beyond Ontariese 5)

by Cyndi Friberg

  She was so screwed.

  “Will you at least tell me your name?”

  Cruelty made the blue rings in his eyes shimmer. “You will call me Master.”

  She fell silent as the shuttle lifted off. Their destination really was unimportant now that this man was in control. She would go wherever he took her and do whatever he commanded. She had no choice.

  Terrified that her temper tantrum had already cost her the only person she valued in life, she closed her eyes and launched her Mystic sight. Familiar destinations were easier to reach. She didn’t want to frighten her daughter, so she carefully shielded her being as she approached Fortress Joon. Tanzen was sound asleep, her mind calm and filled with dreams. Thank the gods of the Day Moon. Noll exhaled as she released the link and slowly opened her eyes.

  “Checking on Tanzen?” The Rodyte smirked then turned his attention back to the controls.

  “Why didn’t you tell the Stirate what I did?”

  “Because I intend to complete this mission and I can’t do it without you.” He didn’t bother looking at her. Her reactions were irrelevant. “Have no doubt your life is forfeit, but if you cooperate fully, and cause no further complications, I might spare your child.”

  Nausea clawed at her stomach, yet determination allowed her to remain relatively calm. Aria needed to die. They both agreed with that and completing the mission would decrease the chances that Quentin would order a strike on Tanzen.

  Once that goal had been achieved, Noll would figure out a way to defuse this man’s anger. Or she’d offer him something more valuable than revenge. She couldn’t give up hope. She still had options.

  They flew over endless rolling hills of sand and she wondered again why anyone would choose this dismal place as their home.

  Something shimmered in the distance and the shuttle gradually slowed. A Rodyte Invader became visible long enough for the shuttle to dock. No wonder they’d landed in the middle of nowhere. With a sleek, swept-wing design and state-of-the-art shielding, Rodyte Invaders lived up to their name. It was powerful enough to take on ships twice its size while remaining fast and agile. If the Bilarrians had any idea this ship had infringed on their territory, they would have launched an immediate offensive.

  “Impressive,” she whispered. “Is she yours?”

  His annoying smirk materialized again. “What do you think?”

  The hatch hissed as the docking tube released the seal and the stairs slowly unfolded.

  “After you.” The commander swept his arm toward that opening, his gaze moving boldly over her body.

  She still wore the ridiculous evening gown, which flowed over every curve and hollow she possessed. Ignoring his rude stare, she lifted the armrest so she could get out and hurried toward the docking tube. He was right behind her.

  “That garment leaves nothing to the imagination. Do Bilarrian females always dress so immodestly?”

  “I chose a daring style so the guards would be thinking of sex rather than wondering why I was so far from the ballroom.”

  They emerged into a semicircular corridor. “Unless you wish to service the entire crew, you will cloth yourself appropriately.”

  “Yes, sir,” she muttered, but he kept right on walking, not giving her time to alter her appearance.

  Every person they passed snapped to attention and pressed their back against the wall. As she’d thought, this man was clearly the commander of this vessel. He hadn’t been indifferent to her assets. Could she use his fascination to her advantage?

  Before she could weave the possibility into a workable strategy, he opened a door with a sharp voice command and pushed her inside the compact cabin. A man turned from the viewport as they entered. His gently swirling gaze identified him as Ontarian and made his expression extremely hard to read. Brown hair hung past his shoulders, accenting the barbaric arrangement of his features. Even his clothing was coarse and unrefined. A simple tunic and loose pants tucked into scuffed black boots.

  “This is Rez.” The commander watched her closely, the blue rings in his eyes more apparent than they had been before. “He’s a gift from your cousin, Lilt.”

  “I don’t understand.” She stayed right in front of the door, refusing to even look at the stranger.

  “Rez has certain skills that will allow you to complete your mission.”

  Her gaze flew to Rez then back to the commander. “Is he…”

  “He can speak for himself.” Rez quickly crossed the room and pulled her toward him. “Yes, I’m a Shadow Assassin. I’ve been trying to reach Aria for days, but I don’t have the range.”

  “And I have the range, but not the skills.” Her heart fluttered and heat curled through her chest. She’d heard about these men all her life, but Lilt refused to trust her with details. She’d known they were real and still in use, but this was the first time she’d been in the same room with one of the infamous assassins.

  The commander chuckled. “Rez is our gift to you, and you are our gift to him. You are his slave from this moment on. You will do anything he asks without hesitation or argument. In exchange the Stirate will remain ignorant of your behavior back on Earth and your daughter will go on breathing.”

  Rez let go of her wrist and walked around her, boldly assessing her body from every angle. “Take off the dress.”

  She waited for the commander to leave, but he leaned his hip against the dresser and crossed his arms over his chest. Was he just staying long enough to make sure she obeyed or did he intend to participate?

  Rez caught her chin and raised her face until she looked into his eyes. Multiple shades of brown with just a touch of gold, they were really quite striking. “I’m not accustomed to repeating my orders.”

  Tanzin was the perfect excuse. She could allow herself to be used because they would harm her daughter if she didn’t, but already her nipples tightened and her sex felt hot and heavy. “I can’t reach the zipper.”

  A knowing smile parted Rez’s lips. “Then banish the garment instead. You’re a Master-level Mage. I know what that means.”

  “Then you know I can hurt you?”

  He collared her throat with one of his long-fingered hands, his grip firm without being hurtful. “But you won’t and he’s the reason why.” Raz nodded toward the commander. “You disobey me, or displease me in any way, and he’ll send the message ending your daughter’s life.”

  “Is he only going to watch?” It was better to know what they had in store than be tortured by possibilities.

  “I haven’t decided yet. He has been generous enough to give you to me, yet I am very possessive.”

  “I don’t mind watching, this first time.” He moved to the chair adjacent to the bunk and sat. “There’s plenty of time to train her for more challenging pleasures.”

  Another tense moment passed as Rez stared down at her. “I’m waiting.”

  Seeing no other option, and suspecting she’d enjoy her punishment, Noll finally dissolved the dress.

  Chapter Seven

  Aria danced across the stage, whirling and leaping, laughter floating around her like spring mist. She never realized how encumbered she’d been until Drakkin set her free. Vigorous, vital, energized, she’d never felt so alive.

  “You are far more beautiful than I ever dreamed.”

  Her steps faltered and she skittered to a stop, facing the rows of empty seats. She hadn’t recognized the gently lilting voice. “Who’s there?” She scanned the shadows, reaching beyond her range of vision with her mind. “Why can’t I see you?”

  “I have waited for your awakening with great expectation. It grows more difficult to remain here each day.”

  “This isn’t a dream.” Excitement sizzled along her nerve endings. Shouldn’t she be afraid? “We’re on the metaphysical plane.”

  “I left you in good hands. Drakkin is a masterful teacher. Search your soul. Test my nature then summon my image to you.”

  Her heart thudded and her chest heaved. Could this tru
ly be Vee? He’d cautioned her to search for danger and he knew Drakkin was tutoring her. She had to calm down and think. Dragging a deep breath into her lungs, she scanned again. No hint of danger, no fear, just a vague sense of expectation.

  She pictured the image crystal, recalling every detail of her father. Cool air swirled around her and she looked to her side. Vee stood there, his smile gentle, eyes shining with emerald fire. He was dressed in Mystic robes and his intricately woven hair hung over one shoulder. With a subtle wave of one graceful hand, he sent his emotions to her. Regret, elation and a soul-deep devotion, but most of all she sensed pride. Her lips trembled and she pressed her hand over her wildly beating heart.

  “I have waited so long to speak with you face-to-face.” With warm and gentle hands, he drew her near. “It breaks my heart that we shall only have this one moment.”

  “Drakkin explained why you never—”

  “Drakkin only understands a fraction of the truth. I will reveal all to you now.”

  A rush of information inundated her mind. She staggered back with a groan. “I don’t understand.”

  “Share these things with your mate—and he is your mate, Aria. You need never fear the bond. Drakkin will understand.” Vee touched her face then pressed a lingering kiss to her brow. “I can join E’Lanna now. We have waited a lifetime for this day. Know with all certainty that we love you.”

  He began to fade and her heart gave a mighty lurch. “Wait. There’s so much I want to tell you, so much I need to understand.”

  “I must go, but rest assured. You will find the happiness stolen from us.”

  Aria released the visualization and sat up in bed, unable to suppress her sobs. Drakkin sat as well, drawing her into his arms.

  “What’s wrong? Why are you crying?”

  “I just saw Vee. I thought it was a dream but…” She pressed her face against his throat, unable to continue. Drakkin rocked her, stroking her hair. She inhaled his scent and drew strength from his embrace. Vee made sure she understood that he was at peace, that he was excited to pass beyond. Still, she wished she could have known him, wished their enemies hadn’t kept them apart. “He flooded my mind with images and information. I’m afraid I’ll forget something important.”

  “Take your time. Whatever he passed to you will remain within your mind. If need be, I’ll help you retrieve the images.”

  “He spoke in a language I’d never heard before, yet I could understand him.”

  “Telepathic communication transcends the spoken word. You will be able to understand anyone you encounter on the metaphysical plane. He likely spoke an ancient dialect of Ontarian. Vee was always resistant to change.”

  “His speech did seem old-fashioned, but it suited him.” She eased away from his chest but remained within the circle of his arms.

  “You said he flooded your mind with information. What did he show you?”

  “He was clairvoyant, wasn’t he?”

  “Vee had one of the most powerful precognizant gifts I have ever witnessed. The visions tortured him throughout his life.”

  “Why would he be tortured by such visions?”

  He tucked her hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering against her skin. “Vee learned at an early age that fate will have its way. Knowing the future and being able to change events are two different things. Again and again, Vee attempted to change what he saw in his visions. At times the details would shift, but the results were always the same.”

  She shuddered, snuggling against his side. “Did he know E’Lanna would die?”

  “Yes. He did everything in his power to protect her from the tragedy then a Shadow Assassin sneaked into her dreams.”

  “How is that possible?” She scooted back a bit so she could see his face. “No one can be harmed by a dream.”

  “It wasn’t an ordinary dream. You were asleep when Vee drew you to the metaphysical plane, so you thought you were dreaming.”

  “The Shadow Assassin attacked her on the metaphysical plane?”

  He nodded. “It’s a vile practice. Those who can master the skill don’t even need to be on the same planet as the victim.” Releasing his breath in an extended sigh, he absently stroked her arm. “After three years of bitter mourning, he accepted the fact he was unable to change the future.”

  “That’s horrible.” She drew her legs toward her chest and rested her chin on her knees. “I would have lost my mind.”

  “Most couldn’t have borne such a cruel gift.” He trailed his fingers down her calf. “He’s with E’Lanna now, isn’t he?”

  She nodded, using the fact to drive back her sadness. “He knew you and I were meant for each other. He prepared me for your arrival.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “You were the man I saw in my vision right before I teleported.”

  He touched her face, drawing her gaze to his eyes. “Why didn’t you tell me before?”

  “I was afraid you’d use it as proof that we are mates.”

  Turning her to face him, he guided her onto his lap, straddling his hips. “Your concern was justified. I needed you so badly. I would have taken advantage of anything that helped you accept our bond.”

  “It wasn’t just the vision.” She brushed his hair away from his face, relishing the softness as the thick strands slid between her fingers. “For months, I watched you in my dreams. You never knew I was there, but I saw your nobility and your loyalty. I knew what kind of man you were when you showed up that day in my dressing room.”

  “How odd. Generally when people dream-share, both are aware of the connection.”

  “I don’t think we were dream-sharing. It was more like Vee sent me his memories. All I know is he didn’t want me to be afraid when you arrived.”

  “Too bad it didn’t work.” He softened the statement with a smile.

  “It worked better than you realize. I trusted you much faster than I would have without the character reference from my father.” She rested her hands on his shoulders and looked into his eyes. “This is the part that makes no sense to me. Vee told me to share the images with you. That you would understand what it all means.”

  Ignoring the lush perfection of Aria’s naked breasts, Drakkin entered her mind. She was open and ready for him. His body hardened and his pulse sped, eager to continue their sensual exploration. This was important! He had to concentrate. His stubborn body would have to wait.

  He focused on her beautiful eyes and let everything else fade away. The vision spread before him in chronological order, waiting for his perusal. He flowed through the images, absorbing the facts without reacting to them. The nearer he drew to the present, the harder it was to remain detached. So much violence, so many lives destroyed. His stomach clenched and he gritted his teeth as he gazed at the last few images.

  “Who are they?” Aria’s softly voice severed the mental connection.

  He pulled her to his chest and wrapped his arms around her, protectiveness banding his chest. Even in retrospect the threats against her filled him with rage. “The two men in the very beginning were Vade and Fro dar Joon. Vade was Vee’s half-brother. They had the same Rodyte father.”

  “What is the significance of the image?”

  “While Vee founded the Conservatory, his brother recruited those who were rejected and trained them as assassins for the House of Joon.”

  She pushed against his chest, her expression incredulous. “Vee’s brother established the Shadow Assassins?”

  “This is the first I’ve heard of it. All of our information indicated that Shadow Assassins are Ontarian.” He shook his head, scrambling to make sense of the fragmented information. “They all have Mystic abilities. Vade was Rodyte. How could a Rodyte…”

  “Maybe he was like me.”

  The pieces fell into place with shocking clarity, and Drakkin’s blood ran cold. “The smaller Rodyte band never wanted peace. They were concealing the fact they could manipulate magic!”

  “And I’m p
roof of their deception. A rare Bilarrian gift manifested through Rodyte blood.”

  Urgency surged through him, making his ears ring. “We must warn the regional kings. We must warn the Guild Masters.” He shook away the disbelief and moved her off his lap. “I have to warn my son. The treaty allowed countless Rodytes into our communities.” Swinging his legs to the floor, he stood beside the bed.

  “You could be overreacting.” She scooted off the bed, reaching for a dressing gown which was draped over a nearby chair. “We don’t know that all the ‘peaceful’ Rodytes can manipulate magic. The images only prove that Vade could.”

  “And that he threatened to give you to his men if Vee didn’t cooperate.”

  She gasped. “Where did you get that? I wasn’t even in any of the images.”

  “I know how Shadow Assassins operate. They live in an underground lair and only emerge if they have an assignment or if they’re ready to breed. One of the images Vee passed to you was the breeding ritual performed before the woman is mounted.”

  “Oh gods. I know my father loved me, but why did he keep silent all these years? My safety wasn’t a fair exchange for—”

  “He could see the future,” Drakkin reminded her.

  Tears gathered behind her lashes, making her eyes glisten. “He knew nothing he did would change the events.”

  “At least while he was alive.” He scrubbed his face with both hands. “The House of Joon has been allied with the Rodytes for generations. We have to tell Charlotte. The Joint High Council could be compromised. The implications of this are so far-reaching. I don’t know where to start.”

  She clutched the front of the dressing gown with one hand and met his worried gaze. “We can’t stay here. I’m not the only one at risk and I’m no longer helpless.”

  He nodded in reluctant agreement. “It’s barely dawn, but this can’t wait.” After sweeping them both with a cleansing pulse, he conjured a casual day dress for Aria and a new outfit for himself. “Dress quickly.” He conjured shoes and undergarments then passed the stack to her. “I’ll start with Indric. He can inform the other regional kings while I contact the Guild Masters.”