by Sarra Cannon
“Tell me about the beasts. What are they?”
She was stalling, but if she needed time to process all the information he’d given her, he’d play along. “The creature you saw last night was an Erritrol, my queen.”
“Please.” Her eyes grew wide. “Please stop using the Q word. My heart feels like it’s going to explode right out of my chest each time you do.” At long last, she stopped pacing and dropped into the chair facing his.
If not saying the words would make it easier for her to accept, then so be it.
“The Erritrol is a creature of the dark lands which separates this human world from ours.” He leaned forward, letting his elbows rest on his knees. “Some breeds can coexist with other species, and only attack when provoked, though we’ve not seen one of those in many, many years. Those we face are not so docile.”
He didn’t want to frighten her more than she already was, but she needed to know about the dangers they faced. There was no way they would make it across the dark lands and not come face to face with them, and he needed to know she could handle it when they did.
“I’ve seen them. I know what they’re capable of.” She lifted her chin a degree higher.
“There are three different generations, the Erritrol, the Ikabrol and the Ekasibe. The one we fought in the street near your home was a lesser Erritrol. I will be forever grateful an Ekasibe wasn’t the one to find you.” He shuddered at the memory of the beast attacking her.
She nodded, as if processing the information he’d given her and filing it in her mind.
“The beast that manifested in your apartment was an Ikabrol, an ancient Erritrol warrior. They’re much more experienced in battle and more difficult to defeat.”
Difficult, not impossible. He’d kill every last one of the bastards himself if they dared come near her. “The way to tell them apart from the Erritrol is by the color of their fur. The Ikabrol have a lighter ring around their necks, wrists and ankles.”
Her whole body stiffened and her eyes sought his. “I didn’t get a good look at it, did it have a mane? Kind of like a horse, only maybe a little shorter?”
His breath caught in his lungs and his heart pounded in his chest. Surely she hadn’t had an encounter with an Ekasibe. “No, it didn’t. Have you ever seen one like that?”
“Four years ago.” Her voice sounded strangled. “It was right after we moved to Los Angeles. We came home from work one day to find our apartment trashed. The next morning, mom stayed home to allow the locksmith in to change the locks. We thought we’d just been robbed by some punks. It was a pretty rough neighborhood.”
She blinked fast, keeping the tears in her eyes from slipping down her cheeks. “It was the last time I saw her alive. I kissed her cheek and told her I’d see her later.” Her voice broke and she closed her eyes tight. “I came home from work to find the door broken off its hinges. I’ll n-never forget the smell of blood, her b-blood, she was lying in a pool of it when I f-found her on the kitchen floor.”
Her entire body shook as she retold the nightmare she’d lived. “It was as though a p-pack of wild animals had been there and torn everything we’d fixed the night before apart. I could barely recognize her, it had ripped her t-to shreds.” She wrapped her arms around her midsection.
He didn’t speak. What could he say to make any of this better? She’d been through hell and no one had been there to comfort her, not him, not Evan—no one. He walked over to where she sat, took her hands, pulling her to her feet and into his arms as her sobs tore free.
When they finally subsided, she took a deep, shaky breath and continued.
“When I heard a noise coming from my bedroom, I didn’t think, I just charged in there. I don’t know what I planned to do when I got there, but I went anyway. At first, when I saw it, I thought I was hallucinating. I’d never seen anything like it.”
Every muscle in his body tensed as he listened to her horrifying ordeal. He fought to control the soft growl building in his chest. The last thing she needed right now was to be frightened by an outburst from him.
“I couldn’t move. I couldn’t breathe. I just stood there and stared at it. It turned its head when I walked in, but didn’t attack. I don’t think it even saw me. I just stood there, frozen and afraid. I didn’t even try to avenge my mother’s d-death.” She leaned her forehead against his chest, looking down to the floor. “I would have gladly taken her place.”
His heart skipped a beat. No Avalorian should be made to suffer at the hands of the dark creatures. The loss of life of even one of them was devastating to their people, when their numbers were dwindling, but he couldn’t help be thankful Rhia hadn’t been there. She likely wouldn’t have been able to save Mariella and the outcome for all of them would have been catastrophic had she also perished. He sent tiny bursts of soothing energy into her as his fingers stroked her long hair.
“What did you do then?”
“I did what she’d always told me to do. I left again. Once it was gone, I came back and grabbed the few things not ruined, and I left.” She shook her head. “I didn’t even call 911.” She shuddered in his arms.
“It was already too late. You know it was. They couldn’t have helped her any more than you could.” He paused, “I’m very thankful you didn’t perish along with her. The Erritrol you saw was an Ekasibe. They are the most lethal of all of the beasts.”
He let his arms fall to his sides when she straightened and took a small step back. Everything in him wanted to bring her back, to pull her into his arms and keep her there. She felt good there, maybe a little too good. He ran his fingers through his hair to keep himself from giving in to the urge.
“I still miss her so much.”
“She was right. Running was the best thing to do, and the same still holds true. If you’re ever faced with another, I want you to run and hide again. Even our fiercest soldiers would have a difficult task in beating an Ekasibe.”
How she had managed to escape an encounter with an Ekasibe was beyond miraculous. She had to have managed to cloak herself somehow. There was no way an Ekasibe would have seen her and not attacked.
“What do they want from me?” She blinked back the last of her tears.
“As long as you live, there’s hope for our people. We believe they want to finish what they started the day Queen Angelique was murdered. They want our lands for their own, but more than that, they want the light only our women can provide. They think that by killing the males and enslaving our females, they’ll be able to take the life energies and restore their own darkened souls. They know that with your light, our people are strong. The women would never submit to them and so they hunt you. What they don’t realize is that if they kill you, not only does our entire species die, including the women they wish to enslave, but their ludicrous hope at salvation dies along with you.”
It would be a cold day in hell before his queen, or any of their people were slaves to the beasts.
“What if you’re wrong? What if I’m not who you think I am?”
“I am one hundred percent sure you are exactly who I believe you to be. There is no mistake.” Each second passed in her company reinforced his conviction. His body reacted to her energy in a way he’d never experienced with any of the other women he’d rescued. Each time she was near, and their energies mingled, his skin tingled and his entire being sang with joy.
“What makes you so certain?” She held his gaze without blinking.
“It’s your eyes, your look, but more importantly, it’s your energy. The feel of it is like no other. Once an Avalorian has basked in that kind of light, it is as distinguishable as ice or fire.”
“My mind’s telling me this is complete and utter insanity. I’m going to wake up any second now in my little apartment and this will all have been a dream. It’s not, is it?”
Tension released from his tense muscles. She was coming to terms with what he’d been saying. “No, it isn’t. All I ask is for you to trust me and have faith I
will get you home safely.”
She looked at the floor for so long he thought she wasn’t going to answer at all. When she raised her head, new understanding and acceptance shone in her eyes.
“Okay, I’ll go with you,” she said in a rush. “I’ll go to Avalore.”
He couldn’t contain his smile. He would have taken her by force if he had to, but she’d never have forgiven him for it, and he didn’t want that kind of animosity between them.
“I’ll have Evan prepare for our crossing.” He wasn’t giving her any time to change her mind.
Her eyes widened. “Wait. Can’t we hold off for a couple of days? I know we’ll have to go soon, but do we need to go right now?”
“I wish it were possible, but it took us too long to find you and our people are in dire need. As it is, I have to hunt the Ikabrol roaming the streets, otherwise the human casualties will be staggering. It’s only a matter of time before they find us here and when they do, they won’t come alone.”
He could shield the apartment, but energy would eventually spill out, and he couldn’t take the risk—not with her.
She swallowed. “Yes, of course. I’ll track the Erritrol with you.”
“It’s too dangerous. Besides, you’re still recovering. The journey to Avalore won’t be easy, rest now while you can. You cannot, under any circumstance, open the door or the windows. I’ve scrambled the energy field surrounding the apartment, but the moment you cross the barrier, it will be able to track you, and I may not be able to get back in time to protect you.”
It was bad enough he was going to leave her unguarded, but Evan would have his hide if he brought her into a battle. Hell, he’d be lucky to still have his hide after Evan found out he’d left her alone, but at least she’d be safe there while he was hunting.
Annoyance sparked in her eyes. “I’m a good fighter, Drake. I can hold my own.” She took a deep breath. “If you do find this thing, who is going to protect you, huh? What if he brings friends? I can go with you and watch your back, make sure no one sneaks up on you.” She advanced toward the door. “I’ll listen and do whatever you tell me to.”
He made no sound as he rose a couple of inches from the floor and glided in front of her, stopping her from moving forward.
“There is no need to worry about my well-being. I’m highly trained in this type of warfare. It is much safer for us both if you remain here. I’ll be able to get rid of the beast much more efficiently if I know you’re safe.”
He hovered before her, grinning when her mouth gaped open. It had been so long since he’d done anything for no other reason than he could, and wished to do so, he couldn’t help show off a bit.
“H-how did you…”
“There is so much you have yet to learn about our people, so many wondrous things.” He let his feet rest on the floor again. “For now though, I do need to go hunt the Ikabrol. Remember, do not open the windows or doors.”
He shimmered, pulling energy to him before cloaking himself entirely. “Make yourself at home. I’ll be back as soon as I can.”
Chapter 5
Drake had no time to lose. He’d left Queen Rhiannon unguarded in the apartment for far too long already. What he should be doing was getting her out of that horrid city and back to Avalore, but he had to deal with the Ikabrol and whatever other beasts it had brought along first. Why he’d chosen this mission, of all missions to go it alone, he had no idea. It would have been much simpler had Evan been with him, but he wasn’t, so he had to dispatch the beasts himself before they could go to the safe house.
She should be safe until he got back, as long as she stayed inside as he’d instructed.
Drake rolled his eyes at the persistent buzz in his head. He could only ignore Evan for so long. Rhiannon’s beckoning was so much more pleasant than the harping his friend used to get his attention. “Evan, to what do I owe the pleasure?” He needled him for no other reason than to get a reaction.
“How are the preparations coming along? When can we expect you at the portal?” For once, Evan went straight to the point.
“I’m not sure. I have to take care of a few things first.” Drake dreaded what was coming.
“What do you mean, you have a few things to take care of? There’s only one thing you need to concern yourself with, and that’s Rhiannon’s safety.” Evan’s voice clamored in his mind.
“You think I don’t know that? There are Erritrols and Ikabrols in the city. I have to get rid of them before I can take her out of hiding.”
A long pause was never a good thing, but Drake waited patiently.
“Are you trying to tell me you do not have my sister within your sight? You’ve left her unattended? Unguarded?” The lethal quiet in Evan’s tone had Drake cringing. “Damn it, Drake. Get your ass back to her, now. That’s an order.”
“Yes, Sir.” Drake wasn’t one to disobey direct orders, but letting the beasts run free wasn’t an option. They wouldn’t stop, and they’d bring others, and even he couldn’t fight an army of Erritrols on his own.
The lingering stench of wet mongrel and rotting flesh permeated the entire neighborhood. Clenching his teeth, he stifled the urge to roar. The fouled air should have dissipated by now. The bastard had sat there waiting and hoping for her return.
He shook his head, his lips curling as he approached the run-down apartment building she’d called home. Red-orange stains bled beneath each window like silent tears where rusted steel bars met the wall.
Inside, the rank odor of must and mildew assailed his nostrils. One of the larger pieces of her door had been shoved against the wall as though pushed out of the way. Otherwise, nothing had been touched. Had anyone even cared enough to check on her wellbeing? Not likely.
He grunted as he kicked debris from his path. The Ikabrol had trashed the apartment, but it had been in rough shape to start with. The smell of stale smoke seeping through the walls made his stomach turn. The faucet’s constant drip in the kitchen and the loud volume of a neighbor’s television was enough to drive anyone mad. She should have been living in absolute comfort and luxury, like a queen, not in this dirty, dingy place.
He’d gladly leave as soon as he found what he was looking for. He’d be willing to bet she wasn’t even aware of how often she reached for her neck, searching for something that wasn’t there. The raw disappointment dulling her eyes each time her fingers came back empty was more than he could bear. There was little time to look for it, but if he could find the necklace she sought comfort from, he would. Then, he’d find the Ikabrol and make sure it never terrorized her or anyone else again.
The sofa was overturned and the boxes she’d stacked in the corner were torn to bits. Their contents were scattered all over the floor, but still, there wasn’t much for him to sift through. His searches of both the living room and bedroom were fruitless. Was it so much to ask to let her keep one small thing she held dear? His fingers snaked through his hair. The Ikabrol had probably destroyed the damned thing anyway.
He sighed, shaking his head as he turned to leave. He almost missed the tiny sparkle of light shining from the open bathroom door. The remnants of a watch lay smashed to pieces at his feet, but tucked near the corner, his prize awaited. The intricate heart shaped pendant made of the finest gold held a brilliant opalescent stone. Delicate scrolls resembling ancient symbols were etched in the precious metal surrounding it. The pendant should have felt cool in his hand, yet its warmth heated his palm, as though it had just been resting against her skin. He stroked the gem once with his thumb before sliding it into the front pocket of his jeans and heading for the door.
Taking a deep breath, he set out to find the beast. Tracking it would be easy. The dark, shadowy sludge permeating the air pointed him in the right direction just as clearly as any neon sign. His hands tingled and his step quickened as he took to the street. Few humans would be aware of the disturbance. If they were very intuitive, they might feel shivers going down their spines, but most would go along their
merry way, ignorant of the dangers around them.
The trail led him to the most dangerous parts of the city, the areas where no outsider wanted to venture during daylight hours, much less at night. The smell of rot and urine flooded the streets, making them as unwelcoming as the unsavory characters who roamed them.
The buildings weren’t habitable, yet people lived here. Some structures, mostly destroyed by fire, should have been demolished ages ago, yet they remained, a hazard to those living within the charred walls. Gang members walked the streets freely, openly showing their weapons. Junkies shot up with drugs on the sidewalk, not caring who witnessed their addiction. Most were nothing more than frightened children trying to find their way in a world that had turned their backs on them. They were the forgotten, and their fear and anger beat at him as he walked past. Every city had them, and every city pretended otherwise.
It didn’t take him long to find what he was looking for. The pungent odor of wet animal and sewage was concentrated at the opening of a narrow alley.
He cloaked himself as he approached, careful not to alert the beast. Two large metal bins overflowing with trash gave the alley an even more fetid smell than the beast itself provided. The ground shook in the wake of a passing train, sending ripples across the large puddles dotting the alley.
Five Erritrols stood in a semi-circle around the large Ikabrol where the lane ended. They listened, mesmerised as the warrior spoke, unaware they were no longer alone. Varying weapons lay at their feet, dropped from the hands of the gang members they’d possessed. The beasts had no need for human weaponry, favoring energy warfare over the puny guns and knives men created.
The ancient dialect of the Erritrols drifted to his ears. The men they’d taken control over were lost. Even if they lived, they wouldn’t be able to function in society anymore. They probably had not functioned well in society to begin with, but at least, up until now, they’d still had a chance.
He strained to hear what the beast was saying. The way the gruff voice grumbled and undulated was just as important as the words spoken. The ancient languages were all similar, but the inflection was a little different for each breed. He needed to get it just right, his enunciation perfect, otherwise he’d blow his cover. Being the only Avalorian in the vicinity, he couldn’t chance the Ikabrol recognizing him until the weaker beasts were disposed of.
