Shadow Moon

by Elysa Hendricks

  She doubted Devros was going to allow her much in the way of clothing when they went to see Shadow. Reluctantly, she returned the makeshift weapon to its drawer, and then crawled onto the examination table to try and rest.

  A shudder ran through her. Was she foolish to trust this unknown Shakar? Did he really know Thea? Or had she misheard him? What choice did she have? If nothing happened midmorning tomorrow to prevent it, Devros would try and rape her while Shadow watched.

  * * * *

  After the total darkness of the cave, the sudden light blinded Raf. He squinted into the glare, while the creatures that had tormented him through the night squealed and scattered into the shadows.

  "Awake brother?"

  Devros’ laugh scraped like ground crystal across Raf's raw nerves. Stripped of all but his trousers and boots and strung up by his arms, he'd survived the night on will alone. The black called out the cave creatures. He'd stood motionless as they crawled over him, their teeth and claws raking his flesh, tasting his blood, knowing if he moved they would ravage him. At one point, deep into the night, he longed to thrash and end his misery.

  But worse than the night creatures was his inability to see what surrounded him. His slave master used to beat him senseless and then lock him in the dark, sometimes for attempting to run, and sometimes for his own perverse enjoyment. Darkness drained Raf of strength and courage, leaving him the frightened, shivering slave boy he'd once been. Only his memories of lying wrapped in Dale's embrace had kept the nightmares at bay.

  He'd remained still. Dale needed him. He'd failed his father, his mother and his sisters. He wouldn't fail Dale.

  "Still alive, too.” Devros reached out and flicked away a many-legged hairy insect clamped to Raf's chest.

  Blood welled from the spot as the creature scurried off.

  "Dear. Dear. I should have left a lamp. Wouldn't want the little buggers to do away with you—quite yet.” He hung the lamp on the wall. The soft yellow light cast long flickering shadows in the dim cave.

  Raf was sure Devros knew to the exact number how many pests inhabited this pit of Oblivion. Enough to torment, but not enough to kill. He stared past Devros.

  "No words of welcome for me this fine morning? I've brought you a visitor. Bring her in."

  He sucked in his breath as Tulan led Dale into the cave. The spicy Belanite scent filled Raf's nostrils, but it was the sight of Dale that took his breath away. She wore nothing but a robe, which gaped open from her throat to her navel, exposing the soft creamy, swells of her breasts. The sheer crystal silk clung to her curves like warm haxa cream coated a pitcher. Head drooping, shoulders bent, she leaned against the Belanite, the fire that burned within her doused.

  Raf's fists clenched uselessly above his bonds. “What have you done to her?"

  "Like this I do not,” Tulan said.

  Devros snatched Dale from the Belanite. She flopped like a child's rag doll. “You're not paid to like or dislike what I do."

  Tulan's eyes flared red. “Promised to us are the women. What do you with her?"

  "You're to receive the breedable women. Since this one is already breeding, she doesn't come to you. Her fate is not your concern. Leave. Now."

  Breeding? Dale carried his child? Joy exploded inside Raf, followed quickly by fear.

  "Since when does a Belanite warrior take orders from dragot dung?” Raf taunted.

  Tulan hesitated. His pleasant, calming aroma turned to a sour stink.

  "Remember your reward for service, Laris Tulan,” Devros reminded softly. “Please leave us now. You have my word, the woman will not be harmed."

  "Outside will I wait.” Tulan left.

  Devros looked at Raf. “Difficult creatures these Belanites, but quite useful. For the cost of a couple dozen women they provide control of the more fractious slaves and safe passage to the slave market. One Belanite warrior is worth a dozen men. And their influence over women is quite amazing, though I do wish Tulan had left a bit more life in this one.” He shook Dale. Her head lolled on her shoulders.

  Raf bit back a curse. “What do you want?"

  For a moment, Devros looked confused and Raf could almost see the young boy Devros had once been. Then his expression hardened and the illusion faded.

  "Everything.” He leaned close. “At the end, Gulfar begged me for his life. He offered you, your mother, and your sisters if I would but let him live."

  Raf lunged. The ropes jerked him short. “You lie! I was there. I saw him die. He begged for nothing."

  "Will you beg?"

  "Never!” Raf spat at Devros’ feet. Like the fires of oblivion, hatred burned in his ka. His fingers itched to close around Devros’ neck and squeeze the life from his worthless body.

  "Not even for the lives of your woman and son?” Devros thrust Dale in front of Raf.

  She sagged limply in Devros’ grip.

  "She is not my woman, and the child...” Raf shrugged, “I do not claim it.” He thought he saw Dale flinch at his casual dismissal of her.

  Devros chuckled and slipped his fingers under the silky material covering Dale's full breast. “Now who lies? Beg for her, son of Gulfar. Or shall I kill her now?” His hand slid up her chest. He closed his fingers around her throat and tilted her head back.

  A spark flashed in her eyes as they met Raf's. At her sides, her hands fisted. Devros didn't seem to notice the tension coiling in her body, or the way her jaw clenched beneath his hand. Did she feign her drugged state? Were her fighting skills equal to the task of defeating not only Devros, but also the Belanite?

  Raf sagged against the ropes. His chest heaved. Once, long ago he'd begged, to no avail, as Devros had destroyed his family. As he watched his father die and his mother and sisters carried off, Raf had vowed never again to beg.

  "Not ready yet? Then it is well I gave my word to Tulan not to harm the woman. Considering their lack of respect for the female of the species, Belanites are very protective of them. Besides, I have other plans for her."

  Devros untied the belt holding Dale's robe shut. The silky material fell open. Her dusky pink nipples hardened in the chilled air. A tremor rippled over her.

  "I'm going to enjoy taking your woman while you watch."

  "Do not do this.” The words tumbled from Raf's lips, burning through his ka. “I beg...."

  "Enjoy this, you pig.” In a blur of motion Dale dropped, and her elbow slammed into Devros’ belly. He grunted in pain, and doubled over. She turned, grabbed his arm, twisted it behind his back and threw him onto the ground. Her foot against the back of his neck pushed his face into the rock and muffled his scream.

  She leaned down. “Don't make a sound, or I'll break your neck.” She relieved him of his sword and knife, and then cut off a strip of his shirt to tie his hands behind his back. Holding the knife to his throat, she prodded him to roll over. “It never pays to judge your opponent's strength based on size."

  "You'll...” he started.

  She pressed the blade into his flesh until a thin line of blood welled. “Shhh. Softly. We wouldn't want to alert your guard."

  He nodded slowly and continued in a whisper. “You'll never make it out of this cave. Raf is bound. Tulan is only a shout away."

  "How can you shout if I cut your throat?"

  In the glow of the crystal lamp she appeared an avenging seraph. Beneath the soft drape of the white crystal silk robe that revealed more than it concealed her chest heaved. Exertion flushed her cheeks and chest red. Righteous rage darkened her eyes to indigo blue. With trembling fingers she pressed the blade deeper.

  Devros swallowed heavily. Blood dripped down his neck. Deep in the grip of battle lust, she seemed mesmerized by the sight.

  Though well-trained in the warrior arts, violence did not come naturally to her. She threatened to kill, but Raf knew if she did so in cold blood, her ka would be forever damaged. Though it cost him his life, he could not let that happen. Let Devros’ blood be on his hands.

  "Dale,” he call
ed softly.

  As if in a trance her head came up and her gaze locked with his. Her eyes cleared, and her lips curled up as she shoved a loose rock into Devros’ mouth. “That should keep you quiet."

  Sputtering, he glared at them.

  Tying the robe tight around her, she headed toward Raf. Behind her Devros struggled to his feet. Before Raf could warn her, Devros spat out the rock.

  "Guards! Tulan!” he shouted.

  Footsteps echoed in the cave.

  Dale rushed to Raf.

  "Dale, run!” Raf urged.

  Sword drawn Tulan entered the cave. With a flick of his wrist he sliced the cloth binding Devros.

  "I'll kill the she-hound!” Devros screamed as he snatched Tulan's sword and stumbled toward them.

  An explosion rocked the cave. Thrown off balance, Devros lurched backward. Dale stumbled. The sword and knife flew out of her hands. She fell to her hands and knees at Raf's feet. A cloud of dirt, stones and dust rained down on them. A small rock hit the side of Dale's head. She crumpled and lay still.

  The ropes that held Raf pulled partially loose. He strained to jerk them free. “Stefan,” he shouted above the ominous rumbling. “The cave is collapsing. Get her out of here."

  Coughing, Devros struggled to regain his footing as the cave crumbled around them. Ignoring Raf, he reeled toward the entrance. Once there he turned and looked at Raf. His lips curled into a mockery of a smile, and then he ran out.

  Screams and cries echoed down the tunnel. The coarse rope cut into Raf's wrists and drew blood as he yanked. Beneath his feet, the floor rocked and cracked, but the rope held fast. He choked on the dust. Another stone fell from the ceiling. It crashed inches from Dale's bent head.

  "Dale! Get up! Run!"

  Tulan stood in the entrance. His eyes met Raf's and he started forward. The cave shook. With a mighty groan a portion of the ceiling broke loose and fell, blocking the entrance.

  Blood dripped from her temple as Dale staggered to her feet. The white robe billowed around her body. She lifted a hand to her mouth.

  "Get out of here,” Raf ordered.

  Her lips twitched. “Still giving orders."

  "As you still ignore them. I should have known no mere Belanite could command you."

  Picking up the knife, she stepped close to him and reached up toward the rope. Her breasts, bare beneath the robe, brushed against his chest.

  "I can't reach your wrists. Brace your foot against the wall,” she said.

  "What?"

  "Don't ask questions. Just do it."

  He did as she directed, lifted his knee and braced his foot against the wall.

  "Now, hold still."

  She gripped his shoulders and climbed up on his raised thigh. Warm and soft, her chest pressed into his face as she reached her arms up over his head.

  With each stroke of the knife against the rope her body rubbed his. He was almost disappointed when the last strand of the rope parted and his wrists were free. He stumbled forward, knocking her off balance, but he caught her in his numb arms before she fell.

  Another explosion threw them backwards. He hit the wall with a thud, protecting Dale from the impact.

  Except for the patter of tiny rocks raining down, silence encompassed them. Through a haze of dust, the crystal lamp struggled to light the cave.

  Raf crouched against the wall and cradled Dale until she started to squirm.

  The robe twisted around her body, until only her arms remained covered. Near naked, she shivered in his embrace. Even in the faint light of the crystal lamp, he could see the spots of color on her pale cheeks and chest.

  "Put me down.” She pushed against him.

  Reluctantly, he let her slide down his body. She jerked free and pulled the flimsy robe tight around herself. Blood trickled down the side of her face.

  "You are hurt.” He reached out.

  She stepped away and grabbed the lamp from the wall. After all they'd shared, her rejection stung.

  "It's nothing. Come on. We have to get out of here before the rest of the mountain comes down on our heads.” She shoved the knife into his hands.

  He tucked it into the waistband of his trousers. They started toward the back of the cave.

  "Ouch.” Sharp rock shards littered the floor and cut her feet. Dale gasped as Raf swept her into his arms. His strong, hard body eased the chill from her.

  "Do not argue. You cannot walk barefoot. Hold out the lamp."

  His logic stilled her automatic protest. Though their situation remained perilous, her tension drained away. With a sigh, she leaned her head on his shoulder. Through the gritty smell of rock, sweat and blood, his warm male scent filled her nostrils. Her head ached from where the stone had struck her.

  A fall of rock and debris blocked the entrance through which Devros had fled. They'd never be able to dig their way out.

  "Are we trapped?” She held up the lamp and peered into the darkness surrounding them. Were they going to die here? Strangely, the thought didn't trouble her. She felt safe and secure in Raf's arms. Only the thought of leaving Thea alone stirred her from the lethargy stealing through her.

  Shadow's head lifted like a wolf sniffing the wind for prey. “I think not. Feel the air?” A strand of dust-covered hair wafted from the side of his head as a gust of air parted the haze. “We will follow the current. There must be another opening."

  Sporadic tremors vibrated through the cave as he headed into a dark passageway leading from the main cavern. Hours passed. The tunnels led deep into the mountain, twisting, branching and turning endlessly. Shadow's skin felt cold and clammy against hers, but sweat dripped down his face. Blood crusted the tiny wounds covering his chest and arms. His breathing sounded harsh and labored. Neither of them spoke. The faint lamplight flickered erratically, illuminating the damp crystal walls around them in an eerie greenish glow. The tremors and the breeze had long since died. They wandered aimlessly.

  "Shadow.” Dale stirred in his arms. “Stop. You have to rest. We're lost."

  Shadow lurched to a halt. Keeping one arm around her waist, he let her slide to the ground. A stream of icy water flowed over her feet. Head bent, he leaned heavily against the wall.

  Shivering, she stepped back, held up the lamp and gasped. Scratches and bite marks covered Shadow's chest and arms. Had whatever bitten him left its poison behind to kill him? Had a spinner bitten him? She held the lamp close looking for the telltale ulceration and sighed with relief. Though bruised and swollen the wounds were not infected.

  She stroked his cheek. He lifted his head to look at her. A faint, sad smile touched his lips.

  "I am sorry, my beautiful Gift of the Valley Dweller. My foolish pride and thirst for revenge have killed you,” he rasped. He curled his hand behind her head and lowered his face to hers. His lips felt cool and dry against hers. He wasn't running a fever.

  Dale grabbed his arms as his knees buckled, and he started to slide down the wall. His weight bore her with him onto his lap. The lamp tumbled from her grip into the shallow stream and sputtered out. In the darkness, Dale felt Shadow's violent shudder, then he went limp beneath her.

  "Shadow! Damn you, Raf del Jakar, don't you die on me.” His true name echoed hollowly through the tunnel as she felt frantically for his pulse. Sticky blood covered his wrists, but his pulse beat steadily beneath her fingers. She wrapped her arms around him and pressed herself against his chest, trying to give him some of her warmth, but the thin robe she wore did little to keep out the damp tunnel air. Her toes grew numb where the stream flowed over them.

  She curled her legs under her away from the cold water and leaned her head against Raf's chest. When had he stopped being the mysterious, aggravating Shadow and become Raf, the man? When he rushed to the rescue of the captive Shakar? When he made sweet love to her? When had he become important to her? When had she fallen in love with him?

  His steady breathing warmed her forehead and stirred her tangled, dirty hair. His heart beat a solid rhy
thm under her cheek. Relief rushed through her. He was asleep, not dying.

  But if she didn't do something soon, they would die here. But what could she do in the dark?

  Dark? She blinked and realized she could see. The cave around her took shape in an odd blue light. She reached out and ran her hand over the shimmering wall. Her fingers left a bright trail of shining blue light in the soft moss covering the walls. With each passing moment her eyes continued to adjust until her vision snapped into focus. Though everything appeared in shades of blue, she could see.

  She scrambled to her knees at Raf's side. “Raf, wake up.” When he didn't respond she patted his cheeks with water from the stream.

  He flinched and groaned.

  "Damn it all, Raf del Jakar. Wake up!"

  "I am awake,” he muttered, his eyes blinking open. “There is no need to shout."

  "Come on, we have to get moving to keep warm."

  "Leave me."

  "Are you crazy? There's no way I'm leaving you here. Get up."

  "Night creature venom is in my blood. I may all ready be dying. I will hold you back. The snow melting above drains through the mountain tunnels. If you follow the stream upward, it should lead you out."

  "You're hardly dying.” Oh, how she prayed that was true. He did look and sound stronger. “And if I find my way out of this maze alone, what then? How far do you think I'll get on my own, especially dressed like this.” She plucked at the transparent damp silk clinging to her body.

  He grinned. “I imagine you would do fine. But perhaps I should accompany you to protect the other guy."

  "Yeah, right. Whatever.” She put her shoulder under his arm and urged him up. “I could use a little help here. You're dead weight."

  Leaning heavily on her, he lurched to his feet. “That is what I fear."

  "Ha, ha. Now you're a comedian."

  They moved at a slow but steady pace through the dim blue tunnels. Dale found if she kept to the stream her numb feet didn't feel the bite of the rocks. Aside from her feet, the exertion and Raf's arm around her shoulders warmed her. Though still weak, his strength was returning along with his take-charge attitude. She didn't protest as he guided her faltering steps. Instead of leaning on her, his arm now kept her upright.