Relentless Fire

by Michelle Howard

  She stood immobile as he and his sister went to the opposite side of the room and a smaller set of doors. Neither seemed at all bothered by Inez’s presence. “Varyk, what’s going on?”

  He opened what looked to be a closet and hefted a long brown case and dropped it by Milana’s feet. Tossing a glance over his shoulder to Inez, he explained. “I’ll need this for when we go after Larz today.”

  Milana and Varyk knelt next to one another and placed their palms atop a glittering green stone at the center of the case. Milana had her hand directly on top and Varyk had his over hers. Their heads touched as they leaned forward. The gem beneath their hands began to glow then there was a distinct click.

  Both sat back on their haunches, out of breath. Inez frowned and inched closer to better see. Milana paled and swayed, but Varyk caught her by the elbow. “Milana?”

  His voice came out rough and raspy, sending tingles up Inez’s spine. She crushed the small spurt of envy. Being territorial with a male was something she’d have to adjust to.

  “I’m fine, brother.”

  He waited a beat before releasing her arm to flick the latches up on the sides of the case. The green stone continued to shine on top of the lid but Varyk ignored it and took a deep breath. When he let it out, he opened the long case with reverence. Inez gaped at the contents.

  “Marwolaeth,” Milana whispered the word again and Inez mentally translated.

  Death.

  The gleaming sword had to be well over twelve feet in length. The hilt alone was as long as her arm. A weapon for a Dracol in shifted form. Varyk lifted the sword out and rich green cloth slid away. “This belonged to our grandfather some generations back. Our mother’s line passed it down to the first born. Always.”

  “The jeweled lock is sealed with blood taken from the shell at birth,” Milana added, sharing a private grin with Varyk. “They did not expect a time would come when it required two to open the case.”

  Varyk snorted and rolled to his feet, the long blade in hand but pointed out for room. “I will use it in our hunt for Larz.”

  Milana got to her feet more slowly. She rubbed her hands up her arms and exchanged a look with her brother. “It’s wrong what he did. I didn’t realize he was this distraught. They’d only been mated a short time.”

  “And lost three unborn when the shells filled with their essence failed each time,” Varyk reminded.

  A sigh broke free. “You’re right. Is Inez staying here?”

  This wasn’t said with dislike and Inez wondered if Varyk’s sister had a different view from his on those of the Black. In the past, their paths didn’t have cause to cross and this was the first time she’d faced the female since their initial introduction the first night she’d met Varyk.

  A flick of Varyk’s wrist and the length of the blade retracted into the hilt leaving it a more manageable size. He slid the ancient weapon into a scabbard at his back. “No. Inez hunts with me.”

  Milana gaped, then muffled the sound and shot a worried look toward Inez. “Is that wise, Varyk?”

  Some hidden message passed between them. His smile was laced with familial affection Inez couldn’t miss. “You once pointed out that worrying over the past shouldn’t interfere with my future.”

  Varyk faced Inez. “Let’s go.”

  She followed him to the balcony trying to figure out the meaning of their odd exchange. When Varyk shifted, he didn’t try to pick Inez up, lowering his right foreleg instead and boosting her up to ride on the back of his neck. Her smile threatened to split her face at his thoughtful action and another sign he felt a fraction of what she felt toward him.

  They didn’t fly to Larz. The moment Varyk had them in air, Inez’s skin pebbled in the way it did when he teleported. They landed in a familiar clearing. One she recognized from the last time they’d been in this alcove.

  Varyk caught Inez and placed her on her feet beside him before shifting. He held his hand up and the long hilt of the weapon she’d forgotten about appeared in his grasp. “Larz is definitely here.”

  Larz’s next shout confirmed this. “I know you’re here, Varyk! I feel you.”

  Throat gone dry, Inez waited for Varyk’s response. He kept his eyes on her, but didn’t respond to Larz. “The mantle recognizes its own. Now that he’s not blocking his side, I can only tamp it down so much. The goddess knows when something’s wrong and my essence is urging me to end him.”

  It was all the explanation she’d get as Varyk took off running barefoot up the steep hill ahead. Inez raced to follow. She was in excellent condition, but the smooth strides of the King soon outdistanced her. Cursing under her breath, she pressed harder for the speed needed to catch up. If the situation wasn’t so precarious she would have demanded he slow down.

  But they didn’t have time. Senses alert, Inez knew this was the moment of reckoning. The outcome would determine if she went home with Finley or suffered the shockwave of pain when Rylin sensed the life essence fade from the shell.

  The latter would not be good for anyone. Inez reached the crest of a hill and came to a standstill. Varyk faced off against Larz—both in Dracol form, the shell nowhere in sight. Unable to control her fear, Inez searched frantically, seeing nothing, but a continuous expanse of trees. Sunlight glinted in the morning sky and creatures fled the area toward the surrounding jungle due to the fierce fight taking place.

  The unborn child could be anywhere. Only Rylin had the ability to sense his own. Depending on the time it might take for him to reach here, Finley might not survive. Inez had to do something. She couldn’t wait around for Varyk.

  Heart thudding, Inez hoped the male who’d proven he held no love lost for the Black could keep Larz distracted. The two leaped for one another, their loud screeches and thunderous roars shaking the tree tops. Varyk held Marwolaeth in one hand and sliced across Larz’ scaled hide.

  His pained screech had Inez wincing. She pressed her hands to her head wanting to storm down and join the fight but knowing she was in no way equipped to handle an enraged Dracol with protective scales and deadly claws.

  The crack of a tree splintering mixed with roars. Inez firmed her hold on her knives and began to make her way down the hill, keeping out of the direct line of sight. While Varyk fought, she planned to search for the missing shell.

  Nothing else mattered if the child didn’t survive.

  Chapter 19

  Varyk fought Larz, surprised at the male’s uncommon aggression. He breathed thick poison in bursts, twisting and fighting. Stronger than many knew, Varyk ripped through the veil of Larz’s mind and forced an unprecedented telepathic connection.

  ‘You think to defeat me, Larz?’ This close, face to face, Varyk tried to sway Larz. If he could strike at the right angle with Marwolaeth, Larz would go down.

  Surprised, Larz tried to force Varyk’s voice out of his head before giving in. ‘I won’t give up! My child deserves to live.’

  Varyk snapped. ‘It is the unborn child belonging to King Rylin of the Black.’

  ‘My own King trying to trick me,’ Larz screeched as their bodies broke apart and they fell to the ground with a crash.

  Madness had completely claimed his mind and nothing Varyk said at this point would change a thing. There wasn’t a shred of sanity left. Remorse darkened Varyk’s heart. It pained him, but he knew what he needed to do next.

  From the corner of his eyes, Varyk spied Inez jump up from her position and run down the hill. In search of Rylin’s child, he realized.

  Varyk rebounded and circled Larz. Hissing and growling, he looked for an opening to attack.

  ‘You can’t run. I’ll destroy you once and for all, King Varyk. Then no one can deny me.’

  His family would suffer, as would Varyk when he ended Larz. At least Mina was not going to see how far her lira had devolved. The broken mate bond had to be torturing Larz as he disintegrated further and further into his madness.

  ‘I vow I will care for your loved ones when you are gone
.’ Varyk launched into the air to draw Larz to the purple, cloud covered skies. Larz snarled and leaped behind him.

  ‘Leave them out of this.’

  Whipping back, Varyk flew around behind Larz and swung with Marwolaeth. The blade sliced against scales. Larz screeched and lashed out with his tail. The end curled about Varyk’s back shin and tugged. His wing webbing strained as Varyk used brute force to break the hold.

  Spikes scraped and flesh tore. Varyk blocked the pain and lunged forward. His claws caught Larz’ right shoulder and spun him around. Their elongated teeth gnashed as each tried to bite and reach the tender vein on the underside of the jaw.

  ‘Give up, Larz.’ Varyk pulled his hind legs forward and raked Larz underbelly.

  Larz broke away on a pain filled scream. The damage was extensive. Injuries alone assured he wouldn’t heal in time to survive. Varyk shored up his own defenses and held the sword aloft. His ancestors used Marwolaeth for reasons like this.

  ‘You’ll have to kill me, my king. I refuse to give up my child.’

  They were his last words. Varyk didn’t hesitate and rammed the sword directly into Larz’s chest. Shock flared in his eyes, followed by a glint of relief. Varyk pulled the blade back and Larz fell from the sky. His cry mixed with others as the death transmitted through the mantle. Varyk’s voice joined their lament as he hurried to land following the death.

  When he shifted, he dropped to his knees and tipped his head back letting out another mournful wail. The loss of a member of his sect tore at the heart of him. It was as if someone had ripped his flesh from his body layer by layer.

  Another scream wrenched from his throat. Varyk let the grief run its course then shook off the pain and pushed to his feet. Larz’s body had shifted as well. Bruised and bloody he didn’t resemble the male who’d stolen a child. His features had softened in death.

  Varyk whispered the words for the rite of passage and blew out a gust of green vapors. “Travel well, my friend.”

  Smoky tendrils wrapped around Larz and then his body faded. Returned to the goddess in peace.

  ***

  The sounds of the fight were getting louder. Inez trampled through the entire area. Larz wouldn’t have strayed far from his hiding spot. She searched every possible crevice until she stumbled upon a shallow ditch, branches and flowers covering it. Working with only her hands she dug and dug until she cleared the single shell.

  She knew immediately something was wrong. The golden light from within dimmed and sent Inez’s heart crashing to her knees. “Hang on, sweetie. Only a little longer.”

  If Dara thought talking worked, Inez would try anything, but hope was a thin current running through her. She rubbed her hands on the outer edge of the shell.

  “You found it.”

  Inez turned at the rough statement. The bleeding male bent over at the waist as he sought to recover from his fight with Larz didn’t resemble Varyk at all. He was a battered worn mess. His naked state revealed every wound. She wanted to sympathize with his injuries and the loss of one of his sect but time was of the essence. “Varyk, we don’t have much longer. I think the shell will soon fail.”

  After taking a deep breath, he straightened and strode toward her, the pace lacking his usual confidence and smooth stride. “We’ll get there.”

  He placed one hand on the side of the shell and one on the back of Inez’s waist. From one breath to the next they were at her home. Inez looked around. They were on the main floor of the castle. It was empty and unusually quiet for this time of day. “We have to go below. Rylin’s below.”

  Varyk squeezed her hip. “Even I am not as bold as to teleport directly to the blessed room in the home of another King.”

  “You’re back!” Quinn entered the hall, his gaze flickering from Varyk to Inez then the shell between them. He had to notice the condition of the unborn child. “Hurry. Rylin’s waiting, King Varyk.”

  Varyk wasted no time. He touched her again and they were whisked below into the smaller room set aside for the children. Thank goodness he remembered. Dara knelt on the floor, Rylin at her side. Cracks appeared in the four shells and the glow was bright enough to blind. A glow missing in Finley.

  Dara looked up and her lips curved into a relieved smile until she glanced down between them. “Noo!”

  Rylin caught her elbow as she stood and staggered in their direction.

  “No. No. No” Dara dropped and patted the shell all over. “I don’t feel her, Rylin. I don’t feel Finley.”

  Inez’s breath caught. Dara’s pain spilled over and tears burned as her throat tightened.

  “Her essence is weakened.” Rylin touched the top and winced. He glanced at Varyk, grimacing at his ragged state. “I trust you took care of the one responsible.”

  Varyk dressed himself in a green loincloth with a wave of his hand and nodded. “It is done.”

  Rylin’s upper lip curled. “Good.”

  “I’ll leave you now.” Varyk turned to go but Rylin stopped him.

  “Not so fast. You owe me and right now I’m willing to use that.”

  Varyk swiveled, mockery danced over his face. “What do you think I owe you, Rylin?”

  Inez curled her fingers into fists, wanting to shake Varyk. Why couldn’t he let others see he wasn’t as uncaring as he appeared? She’d glimpsed his pain at Larz’s death, seen his concern for Finley’s condition.

  “Your mantle.”

  All of them stared at Rylin’s answer. Inez moved to stand beside Varyk. Was her cousin insane? No one could force or take away a king’s mantle. “Rylin?”

  He waved her off. “Not like that. I need his help to save my child and I don’t have enough energy to bring forth the others and make sure she survives.” He glared at Varyk. “You. Owe. Me. Green.”

  “Tell me what you need.”

  Inez shifted her stunned gaze to Varyk, but his eyes remained locked on Rylin’s. “Only a few moments. Place your hand on Finley’s shell and send energy to her. Small bursts only. She can’t absorb too much in her tiny form.”

  Concentrated streams of energy into an unborn baby?

  “I’ll kill the child,” Varyk snapped, saying what Inez was thinking.

  For the first time in all this madness, Rylin chuckled. “Trust me, she’s used to it.”

  Varyk hesitated then nodded and took a spot next to the fading shell. He palmed the top and Dara trusting Rylin’s decision moved back to the others.

  What did Rylin expect from Varyk with this? Unsure of her role, Inez chose to stay and watch. Dara’s deep look of concentration as she touched two of her soon to be born children moved Inez. Her heart ached for her friend. Rylin stood tall and strong beside the other two, head bowed and brow furrowed.

  Time inched at a crawl. At first Inez didn’t notice anything unusual.

  Then Varyk shuddered. Inez stared and pushed off the wall, wondering if she should do something. His jaw tightened and the hand hanging at his side fisted. Whatever happened unbalanced him, but he didn’t lift his other hand from Finley’s shell.

  Rylin glanced over and smiled at Varyk. “Don’t be alarmed. Sometimes she does that. It’s her way of saying she loves you.”

  Inez watched them both and much to her surprise, Varyk blushed. “It seems your children will be more unusual than my sister and I.”

  Rylin’s brows creased, as if trying to see if there was a hidden insult there before shrugging. “Dara is from Earth.”

  As if that was explanation. The ensuing silence was broken by the occasional crack as each life struggled to come forth. Fine lines appeared along the sides of two and clear fluid ran down the edges. It wasn’t long before Rylin signaled Varyk. “It’s enough.”

  Finley’s shell matched the golden glow of the others and the top fell off revealing the thick, black membrane inside.

  A bright smile bloomed on Dara’s face. “Forget what I said about the joys of pregnancy. This is much better than the pain of labor.”

  Varyk’s
confusion probably matched Inez’s own. She didn’t know anything about pregnancy or labor, but apparently it was something from Dara’s culture on Earth. Inez gripped Varyk’s hand and pulled him from the room. This was a private and precious moment for liras about to become parents.

  The door had just closed behind them when several pops followed a slew of snips and crackle. Dara shouted, “You didn’t tell me they’d be in dragon form.”

  Excitement brewed in Inez’s stomach. She couldn’t help a silly grin. Rylin’s distinct rumble came next.

  “Fine! Dracol. But you could have warned me.”

  Laughter slid past Inez’s lips. She turned to share the moment with Varyk. “Well, I guess that’s over.”

  Varyk lifted her hand and kissed the knuckles. “Not yet.”

  Chapter 20

  Inez did a final scan of Varyk’s room. After spending the last several days with him it was strange having no belongings to take with her. Custom made shirts, leather pants and feminine undergarment had been provided for her. He’d graciously had items delivered, though he grimaced at her request for anything black.

  Inez held firm, biting the inside of her cheek to hide her humor. It would have been a betrayal to her sect to dress in the colors of another king. Now she was leaving it all behind, save for the outfit she’d worn on her first day freshly laundered.

  “Are you ready?”

  Inez breathed out a heavy sigh and nodded. Varyk came up behind her and massaged her shoulders. The tip of his nose glided up her neck, sending overt signals to her brain. Sexy signals. If she offered, Varyk would leap at the chance to have sex again in the bed at the center of the room. The very bed they’d just climbed from not long ago.

  “My offer to stay here while I visit the Black still stands.”

  He repeated his earlier claim. Inez was under no illusions of Varyk being pleased at her decision to return home. If he could convince her to stay he would. Dangerous times were hitting their world and every sign indicated it could possible get worse.