Demon Retribution (Shadow Quest Book 3)

by Kiersten Fay

  Cale snorted, having nearly forgotten. “Don’t answer.”

  Aidan replied sarcastically, “No. You don’t think I should invite them aboard?”

  “Aidan!” Cale growled, out of patience.

  “Keep your panties on, princess. I’m in the middle of a delicate procedure.”

  They were halfway through the wide hatch when Kyra asked, “Why do they think you’re one of them?”

  Cale grinned mischievously. “Because our ship is an old Kayadon ship.”

  The shuttle ground harshly as it met the floor and part of a wall of the docking bay. Metal gnashed against metal, jarring Cale forward. The girls screamed. The craft listed sideways and sparks flew past the windows. Then came another hard, bone cracking jolt as they made contact with the bulkhead.

  When the craft settled, Cale let out a breath and waited for the hatch to close them in.

  “Is everyone okay?” he asked.

  “Zoey?” Kyra muttered, breathless and panicky. “Zoey’s out.”

  Cale undid his buckles and knelt beside them. He examined Kyra first, checking her for injuries, then turned his attention to Zoey. Her eyes were closed, and her body slumped, but she otherwise breathed evenly.

  “I think she just fainted.”

  “Cale?” Kyra’s voice sounded strange, and she had her head turned away. “We’re drifting.”

  He followed her gaze and saw the interior of the docking bay slowly passing by. She was right. They were moving backwards. Then he heard the grumbling sound of the bay doors, only now starting to shut and he realized they were going to collide with the hatch. Just as the thought came, a hard jolt knocked him over.

  “Cale!” Kyra cried.

  Righting himself, he gave her a reassuring expression before reclaiming his seat. “Aidan, we’re getting bruised back here.”

  “Dammit. That last bump disrupted the hatch. It’s not moving.”

  “Great.”

  A pattern of loud blasts vibrated around them.

  Sebastian’s voice came over the speakers. “Return fire! Divert energy to the shields. Aidan, get that damn door closed so we can warp out of here.”

  “Warp?” Cale repeated, shocked. Surely he wouldn’t use Anya’s gift like that again. She nearly died the last time.

  “Cale, is everyone alright down there?” Sebastian asked.

  “I don’t think so. We’ll need the doctor ready.”

  “I’ll send him your way.”

  A few more blasts bombarded them from behind. A terrible wail of metal growled as though in pain. Seconds later, the sound of heavy locks creaked into place with an ominous echo.

  “Ah, that’s got it.” Aidan sounded pleased.

  One final crash slammed their craft to the ground, indicating the artificial gravity had been engaged. In the next instant, Sebastian ordered the ship to prepare for warp, and the lights dimmed.

  Kyra’s uneven breathing grabbed Cale’s attention. “You okay?”

  “Why are the lights out?” she replied in a distressed tone.

  “They’re diverting energy for warp.” He pushed out of his seat again and reached over Zoey to cup Kyra’s cheek. “Tell me you’re okay.”

  “I think I am,” she whispered, leaning into his touch. “Is it over?”

  “Almost.” He was disturbed by how badly she shook. “I’m glad you didn’t go supernova on me.”

  She gave a tentative smile and something unclenched inside his gut.

  A soft grumble came from Zoey. “Are you guys about to make out on top of me?”

  “Zoey,” Kyra let out a weary breath. “Are you alright?”

  “My body hurts. Did we survive?”

  “So far.”

  The ship rumbled, causing everyone to tense.

  “It’s just the warp drive,” Cale assured. “It’ll be over soon.”

  They waited till the lights flickered to life and the rumbling died down before venturing out of the shuttle. The once smooth metal of the docking bay looked battered. As Cale took in the destruction, the access hatch slid open and the doctor rushed in, looking flustered by an entourage of followers: Sonya, Marik, and Anya. Cale directed him to Zoey first.

  Sonya came forward and threw her arms around his shoulders. For a moment, Cale was taken aback, unused to seeing her look so worried. However, her first words to him were more typical. “Bastian’s pissed at you for leaving without me.”

  He gave her an arrogant grin. “I didn’t need my little sister tagging along.”

  She rolled her eyes.

  Marik came into view next. Cale narrowed his eyes at the other demon, noticing something different about him. He looked…happy. Marik never looked happy.

  Anya peeked out from behind him. Cale smiled, realizing how genuinely concerned he’d been for her. She looked much better than the last time he’d seen her.

  “Cale! I’m so glad you’re okay.” Her hug was full of heart. She pulled back, turning shy as she caught sight of Kyra, who stood silently watching her.

  “Analia?” Kyra breathed. Tears welled in her eyes.

  Anya nodded.

  They moved as one, embracing the other with desperate urgency. Kyra’s cheeks became damp, and Cale filled with an unfamiliar feeling. As Anya peeked a quizzical eye at him, he turned to focus on the doctor’s examination of Zoey.

  Without warning, Marik slapped him on the back, disturbing his balance. “Good to see you again, Calic.”

  “You too, Marik. How was your vacation?” he joked, selfishly thankful that it wasn’t he who had been trapped on an icy planet.

  “Eventful.” Marik smirked, and then looked at the door as if expecting someone.

  A strange redheaded female stepped through the door, then squealed with excitement as she raced for Anya and Kyra. They welcomed her in their circle. It hit him then, and Cale’s jaw nearly dropped to the floor.

  Marik was mated!

  Marik exploded with laughter at Cale’s dumfounded expression. Cale composed himself enough to offer a nod of congratulations.

  Without meaning to, his eyes darted to Kyra who gushed over her sisters’ appearances. His heart twisted with an ancient longing that collapsed into a swirling pit of devastation so calamitous it threatened to implode in his chest. He quickly schooled his features, reminding himself that Velicia was gone from his life forever. There was no replacing her.

  With a talent born from years of practice, Cale buried his pain behind a wall of indifference. It felt like acid in his throat. He knew that one day it would consume him from the inside out, but he vowed he would have the stain of Kayadon blood on his claws first.

  Chapter 16

  Sebastian entered the docking bay with Rex close behind. The new demon displayed promise as a navigator and had been shadowing him as a possible helmsman.

  As they approached the group, Sebastian easily determined which one was Kyra. The family resemblance was evident even without the ears showing.

  He was glad to see the doctor had finished and was already taking his leave. As they crossed paths, Dr. Oshwald assured him that there had been minimal injuries. The man’s ability to heal with a touch had taken care of them quickly enough.

  Anya’s smile warmed Sebastian in a way that was purely magical. He could feel her happiness, and it became his own. Her eyes twinkled his way, drawing him to her like a planet to its sun. He reached her without realizing he’d moved, and she gracefully folded herself in his arms.

  Cale’s back faced Sebastian as he spoke to Kyra and the dark haired girl in another language. His younger brother wasn’t the type to console or reassure, yet Sebastian got the sense he was doing just that.

  The day Marik had returned a mated demon, an idea had passed around the ship that maybe Cale would too, although Sebastian knew it to be impossible.

  Finally, Cale turned to Sebastian and jerked his thumb at Rex without truly acknowledging their newest crew member. “Who’s this?”

  “This is Rex. A new trainee. You�
��ve missed a lot.”

  “I gathered.”

  Cale proceeded to introduce Kyra and Zoey. After hearing the full story of their extraction from Earth, they took a moment to debate what it would take to get Zoey back home and if it was even an option at this point.

  It wasn’t.

  The human was stuck with them for the time being. When Cale explained this to her, she didn’t look all that upset. Kyra glowered at the girl, but it was a look that lacked conviction.

  Anya took an instant liking to Zoey, so Sebastian was mollified to keep her on board.

  Then it was as though Cale had never left. “I don’t know about any of you, but after a landing like that, I think a drink is in order.” Cale shifted his attention to Sonya. “Is the pub closed?”

  “It’s open. Ethan and Jade are working tonight.”

  Cale raised a brow at that. “What else has changed? Don’t tell me you’re mated as well.”

  “Of course not! Don’t be ridiculous.” Her tail flicked with irritation, drawing the awed expressions of Kyra and Zoey.

  “Pity,” Cale replied. “I could have used a new target in the training room.”

  In a blur, Sonya dropped to the floor and swiped Cale’s legs out from under him. He landed on the hard floor with a grunt.

  Sonya grinned sweetly. “That’s what you have me for.”

  Kyra and Zoey looked incredulous, but everyone else laughed, including Cale. He jumped up and stalked toward Sonya. Sebastian let out a sigh and waited for them to finish. Sonya tried to slip past him, but Cale caught hold of her waist and heaved her over his shoulder, trapping her legs against his torso.

  “Cale!” she growled.

  “Now you’ll be buying me a drink, little sister.”

  Sonya tensed as Cale proceeded out the door. “No, Cale. I don’t want to go to The Demon’s Punchbowl.”

  “Too bad.”

  Sebastian shook his head and then motioned for everyone to follow. “Let us talk in the pub and get acquainted.”

  As Kyra headed down the hall, the commotion from the group nearly overwhelmed her. Everyone was chatting excitedly. Anya asked her questions about her life, Earth, Zoey. She hardly had a chance to answer.

  Zoey anxiously clung to Kyra’s arm, not understanding a word from these otherworldly people. Kyra gave up trying to translate for now. The demons were already contemplating war tactics for when they faced the Kayadon. Nadua talked about Undewla, the icy planet where she’d lived just as long as Kyra had been on Earth. Nadua had been lucky, however. She’d been sheltered by the Cyrellian royal family. Then Nadua spoke of Marik, and Kyra thought she caught the word mate.

  Through all of this, Kyra could only marvel at how Cale interacted with his sister. Sonya’s black hair dangled and swished as she cursed and pounded on his back. He hardly seemed to notice.

  Kyra found the ship to be warmer than she’d expected. Almost cozy, with cream-colored walls and soft floors. It wasn’t at all how she recalled the ships in her father’s fleet.

  So this is a Kayadon ship?

  Strange. And a touch alarming. Cale hadn’t had a chance to elaborate about that. Kyra couldn’t seem to merge the idea of gnarled, bony Kayadon living on ships this aesthetically pleasing.

  After winding through the ship, they reached the pub, which reminded Kyra of a fancy, upscale club. The lighting was low and a handful of tables filled the space. A row of stools lined a bar, and there was even a dance floor.

  Sonya sneered as Cale set her down. “Since you insist, Cale, you can help me carry everyone’s drinks.” She grabbed him by the horn and yanked him to the bar where Kyra was surprised to find a familiar face: Ethanule!

  Her face lifted into a bright smile.

  Ethanule noticed her in the same moment and rushed over. “Princess Kyralyn!” He bowed, exactly as he used to back on Evlon.

  The act shot a spike of melancholy straight to her chest. “Please don’t bow, Ethanule. And you can call me Kyra now.”

  “See.” Anya chided, as if a point had been proven.

  Ethan gave a sheepish grin. “Apologies. An old habit, I guess.”

  “Very old, indeed,” she retorted with a smile.

  He took her hand and placed a kiss on her knuckles. She blushed. No one had done that in ages.

  A clatter of bottles hit the table, making her jump. She gave Cale a questioning look, but he didn’t notice as he distributed the drinks. Ethan motioned for her to take a seat, and she perched herself next to Zoey who had claimed the chair next to another demon. Sebastian said his name was Rex.

  Then she heard Zoey mutter, “Hi,” in an all too familiar tone. Rex smiled and returned the greeting in an equally appreciative voice that was far too easy to translate.

  Kyra shot to her feet. “Uh-uh. No…hi. No sideways glances.” She pointed for Zoey to switch seats with her and narrowed her gaze at Rex. Zoey attracted the worst kinds of males and this guy was a friggin’ demon. A strange demon at that. Cale hadn’t even known who he was.

  “Why do you get one and I don’t?” Zoey whined, moving over.

  Kyra set her jaw, though she couldn’t keep her cheeks from flooding with heat. Cale’s expression remained impassive, directed elsewhere, but he must have heard Zoey’s comment.

  I don’t get one, Kyra thought. She understood their relationship perfectly, or lack thereof.

  Teeth grinding, she gave Zoey a serious look. In response she received a very sarcastic eye roll as Zoey moved over. Kyra sat and took a long, and much needed, gulp of her drink. It tasted sweet. She lifted the glass again and didn’t stop drinking till it was empty.

  Sonya snorted, amused, and then waved to a woman behind the bar, presumably for a refill. All at once, the demons lifted their glasses in some sort of silent salute before taking a drink. Kyra got the sense it was a cultural idiosyncrasy to which she wasn’t privy. As Ethanule pulled up a chair, Sonya’s smile faltered. Kyra had to wonder if the two didn’t get along.

  “So, Ethanule,” Kyra started. “Tell me what happened after I left Evlon.”

  His brow rose. “Starting out a little thick.”

  “Starting at the beginning. I’ve been in the dark for a long, long time, and now I want some answers.”

  The other conversations at the table died down.

  Ethanule swallowed and let out a breath. “We were all taken by surprise by the attack. None of our seers, not even your father, anticipated it. It was suggested later that the Kayadon had some sort of cloaking magic, but we can’t be sure.” He paused. “I sent you off in that little ship, expecting to see it blasted to a million pieces, but others had started evacuating the planet as well. The Kayadon were distracted enough, and you got through.

  “We sent Nadua next, then Analia and your mother. Your cousins followed, and those who were closest to the royal family. Most everyone else had to fend for themselves, and those who didn’t have access off the planet went into hiding or were captured…”

  The group sat quietly, listening with mild interest as though this were a retelling of a story they’d already heard.

  Ethanule took a drink before adding, “Your father stayed behind. No one could persuade him to leave. He felt responsible. Felt that his visions had failed him.”

  The image of her father’s bleak expression haunted her. She could still hear the sorrow in his voice as he had spoken. I am sorry, my daughter. I have failed…everyone.

  A perky female bartender approached with a tray of drinks and made her way around the table. When she got to Cale, she lowered her mouth to whisper in his ear. Kyra’s mind hissed, and she had to resist letting it escape through her teeth. He smiled at the woman, but Kyra couldn’t hear his hushed response. With a pout to her lips, the woman walked back to the bar.

  Put the kitty claws away, she told herself. She had no claim on Cale.

  Luckily, nobody noticed her mental hissy fit, and Ethanule continued. “The King spent the following fifty years sifting through the future, and pu
tting together the book that helped bring us all together. When he finished it, it was smuggled out and entrusted to the Serakians who enchanted it so that only the three of you can open it. However, the king charged me with decoding it.”

  “Why?” Kyra asked.

  “Because it holds secrets that can be used against you, against all of us, and he convinced me that I could survive to find you, even though I did not always believe it.”

  Kyra gave him a grateful smile. “Father was right to have put his faith in you.” She placed her hand over his knuckles. “It must have been difficult all these years.”

  He turned his palm up to grip her hand. “Thank you, Majesty.”

  She pursed her lips at the title, but decided not to comment. “Well, what’s happening on Evlon now? Is Father alright? Are they hurting him?”

  “When the book started its journey, the king sent me away, and I haven’t had contact since. That was three hundred and fifty years ago.”

  Kyra hid her disappointment and floundered for another question. Her gaze slipped to Cale, who could either be staring at her hand clasped within Ethanule’s, or lost in thought.

  “Tell her your theory,” Nadua urged.

  Ethanule hesitated. “I believe the Kayadon want something from us. Something they don’t have and have been unable to get.”

  Kyra sat back. “Our magic,” she breathed.

  He nodded. “That’s the only thing we can come up with.”

  Zoey bumped her shoulder. “What’s going on?”

  Kyra swiftly relayed the conversation.

  “That’s what I said. Tell ‘em that’s what I said.”

  “Zoey agrees,” Kyra obliged. They all looked at Zo, and she managed to smile brightly and shrink at the same time.

  “They’re keeping our people alive,” Ethanule said. “They haven’t sold a soul into slavery, like they did...” His eyes flickered to Marik, and he trailed off. “From what I can remember, life went on as normally as possible. People tried to live as best they could. But they lived on the edge of a knife, trying not to get noticed by the Kayadon soldiers that patrolled every village. Any poor soul who drew their interest…disappeared.” There was an underlying message in Ethanule’s tone.