by Rosalie Redd
She ran back into the cave. On the floor, next to the place they’d made love, the spot of red stood out from the dark colors in the cave. She clutched the hair piece to her heart. This time, though, it wasn’t the memory of her gran’ma that crossed her mind, but of Demir. She’d asked him to put the barrette in her hair. He’d swallowed, his serious gaze searching her face. He wanted to make sure this was what she’d wanted. She’d wanted nothing more.
The ache in her chest competed with her other injuries, the pain raw and new. She couldn’t believe for one moment Demir had intentionally attacked her. Not after his gentle touch, and the tender way he stroked his fingers over her skin the look of reverence and love in his eyes. No, Demir wouldn’t do this. Yet, he had. Tears formed in her eyes.
After their brief nap, Demir had rubbed his back. Caught up in their lovemaking, she hadn’t paid close attention before, but a thin blue liquid had coated his fingers. Blue—like the sacred sunstone. Aramie sat on her haunches. Her heartbeat raced, ringing in her ears.
What did the stone do to him besides bring him out of his coma?
His attack was so out of character, she didn’t think he’d hurt her of his own free will. He was their leader, protector of all of their kind, and would rather die than kill another Pridemate unprovoked. Something else was at play here, and she needed to find out what it was.
She sniffed the air, searching for his scent, but the bitter winter wind had erased Demir’s tracks. Not that she was in any condition to hunt him down. She needed to see Gaetan, get some medical attention and find out more about the sacred blue sunstone.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
The gash on Aramie’s leg still burned, as much from the injury as the fact that Demir had done this to her. A surge of adrenaline rushed through her veins, her need for information hurrying her along the corridor. She knocked on the infirmary door, and then pushed it open without waiting for a reply.
“Ent—” Gaetan focused on her. His eyes widened. “Aramie, I’m so glad to see you. When you didn’t return to the Keep last night, everyone figured you were dead.”
“Gaetan, I need to know more about Blue Pool.” She stood in front of the old healer, searching his face for answers.
His cane clattered against the stone floor as he raised himself from his stool. Gaetan’s measured stare roamed over her face, stopping at her neck for a moment before continuing on. When his gaze landed on her torn pant leg with the dried blood, he tsked.
“Let’s get you fixed up first, shall we?” He rubbed her shoulder and gave her a gentle squeeze. Nodding at the closest carved stone medical bed, he studied her, his blue eyes rimmed with concern. “Hop up here.”
I don’t have time for this. A loud huff escaped her lips, but she did as he asked. She couldn’t rush the determined healer. Once on the bed, she gripped the edge so tight, her knuckles ached. “What does the blue sunstone do to someone after it’s healed them?”
With the tip of a knife, Gaetan cut the ragged material away from her injury. The shredded fabric hung loose at her sides, exposing the half-healed cuts.
He blinked and glanced at her. “These aren’t Gossum marks. Who did this to you?”
Her face reddened and a lump formed in her throat. The evidence of Demir’s betrayal stung her heart more than her thigh. Could she verbally acknowledge he’d done this? No. Unwilling to say the words, she closed her eyes and shook her head.
“Are you hurt anywhere else?” Gaetan grabbed some white paste from a jar and wiped some over her cuts. A lime and mint aroma filled the air. The cool medicine relieved the ache, and her skin began to knit together.
A vision of Demir formed in her mind, his eyes wild as he attacked her. Where was he? Was he injured? Her stomach churned, tightening with anxiety. She gripped his arm, the black lines of his marking pulsing beneath her touch. “I need to know about the blue sunstone.”
He met her gaze. “I can see it’s important to you, but I need information as well if I’m to treat my patient.”
She clamped her jaw, the instant ache helping her focus. Giving in, she exhaled. “Fine. The side of my hip could use some of the salve, to make the cuts heal faster.”
“Well, that’s a start. This side?” He pointed to her shirt.
She lifted the material, exposing the sore. A long ragged sigh eased from her lips.
He applied the soothing lotion, and she longed for such an easy fix for her soul.
He walked over to the counter and replaced the vial among the racks of herbs and remedies. “Now, tell me. Why did Demir attack you?”
She inhaled. “How did you know?”
A brief half-smile flickered across his face. “It’s not hard to figure out. When Demir found out you’d left, he went after you. Now, you’re asking about the stone.”
Gingerly, she slid off the medical table and approached him. His presence was a warm, calming influence. She believed she could trust him, rely on him to help her. “You’re right. Demir…did this.” She choked on her words.
He turned to face her, empathy lined in the creases around his eyes. “Tell me what you fear.”
His words were like turning on a floodgate. She couldn’t stop now. “Something’s wrong. Ram bit him on the back of the shoulder. His blood turned blue. He would never attack me unprovoked, yet he did. I have to know more about the blue sunstone. Please, tell me what you know.”
Gaetan raised a finger. As he headed for the corner, the tip of his cane tapping against the stone floor echoed around the room. He touched a sunstone lining the cave wall, and it brightened beneath his touch.
Other Stiyaha communicated this way. She hadn’t tried it herself…yet.
He turned to face her. “Ginnia will be here soon. She knows more about the ancient scriptures than anyone.”
“She’s the one who showed me the book, the one with the legend of Tenida.” Aramie paced in the space between the two beds to relieve some of her pent-up energy. Where was Demir? A shiver ran over her shoulders.
“Do you want anything for the bite mark?” Gaetan waved his finger at her throat, his demeanor nonchalant. Did he know the meaning behind the purposeful wound?
She eyed him, trying to read his body for non-verbal clues. He appeared to be a master at hiding his emotions, and she couldn’t get a good read on him. She touched the tender flesh at her neck. A thin film of skin covered the punctures, the first evidence of the scars that would mar her throat in the tell-tale sign. She was a mated female.
Reality crashed down and her vision narrowed. Demir had bitten her, doing his part to claim her as his mate. The sound of her own heartbeat pounded in her ears. Good thing she hadn’t submitted to him, for if she had, she wouldn’t be able to fight.
Gaetan’s hand wrapped around her arm, steadying her. “Hey, you ok?”
She raised her chin and met his gaze. “Yeah, I’m fine.” She wouldn’t let anyone see her fear.
The door creaked.
Strands of stray brown hair flew around Ginnia’s head as she peeked around the door. “Hi, Aramie.” Her giggle was a welcome diversion.
Ginnia bolted for her brother, who wrapped her in his arms. He rubbed her back, the gesture heartwarming and attentive. She pulled away, and he lifted her chin. “Angel, I’m glad you’re here. Aramie has some questions for you about Blue Pool.”
She turned to face Aramie, her eyebrows scrunched together. “You already went to Blue Pool. Did you not like it?”
Aramie approached the strange seer. She held her hands, as much in a sign of goodwill as the need for her own comfort. “Tell me more about Tenida and why he threw the sacred stone into the waterfall.”
A glint of intelligence and understanding flashed in Ginnia’s eyes before the childlike film returned. She pouted her lips. “We already read the best part of the story. I like to end it there.”
Gaetan placed his hand on Ginnia’s back. “From what I remember, Tenida threw the stone in the waterfall so the Gossum wouldn’t get it. I
s there more?”
Ginnia pulled away from Aramie and hid behind one of the tables. “I’m afraid to tell.”
Aramie’s heart raced. She didn’t want to scare Ginnia, but she desperately needed to know. She peered down at the large adult female crouched behind the table. Aramie’s chest clenched. This poor female didn’t ask to be a seer, but ever since the childhood accident that damaged her brain, she couldn’t stop the visions.
Gaetan peeked over the top of the table. “It’s ok, Ginnia.”
Ginnia glanced at Aramie. “I’m sorry. I don’t like that part, so I didn’t show you.”
Aramie grasped Ginnia’s shoulder and gave her a gentle squeeze. “Please, tell us.”
Ginnia nodded and came out from behind the table. “The stone was good, but it was also baaaaad. After the stone healed Grian, the warrior got in a fight with a nasty Gossum. Icky Gossum blood coated Grian’s body, seeping into his cuts. The creature called to him, and he became a weapon for the enemy. When Tenida found out, he threw the stone back into the waterfall.”
A kernel of dread formed in Aramie’s stomach. Bile rose in her throat, and she wanted to hurl. “What happened to Grian?” she whispered.
“He died. Killed by another warrior.” Ginnia stared at her feet, pushing the toe of her leather shoe against the edge of the table.
Aramie tensed. Not Demir. She wouldn’t let that happen. “Was there a way to save him?”
The seer nodded, her straggly hair covering her eyes. “The legend said if another made an equal sacrifice to save the warrior, the power could be broken. But no one did.”
Gaetan touched his sister on the shoulder. “Is there anything else?”
She met his gaze and shook her head.
“That’s okay, angel, you did good.” His warm smile made even Aramie’s pulse calm.
Ginnia hugged her brother, her hands wrapped around his chest in a tight grip.
Aramie tapped her finger against her lip as the pieces fell into place. “Ram bit Demir on the back of the shoulder. Do you think Ram can control him because of the sacred stone?”
“You haven’t told me exactly what happened, but if the legend is true, then…yes.” Gaetan nodded.
“Where’s the stone?” Aramie asked.
“I left it with Noeh. It’s in his Throne room.” Gaetan grabbed his cane, his fingers white from his tight grip. “Ginnia, come with me. We need to tell Noeh what’s happened and get the stone. I need to throw it back into Blue Pool.”
“I have to find Ram’s lair.” A new determination rose inside. She knew who had the information and she’d get it one way or another.
Chapter Thirty-Eight
Zedron stared into the night sky. Teres, one of Lemuria’s two moons, was a giant orb, illuminating much of the landscape. In the dense canopy above, branches moved in the breeze, casting strange shadows like small stick figures dancing in the night. Every fifty-seven days, Teres circled Lemuria. Colonizers met once every lunar cycle to discuss new galaxies and the possibility of colonizing recently discovered worlds.
A slow smile pulled at Zedron’s lips. Tonight he’d see Alora at the meeting, but better yet, she’d see his new slave. Zedron had kept Carine from shopping at the market until the stores were almost closed. She’d hurried along, placing the fruits and vegetables in her basket with quick fingers. To see her in such a rushed state had sent trickles of excitement over his skin. He’d planned her delay, so he’d have to bring her with him to the meeting.
Carine walked with him along the platforms and stairs that linked the Rolmdew and Etila trees together in an extensive network. Zedron gripped a gnarled branch, using the stick as leverage to pull himself to the next platform. He glanced over his shoulder. Despite the two heavy bags she carried, Carine didn’t ask for assistance, but her glare was confirmation of her irritation.
Tucked away in a corner of one of the large Rolmdew trees, an open doorway beckoned with a warm and comforting light. Zedron straightened his jacket, and he adjusted the small gold pin on his lapel. He raised his chin, closed his eyes, and inhaled a calming breath, but his fingers twitched.
Passing through the doorway, he noted several co-workers deep in their own discussions. They didn’t seem to notice him, but that changed the moment Carine entered the room.
All conversations ceased.
Quill, one of the older Colonizers, stepped away from his small group. He glared at Carine, his lip curling at the corner. His attention focused on Zedron, and he crossed his arms over his chest. “You know the rules. Why did you bring a slave to our meeting?”
The orange spots on her face darkened, and the ends of her blue hair snapped loudly in the quiet room.
Murmurs of assent from others rippled into the air.
Zedron had anticipated such a reaction, and he had to force himself not to smile. He lowered his head in a slight bow to supplicate the elder Colonizer. “Forgive me, Quill. My slave delayed us. I had no choice but to bring her along.”
“She can’t stay. Send her home.” Quill’s voice was tight.
“I wish I could, but I haven’t loosened the range on her arm bands, yet. We are still in the midst of training. She must stay close to me outside our home.” Zedron pasted on his best contrite grin. He looked around the room, searching for Alora. He’d expected her to raise a fuss.
Quill exhaled and pursed his lips. “I’d ask you to leave, but we need your input on one of the new worlds Clayor discovered. Have her wait in the corner.”
“Of course.” Zedron bowed once again. He gripped Carine’s elbow, his fingers pressing into her flesh harder than was necessary, and shoved her into a chair against the far wall. “Wait here. Don’t give me any trouble.”
Her brows furrowed and her lips tightened, but she sat. The packages landed at her feet with a loud thump.
Conversations resumed. Colonizers carried on discussions in small groups of two or three. Zedron scanned the room. Alora was nowhere in sight. A tic started in his jaw. He’d staged this whole performance for her benefit, and she wasn’t here. A painful pulse pounded at his temple. He rubbed his forehead, but the familiar movement didn’t relieve the tension.
The click of a door caught his attention. On the far side of the room, Alora exited from a small washroom. She straightened her dress and drew a stray curl around her ear. Their gazes locked. Her shoulders visibly stiffened and her beautiful features turned sour. Not the reaction he’d longed for, but the one he’d expected. His chest tightened.
Her focus drew past him to Carine. With a quick flinch, her mouth opened and her eyes widened. She clenched her fists at her side, her body quaking with anger. From the moment they’d met, he’d been drawn to her, their relationship like fire and water. The arguments had been brutal, the reconciliations passionate.
Alora approached him, her mouth pursed, her strides purposeful. “What have you done?”
Here was the confrontation he’d expected. He liked her spunk, her determination. The way she moved, all grace and power rolled up in a perfect package. Her energy fueled him, made him feel, and he delighted in her attention, even if it was her hatred for him.
Raising his eyebrows, he extended his hands, palms up. “What bothers you, Alora?” He accentuated her name, drawing it out the way she used to like when they were together.
She narrowed her eyes, and a single fang protruded over her lip. “You did this on purpose to taunt me.”
“Whatever do you mean?” He couldn’t resist the jab.
She leaned forward, into his personal space. Her perfume, like the sweet venom from the Tralum plant, assailed his senses. “The female Arotaar. Why do you bring an innocent soul into our battle?”
“There are many innocent and not-so-innocent lives affected by our game.” He breathed in deep, savoring her scent for as long as he could. “Why should she make any difference?”
Alora visibly swallowed, her disgust written in her downturned mouth. “You know very well why.”
&nb
sp; He nodded toward Carine. “I bought Carine as I needed a slave to tend my home. That she reminds you of your father’s favorite pet is none of my concern.”
She stepped back, the color draining from her face. Her pain was not something he’d expected.
A brief flicker of guilt lodged in his throat, but he pushed it aside. Instead, he focused on his own bitterness and anger at her rejection of his bonding offer.
She whirled on her toes, heading back the way she’d come. He gripped her arm, stopping her flight. A gold bracelet grazed the skin on his arm. The fine strands were made from the most delicate and rare metal on the planet. Feigning ignorance, he frowned. “What’s this?”
Her eyes narrowed on him, and a smirk broke across her face. “An anniversary gift from Veromé, my beloved mate.”
Even though Zedron already knew of the bracelet, to hear her speak of Veromé that way sent him over the edge. A wave of anger rushed through his veins. “There’s something between us, Alora. I know you feel it, too.”
Her pale blue eyes flecked with silver. “I will win this war, and when I do, you will free Carine.”
He responded with mocking laughter. “What if I win the war? What shall you give me?”
She glanced at his hand, his grip still tight around her arm. “What do you want?”
He sneered. “You know what I want, Alora—you.”
“No.” She yanked her arm from his grasp.
He gave her his best smile, the one she’d fallen for in the beginning of their short, yet passionate relationship. “Have you broken any rules of the game lately, my dear?”
Alora visibly swallowed, her stare locked with his.
He leaned in, her unique scent infiltrating his senses once again. With a slow and gentle touch, he ran his finger over the soft curve of her cheek. “I think you like small caves,” he whispered.
