Saer lowered his voice.“Kaliaspher.”
His threatening tone spurred her to let the rest escape in a rush, “They think Neyu is the key, that she holds influence over both of you, and this decision will bring the truth to light, one way or another.”
The words might as well have slapped him across the side of the head.“The key?”If they were all convinced Neyu was the catalyst, how in the Hells could he convince them in another direction?Saer’s mind raced, putting pieces into place.
Kalia tugged on Neyu’s arm, her face equally dazed.“We should leave before they all get here.”
So be it.If this was the hand they were dealt, they’d play it.
“We need to run!”Kalia half-yelled.
Saer swallowed and shook his head.“No.”
They couldn’t turn back, now.
“No?”Neyu asked.
“No,” Saer repeated with more finality.A new plan formed in his mind, the components fitting together as quick as the darting glances they gave one another.
“Saer, I don’t think you understand—” Ahraan began.
“No.”Saer interrupted the man with finality.“Get out.Keep them at bay for as long as possible.”
“I can’t do that.”
“Then just get out.”
Ahraan stared at Saer, then shook his head and started for the door.Before he exited, he turned to address the three from over his shoulder.“Running is your best option.Stars know I didn’t perpetuate the rumors leading to this bloodthirst.”His gaze shifted to Neyu.“Though I don’t disagree with their intentions.You’ve brought this on yourself, Neyu.”
“Then why not try to kill me yourself?”
The gold-skinned man inclined his head.“All life is precious.I don’t want to harm anyone, but I follow the will of my people.They’ll determine your fate and, if I must, I’ll carry it out.”
“You won’t succeed,” Saer said.
“No,” Ahraan replied just above a whisper, “I don’t suppose any of us will.”He turned and left.
The moment Ahraan exited, Neyu opened her mouth but Saer spoke before she could.“We can still overtake them.”
She gaped at him.“Have you gone mad?Can’t you hear the crowd gathering?We didn’t anticipatethis.”
“This is better.”
“Saer.”Neyu’s incredulous tone rose with her dread.
“The spectacle in and of itself will convince them—”
“It’s not your bloodless body on the line,” she hissed.
Kalia stumbled to the only chair in the room and dropped into it with her arms wrapped around herself, her face lined deep.
Neyu swallowed, looking like she wanted to embrace Saer and strangle him at the same time.“If we do this—”
“Take a breath, Neyuukhan.”He moved to Neyu and put a hand on her cheek.As she leaned into Saer’s palm, his voice softened.“They can’t destroy you.I won’t allow it.”
Even though Kalia sat a touch straighter, her keen brown eyes aware and analytical, Saer dismissed it in the face of comforting his beloved.
One problem at a time.
