Elias looked surprised. "Is she a teacher?"
"She's a researcher. My sister Amanda is the head of a neuroscience laboratory, and Syssi works with her. They research paranormal abilities."
"Fascinating. I would love to hear about her work. Can I bring Tamira with me?"
Kian arched a brow. "Does she know what you've told me?"
Elias nodded. "As you've said, it's difficult to keep secrets from one's mate."
"Indeed. Does she know everything?"
The shaman shook his head. "I only told her what I told you. There is only one more thing that I haven't told you yet. My real name is not Elias. It's Eluheed. I've adopted Elias because it's common and doesn't invite questions. A strange name like Eluheed sparks curiosity, and for someone like me, that's dangerous."
Kian smiled. "These days, people give their children all kinds of strange names, so Eluheed sounds pretty mundane in comparison. I think it's safe for you to use it."
The guy frowned. "What kinds of strange names? I'm afraid that I'm not familiar with popular culture."
"Let me see." Kian rubbed a hand over his jaw. "I can only recall a few. X-tiel is the name of a new hire in one of the hotels the clan owns. Zyrion and Maeliegh appeared on job applications."
Eluheed chuckled. "You are right. Those sound much stranger than mine. Do they have a meaning?"
Kian shrugged. "Maybe." He rose to his feet, signaling that the meeting was over. "I'll let you know when we can meet over the weekend after I've spoken with Syssi. I'll also ask Shai to do some research on excavations in volcanic rock."
Eluheed stood as well. "Will you have to share what I told you with Shai?"
"It's not necessary, but it would be helpful if he knew what he's researching and why. He's also very good at keeping secrets."
Eluheed sighed. "You know what they say about secrets."
Kian laughed. "A secret among three people remains a secret if two of them are dead. I hope you are not implying anything."
"Elu forbid." Eluheed put a hand over his heart. "I'm grateful for any help you can offer me, but I'd rather limit the exposure for now."
Kian nodded. "Speaking of secrets, there are some from the island that I'm sure you will have no problem sharing with me."
Eluheed nodded. "What would you like to know?"
"Everything you can tell me about Navuh's enhanced soldiers."
The color drained from Eluheed's face. "They are an abomination, and they are extremely dangerous. I hope they are still contained in the holding cells in the laboratory."
Kian sat back down and motioned for Eluheed to return to his chair. "Tell me everything you know."
34
AREANA
The morning hours passed slowly in the underground clinic, the small space and dim lighting making Areana restless. She rose to her feet just to get some movement.
She missed the harem grounds and her walks to the gazebo. She missed the library and the quiet work. She missed the inner courtyard with its fountain, and she missed all the human servants she'd left behind.
How were they faring without her? Were they being treated well?
Who was in charge of the island now?
If Losham had taken over, as Navuh suspected, he wouldn't have allowed things to get too bad. The problem was that Navuh's control over the minds of his immortal warriors was weakening over time, and without his constant reinforcements, it would eventually fade completely. Once that happened, she doubted Losham could hold things together.
She shouldn't worry about that.
