“That it did.”
They emerged from the courtyard into the market’s late afternoon chaos. The crowds had thickened as the workday ended, humans and aliens alike flowing through the narrow streets in a tide of color and noise.
He positioned himself at Ember’s side, with Baylin a half-step behind. The formation was automatic, instinctive—the triangle of protection that had served them through countless patrols in another life.
She noticed. Her eyes flickered between them, taking in the coordinated movements, the wordless communication.
“You’ve done this before,” she observed. “Worked together.”
“Many times.” He guided her around a cluster of tourists gawking at a street performer. “Baylin was the best enforcer in the pack. Fast, clever, and absolutely ruthless when necessary.”
“High praise, coming from you,” Baylin said dryly. “I seem to recall you describing me as ‘adequate’ during most of our training sessions.”
“I was motivating you.”
“You were being an ass.”
She laughed—that same startled, genuine sound that Rykan had been chasing all afternoon. The tension of the market encounter had faded, replaced by something lighter. A sense of camaraderie he’d been missing for way too long.
They made their way back towards Duvain Tower as the sun began its descent towards the horizon, painting the sky in shades of amber and rose. The crowds thinned as they left the market district, replaced by the more orderly flow of corporate foot traffic, and Baylin leaned towards him.
“You’re being followed,” he said softly. “Two of them keeping a consistent distance.”
His lips curved before he could stop them.
“I should have known you would spot them. They’re part of her security detail.”
Baylin nodded and dropped back again, the entire exchange occurring so quickly and quietly that Ember didn’t even notice.
Or perhaps she did, he thought, catching the hint of a smile on her face.Clever little mate.
“I should warn you,” Ember said as the tower’s gleaming spire came into view. “The situation at Duvain is… complicated. My aunt’s exile has created a power vacuum that others are trying to fill. Some of the board members are actively working against me.”
“Let them try.” Baylin’s voice was flat and dangerous. “I’ve dealt with political maneuvering before. It’s the same everywhere—the weak seeking power, the powerful seeking more. The solution is always the same.”
“And what solution is that?”
Baylin’s smile showed too many teeth. “Make them afraid to try.”
She glanced at him, a question in her eyes.
“He’s not wrong,” he admitted. “Fear is a tool like any other. Used correctly, it can prevent conflicts before they begin.”
“But used incorrectly, it breeds resentment and rebellion,” she said thoughtfully. “My father believed in loyalty earned rather than fear imposed.”
“Your father sounds like a wise man.”
“He was. But he also failed to see the threat closest to him.” A shadow passed across her features. “I don’t intend to make the same mistake.”
They reached the tower’s private entrance, and the guards now on duty straightened as they approached. He noted their improved alertness—the result of two weeks of intensive retraining under his supervision.
“Ma’am. Sir.” The senior guard’s gaze flickered to Baylin. “Who’s your guest?”
“New security personnel,” he answered before Ember could speak. “I’m bringing him in for evaluation. He’ll need temporary clearance until the formal paperwork is processed.”
The guard hesitated for just a moment—long enough for Rykan to make a mental note to address that delay in tomorrow’s training session—then nodded and stepped aside.
The elevator ride to Ember’s private floor was silent. Baylin stood with his back to the wall, taking in every detail of the luxurious space. He watched his old friend process the obvious wealth, the technological sophistication, the understated power that surrounded them.
