Needing to delve deeper into his half-brother’s psyche, Idan extended a psionic shard into Molan’s mind.
With a smirk, Mo let him in, and Idan soon found the memories, soul, and spirit of a gunrunner.
Molan hit back just as hard, scouring under Idan’s long-haired farmer identity to find the ruinous, uncompromising Commander buried beneath the facade.
They exchanged a wary smile of recognition; they were of matching ruthlessness, cast by the same brand of lethality.
At Sheba’s encouraging nod, they stepped into a private alcove on the terrace, the city lights of Eden II blurring into the background.
‘Molaniades Arkinolnd Mithandri Iqal,’ Molan rasped in introduction.
‘Simi’Ren Idan Caliostheles,’ Idan growled.
‘So here we are.’
‘Indeed. The bastard heirs of theDivine Immortal. Our mothers, may they rest in Sacran potency, were just side notes to Sulfiqar, concubines who meantnadato him.’
Molan’s jaw went rigid, shifting like granite. ‘Mine, Sayonna, was his favorite courtesan until the Deific Council found out about her. They tossed us from the heavens straight into the dirt of Iccythria, where they forgot us.’
Idan gave a stiff, knowing nod. ‘Mine was Aeryn-Thall, the Weaver of New Life. She governed biological symmetry. Sulfiqar executed her because she refused to let him siphon her life force to patch up his own failing immortality. So screw him for trying to make amends now.’
‘He’s reached out to you?’ Molan grunted.
‘Naam. He wants you and me to lead the charge for his comeback, a crusade to reclaim Sivania. He handed me an ultimatum: join his ranks or witness our loved ones and the galaxy burn.’
‘The bastard made me the samefokkedup offer,’ Molan rasped, his mouth curling with disgust.
‘He can kiss my ass. I have zero interest in storming the seventh heaven or reclaiming his throne for him,’ Idan snapped.
‘Neither do I. My world starts and ends with my woman and child,’ Molan said. ‘But he let one detail slip. He believes our combined abilities might actually eclipse his. In his words, the ‘irony of a divine affair’ is that the progeny might possess a higher potency than the father.’
Idan tilted his head, nodding slowly. ‘Maybe that’s the play. Our joint force might be the exact weapon we need to dismantle him.’
Molan’s lips twitched. ‘Hell yeah. Let’s do some thinking together and also take this to the Riders. Kainan is a premier strategist, and the rest of the brothers are warrior freaks. They can provide the leverage we need. For now? Please join the family, get to know them while we eat and decompress.’
Idan gave a firm chin jerk. ‘Sante.’
‘One more thing,’ Molan added, with a touch of protectiveness. ‘Is Sheba really your woman? She’s become a close friend to me via my wife, and I’m keen to understand if you mean well by her.’
Idan’s hard features softened. ‘My soul belongs to her. We met on Tansinia when she fell from the sky, no thanks to Sulfiqar. When I first set eyes on her, she took my breath away. She still does to this moment, and I hope to keep her heart close to mine for eternity.’
Molan huffed, a flash of warmth in his eyes. ‘It’s these Dunian women, man. Rina still blows myfokkin’ Sacran mind every single day.’
He paused and eyed his newfound brother. ‘You were living in Tansinia. Will you return to it after our familial chaos is over?’
Idan sliced his eyes to the neon-drenched horizon and exhaled. ‘Somehow, my psionic prescience tells me my time on that planet is over. It’s also too far from Sheba’s home and her family, so I might be the one to consider relocation.’
‘In that case, welcome to the best love of your life and to the better half of Pegasi.’
Idan managed a wry smile, rolling the tension out of his neck.
‘It’s a pleasure to be here and to meet you; however, this city reminds me too much of the high heavens I fled. The freakin’ traffic, crowds, and neon lights are all so taxing. The mountain silence is still my preference. After this shitshow is over, brother, I might ask you to assist in finding my woman and me a property that will bring us serenity.’
Molan’s lips curved into a grin. ‘I get the need to preserve your peace and well-being. I might have the perfect place in mind, and when the time is right, I’ll find you your new home.’
He clapped a hand on Idan’s shoulder, leading him back into the embrace of the Rider family.
19
