Ruby went cold.She was a bargaining chip.Cyn lived if she was taken into custody.She knew he’d never hand her over.
“I’m not turning her over.”
Fernandez’s shoulders slumped.“I’m sorry, Cyn.I can’t let my wife die.”
Ruby tensed, ready to come out and fight.Especially when a man stepped out from the hedges.He looked to be in his sixties with a trim beard and expensive-looking clothing.She held her position because she didn’t see any weapons or demons.In fact, his hands were held at his sides in almost a surrender style.
“Cyntag Valeron,” he said in a strong voice.“We meet at last.”
“We haven’t met, since I don’t know your name.”Cyn, always smooth and in control.His body language, though, was poised for action.His hand flexed behind him, a message to stay put.
“I mean you no harm.You or the girl.”
“Those demons weren’t exactly benign messengers.”
“My son, Darren, went overboard.I didn’t know he’d gone to such extremes.I am Purcell, by the way.”
He’s Darren’sfather?
“Listen to your former mentor, Cyntag.What would I have to gain by causing the death of so many Crescents?Do I look like a diabolical mass murderer?I am, in fact, a savior.While the Mundanes have been preparing to protect power grids and global communications satellites, the private lab I’ve been funding has invested years of research to figure out how to protect Crescents.The problem is that there are just too many.When the coronal mass ejection arrives, many will lose their connection to theDeus Visand their essence will wither.And they will die.”
“Why not warn the population?”Cyn asked.“They could leave the Field for a time.Surely the fluctuation will not last for more than two weeks.”
“First, how would we get all of this across in a secretive manner?Then, can you imagine the panic that would ensue?It’s unfortunate that many will die.You remember during the Cold War when a nuclear attack seemed imminent?The U.S.government built fallout shelters for their high-ranking officials.It’s logical to protect those who can rebuild society.I am willing to ensure that you and yours are included in the Chosen.But you must give me something in return.”
Cyn fisted his hands at his sides.“I’m not handing over Ruby.”
Purcell seemed to digest that for a moment.“Ah, you care about her.”
“She’s been through enough.You had her family murdered.”
“But the girl was not harmed, due to your… compassion.”
“I wasn’tharmed?”Ruby exploded from her hiding place, rage heating her cheeks, and her Dragon.“You killed my family!My uncle!And you’ve been trying to kill me.”
Cyn gripped her arms as she tried to pass him and face the man who had taken so much from her.He held her fast, whispering her name in a warning tone.
Purcell didn’t look the least bit afraid of her.“The blame lies squarely on Brom’s head.He is quite mad, you know.He accused Darren of recreating the fluctuation and then stormed off.Darren sent a scry orb to follow him, worried for his safety.Brom told Moncrief about his vision, that you would follow in your father’s insanity and sabotage everything we’ve worked for.Darren would not let that happen.He acted rashly, without consulting me.I apologize for the trouble he has caused.”
He apologized.Apologizedfor killing her uncle!
She crossed her arms over her chest.“A demon tried to attack meafterhis death.”
Purcell’s mouth tightened.“A demon that continued to fulfill its obligation.”He met Cyn’s gaze.“You killed my son, because he acted recklessly.”His cold eyes shifted to her.“Your father died for the same reason.Enough people have perished.Now we must focus on saving those we can.”
Rage trembled through her body, making Cyn squeeze her shoulders.
Cyn’s voice was rigid when he asked, “Won’t it be odd when thousands of people die for no apparent reason?”
“Of course.The CDC will be desperately searching for the killer pathogen that will seem like the pandemic all over again.But it will be over before they can even begin their research.You, Cyn, are—were a Vega, the most capable of Guard officers.We could use your help.”He looked at Ruby.“You will be spared, too, if you cooperate.”
Purcell turned to Fernandez.“Show them your bracelet.”
He did, plucking at a leather band.Purcell pulled more bands from his pocket.“I will give you four of these.When the lack ofDeus Visbecomes too much to handle, the Chosen will be called to a central location, where we will ride out the storm.Like a hurricane shelter.”He held out the bands.“Do we have a deal?”
Cyn gave her shoulder another squeeze.“Deal.We’ll cease and desist.”
Wait.He couldn’t be thinking of trusting this guy!
