“So what happened?”
“They came in force, but they were no match for me. I beat them back. I sealed the doors, and then…hecame…”
“Who?” I wait for this knowledge to rise, and it takes a moment, surfacing at the same times as Mizikiel says the name.
“Vritra. A being created by the essence of all the Deva. A most powerful foe indeed. I was weakened by the previous attack, and I succumbed. I was imprisoned, and they stole my throne. The seat of power connected to my world.”
Fuck…I know exactly what he plans to do now.
“This world has lived for much longer than it should have. The people, the creatures…they should not have been born. They steal life from Source. They steal from the well. It is time for the balance to be restored.
“It’s time for this world to be unraveled. It’s time for it to die.”
Part Three
When it all starts to come together. I can’t help but wait for the other shoe to drop
Chapter 23
ONE BLANKET UNDER THE STARS
LEELA
The journey to Shantivan would take five to six days if the weather held. That evening we ate in the captain’s quarters with Rathor. The title of the room made it sound grand, but in truth it was nothing but a small cabin with a rickety table, surrounded by six mismatched chairs.
The wooden floor was scuffed, a tattered rug probably covering up the worst of the wear, and the candles flickering in the lanterns were almost down to the wick. But it was warm and cozy, and the soup was thick and flavorsome, even if the bread was a little stale.
My stomach was thankful for the meal.
Rathor sat back in his seat, ruby eyes glittering as they caught flamelight. “Who would have thought that I’d have a royal on my ship.” He shook his head slowly. “If I’d have known back then…”
“What?” C’ael demanded, his body tensing beside me.
Rathor arched a dark brow. “I’d have demanded a higher price for delivery, of course.”
C’ael relaxed. “Hmmm…”
“You know that you’re safe aboard my ship, right?” he asked me.
“I’d like to think so. My survival is in all our best interests, after all.”
“Exactly…” He slid a look C’ael’s way. “Maybe explain to your lover that you’re safe here?”
My cheeks heated. “He’s not my lover. He’s my…” What was he? Companion? No, that was too loose a term, and friend was too close a relationship for what we’d cultivated so far.
“Your what?” Rathor pressed.
“Hers,” C’ael said simply. “I am hers.”
“Like a possession?” Rathor’s brows went up, his mouth turning down.
“No!” I looked across at C’ael, at his bowed head and the dark shadows cast by his lashes on his cheeks. He’d been created and bonded, and now he was lost. Trying desperately to find his place. My throat thickened. “He doesn’t belong to anyone.” C’ael looked across at me sharply, and I continued. “But I’m grateful he chose to stay with me. I’m looking forward to getting to know him. To us becoming friends.”
C’ael’s throat bobbed, and then he smiled, slow and warm, and something equally warm unfurled in my belly because there was something so familiar about that smile.
“Well,” Rathor said. “Time to get you both set up in your quarters. We’re up with the sun, so you should get some sleep while you can.” He pushed back his chair and stood, stretching his lithe form. “Follow me.”
There wereno quarters for C’ael and me to sleep in. Rathor led us to the deck and left us to get comfortable with bedrolls and a single blanket.
