Sounlikethem.
Shu’Khan, dressed in white silk, his beauty ethereal as always, and his face as unmoved as an effigy’s. His hair, straight and onyx black, flowed down his shoulders like a waterfall ending at his waist. Fine golden necklaces and bracelets adorned his neck and wrists. His feet were wrapped in silken sandals.
She lurched, and his eyes filled with understanding. Empathy.
“Come,” he said, tilting his head. “Let Us show you the source of your ailment.”
Auryn didn’t trust him. Not in the least. In decades, she’d only spoken to him a handful of times. Kailorien had warned her about his brother, telling her to stay away from him. That he was cruel. Wicked. But everything spun around her, and if Shu’Khan knew the cause, maybe she could stop it somehow. Cool it.
And still, the drums were beating.
Beating.
Beating.
Closer with each step. Louder. Shaking the walls. Vibrating up through her bare feet. The Polis around them pulsed with the sound, flashing emerald and rose. Dazed, she followed him, watching his back sway as he walked—no, floated—over the rose and silver tile. His unique scent floated to her. Heavy Sahtra. Overbearing.
“We came to observe,” he said, his voice smooth and lilting. “To ensure the Resh’Agar was performing his duties without fail.”
“I want to leave now,” Auryn told him, her voice thin and reedy.
“But if you do, you will not know his truth.” Shu’Khan paused. Turned his head until their eyes met. “We did not take you for a coward.”
“I’m not afraid,” she said, straightening.
“Then come,” he smiled. “We are not far now.”
They passed through the outer two thresholds of the Companions’ Hall, the marble blooming from emerald to rose, gold, and amber. In a blink, they stood in front of a runed archway to the core chamber. The sigils powered down—open, inviting. A teasing golden light flickered within. Voices. Straining. Moaning. Gasping. Giggling. The thick scent of incense and ceremonial sage wafted to her nose.
Drums were beating.
Beating.
Beating.
The air pulsed with a kind of electricity, one she immediately recognized.
Estâr.
This is Estâr.
Stars help me.
I need to get away.
Auryn nearly turned to flee, a dread weight settling in her stomach. Like she’d eaten curdled cheese.
Pain stopped her. A wave of dizziness made her lose her footing. She caught herself on the wall, but her feet took her inside. Farther. And farther.
A row of soft, cushioned black and gold divans stretched out along the right side of the massive room. This chamber was much larger than any of hers had ever been. Rose and silver pillows lined the furniture. From the ceiling hung sheer silks of the same color scheme, draping over the divans like veils leading into another world.
Beyond lay four Companions. Naked. Their skin glowing with a sheen of sweat. Auryn’s gaze roamed their bodies—curved hips, full breasts, soft lines sculpted to please. Tall. Strong. Built for pleasure. So different from her. So beautiful. So perfect.
Auryn took in everything, even that which went beyond their form. Her Manasight spoke of severe mana depletion.
She’d read aboutEstârmany times over the years, curious as to its function. But the records were obscure. Naturally, the basics were described. Ritual intercourse. The Resh’Agar coupling with females bred for stamina. A rare genetic trait. Only vessels with exceptionally high mana capacity were chosen. Anyone less would die in the joining, for the Resh’Agar devoured their mana in the process.
It powered his runes, his strength, his bond with the Shields.
