Demon Untamed (38 page)

Ethan had lost count of how many times Kyra had sighed, “It’s fine, Cale.”

Ethan traced the raised lines in the amulet around his neck, feeling a great deal of pride for his new acquisition. Cale had taken one look at it, offering nothing more than a nod of acknowledgment. The etched symbol signified many things in demon culture, including protection from those who meant to do harm. Most races had their roots in superstition, eventually shrugged off by the advancement of science, technological, and civilization. Sonya was much too intelligent to put stock in ancient beliefs, yet when he had donned the amulet, a bit of tension had eased from her shoulders. She’d gifted him a smile so radiant it was now branded in his memory.

Siella spared them the nightmarish greeting when they arrived at the guild’s hidden entrance. She ushered them inside where Azule waited, along with several members of his guild, including Luric.

“It’s a pleasure to receive you again, Majesty.” Azule motioned them to sit near a hearth where several fire crystals warmed the air. An array of food and drink was spread over a table across the room. Azule poured them each a goblet of sweet wine from a tall pitcher.

Ethan could see he was doing his best to honor Kyra with the bounty, even knowing it was a far cry from the feasts once held in the palace.

As she accepted the goblet from Azule, she offered her thanks before inquiring, “Have you given any thought into joining us against the Kayadon?”

Azule claimed a seat and took a long drink. “Those in my guild rely on me to keep them safe. All due respect, but I don’t see how we can go up against such a powerful foe without severe casualties. Assuming any of us survive at all.”

“My father has gone to great lengths to gather us here. He led us to your guild. I must know if you are still loyal to him, to us.”

Azule’s spine straightened. “Of course, Majesty.”

“But you are loyal to your guild as well,” Ethan observed. He could feel Azule’s reluctance, the conflict waging inside.

“It has been only us for so long. What can you expect?”

Nothing less
, Ethan thought. He drained his drink, creating an excuse to approach Luric, who had remained across the room next to the buffet of offerings. “You’re Azule’s brother?”

“Younger, yes.”

“Born before the invasion, I assume.”

Luric nodded. “I was planning to follow Azule into the guard, had only a year left of training. We lost our family early in the attack. This small group is all we have left.”

“It doesn’t have to be that way. I believe we can take back what once was ours.”

Luric speared him with a steely gaze. “I believe that, too. Azule is not so sure.”

Siella entered the room, bringing with her another male and female. “This is Ina and Ru, the two who had managed to escape the palace city.”

Hands clasped, the two bowed, and then Kyra waved them over. She was eager to question them about their escape and about the state of the palace. When she directed the conversation toward her father, Ethan stifled a cringe. He had yet to inform anyone of the king’s condition, a condition he suspected had worsened over time.

Ru hesitated only slightly before divulging what he knew. “The king resides in the palace. We are allowed to see him once in a while, from a high balcony, though many begin to question if it is truly him or an illusion.” Ru became uncomfortable. “He does not look well, Majesty.”

Ethan returned his attention to Luric just as Azule crossed the room to join them. “You’ve carved out an impressive shelter here. I expect you could hole up till the end of time and never be found, if you so wished.”

“
You
found us,” Azule commented.

“Not without a great deal of guidance.”

Azule stiffened. “Yes, from the book you keep referring to. Apparently we’ve been chosen by the king.”

“You resent that. Does your loyalty to your guild supersede that of the king?”

“If the king’s visions are so infallible, how is it he allowed us to fall to ruin in the first place?”

“His magic is impressive, but not infallible. None of ours is. And I won’t lie, there is no guarantee we will succeed.”

Azule and Luric shared a look.

“But not trying is the equivalent of failure.”

When Azule frowned, unconvinced, Luric added, “Is this all there is to be, brother? A life in a hole, cut off from the world? This isn’t living. This is hibernation. It’s cowardly.”

Azule narrowed his eyes. “It’s survival. Could you so easily lead our people to their demise?”

“If you’d merely ask them, you’d find many are willing to go.”

Azule let out a frustrated sound.

Ethan interrupted before the sibling dispute drew the attention of the room. “We have others coming to our aid. The dragons, for one.” After he detailed the full list of allies, Azule fell into disquiet.

“A battle the size of which you speak could destroy our planet. There could be nothing left to claim.”

“What is there to claim now?” Luric countered.

“Enough, Luric. We will speak of this in private.”

“Don’t stop on my account,” Ethan replied. “I’m so rarely on the outside of an argument these days.”

* * *

Sonya flicked a small beetle from her shoulder, sending it careening through the air. It thunked against the base of a tree before dropping to the ground. “Gods, I miss space.”

“But isn’t it so beautiful here?” Anya practically sang. Her exuberance had yet to wane. Sonya smiled as she watched Anya examine every leaf and flower within the bounds of the cloaking spell, circling the ship again and again. 

Being back on one’s home must be amazing, Sonya mused, slightly forlorn. As it was something she would never experience for herself, Sonya tried to ride Anya’s happy wave. But she couldn’t keep from feeling wary of this place, so bright and colorful…wild.

A foreign, high-pitched sound from the forest’s shroud set her on edge. It echoed for a moment before dying out. Something on the opposite side of the ship returned the call.

Yet even though this world was new to her, she was already developing a strong protectiveness over it. She could practically smell the Kayadon’s stench invading every surface, attempting to lay claim, and she itched for action.

Sebastian emerged from the ship, his eyes seeking until they fell upon Anya. He smiled as he approached. “What are my two favorite ladies up to? Keeping the mischief to a minimum, I hope.”

Anya rolled her eyes. “I’ve not stepped outside the lines, if that’s what you’re asking.”

Anya was proving to be overly curious with her home world, having been too young when she’d left it to remember much. Sebastian had ordered Sonya to watch over her while she explored, emphasizing that she was not to leave the witch’s protective boundary.

Sonya had amused herself, teasing Anya by jumping back and forth across the line. Her fun hadn’t lasted long. She found it bothersome when the ship just up and vanished from sight, and Anya along with it.

“Are the dragons close?” Sonya asked Sebastian.

“They should be here any day now. Your acquisition of Ivan has proved valuable. His fleet, too, will arrive within days. The only problem is Portia does not think she will be able to conceal them all. Said she was working on some kind of portal that will allow her to speak with her people about providing assistance.” Sebastian shivered. “Merely walking past her compartment unnerves me. As if the very air is altered by her sorcery. But if she can persuade them, their help would be invaluable.”

“Sounds like everything is coming together,” Sonya observed.

Sebastian nodded and then scanned the area. “Where are the others?”

“Ethan and Zoey are going over the book to see if they missed anything,” Sonya replied.

Anya added, “Marik and Nadua are hunting for game. Marik wants to put together a large meal to celebrate our achievements. And Cale and Kyra have gone off to work on Kyra’s magic.”

Sonya didn’t know much about Kyra’s magic, only that it could be destructive when out of control. “She’d better get a handle on it fast.”

* * *

The fire roared under Marik’s catch: a great beast that, according to Nadua, had been served at every royal function. Marik had been so elated by the prospect of fresh meat that he had insisted on cooking it on a spit, just outside the ship. He’d motioned to the forest, saying, “We cannot waste such glorious scenery.”

The first sun was low in the sky, threatening to set in a matter of hours. It looked as though Sebastian might protest, but then Anya had bounced with excitement, giving him a look that Sonya knew he could never resist.

After that, Sonya had recruited Sebastian and Rex to help her retrieve a decent array of refreshments from her bar, while Ethan, accompanied by Ivan and his crew, had set off to invite the Faieara guild. They’d returned with only a few as the meal was nearly ready. Azule and his brother greeted them respectfully. Two others whom Sonya did not recognize from the previous meeting followed behind. When Siella came into view, Sonya bit her tongue, determined to keep her residual anger to herself.

No doubt sensing her struggle, Ethan eased up behind her, clasping his arms around her torso. She leaned into him, loving that his gift could so easily tell him what she needed.

Ivan grumbled, “
Lun feist
, you ever tire of this one, you just let me know. I may just be able to quench that fire.”

Sonya gave him a rueful smile. “You couldn’t handle me.”

Ethan laughed. “Might be amusing to watch him try. Ivan’s ego could use a swift kick in the balls.”

She turned in his arms. “Are you suggesting I’ve kicked your ego in the balls?”

“Repeatedly.” Ethan’s grin widened. “And with relish, I imagine.”

She stifled a guilty expression. “Well, you continued to ask for it.”

“I’ll be sure to evaluate my requests in the future.”

“Ugh, tell me you are not about to let him kiss you,
lun feist
. And with me standing right here?”

Ethan tightened his grip around her. “Go flirt with someone else’s female.”

“Do you send me to my death to cull the competition?”

“Merely to silence you.”

“I’m not one for suicide. These demons hold the same fire as she, but none as sweet. For hers, I would die.”

When it looked as though Ethan was losing patience with his friend, Sonya angled his face toward her and brought her lips against his. He offered a soft groan of approval before deepening the kiss.

Ivan grunted out a sound of protest, though his words were droll. “Cannot watch this betrayal. My heart weeps,
lun feist
.”

It was possible he left then, but Sonya was too immersed in Ethan that she didn’t care either way.

Vaguely, she mused that it should have been strange to be kissing Ethan with Sebastian, or even Marik, so close, but nothing felt more natural. And the other’s disregarded them as though they’d been openly affectionate from the start.

It was only when Marik called out that the food was ready that they pulled apart. One glance at Ethan’s heated expression told her he wasn’t hungry for food. As a debate raged in her mind, Ethan smirked.

“Mind your balls,” she warned as she dragged him toward the fire.

His responding frown made her laugh.

Chapter 33

Sebastian burst into the room, rousing Sonya and Ethan from a dead slumber. Her first instinct was to protect Ethan, and tendrils of the Edge began to creep through her.

Ethan displayed a more rational presence of mind. “What’s wrong?” he asked Sebastian.

“Cale and Kyra have gone missing. Get dressed and meet us outside.” Then he left as quickly as he’d entered.

Sonya cursed as she scrambled for her clothes. Moments later, she and Ethan joined the others outside. As she disembarked, she overheard Aidan speaking with Sebastian, Marik, Rex, and Tristan near the ramp. “The dragons are nearly here. And many others are just behind them. Without the Serakian to shield their crafts, the Kayadon will see them coming too far in advance.”

“I’ve sent Zoey to retrieve Portia,” Sebastian replied coolly. “She will have to do what she can without her kin.”

Farther into the field, Nadua consoled Anya, both of them looking sick with worry.

“Where were they last seen?” Sonya asked.

Anya raised her hand. “They told me Ru had directed them to a secluded area yesterday where Kyra could practice her magic far from the ship. That was the last I had seen of them. I assumed they had returned, and I had just missed seeing them.” Guilt riddled her voice.

“Then we should begin with Ru,” Sebastian replied, placing a reassuring palm on his mate’s shoulder.

Anya lifted her head. “It’s possible the day became late, and they stayed the night at the guild.” She finished with a tight smile.

“Let us hope so,” he said.

Zoey rushed from the ship, gasping as though she’d run the entire length. “Sebastian,” she called. “Portia is…well, I don’t know how to explain it exactly. Her room is like a black hole or something. I don’t know what to make of it.”