Playing With Fire (Power of Four Book 2) (35 page)

Hadrian cursed Neriah under his breath again. He had given the last legacy to the youngest Adams. Why him? Why couldn’t it have been anyone else? Hadrian rubbed at his eyes, breathing out a difficult sigh, before looking over at Kyran. He hadn’t said a word since pulling out of the fight. Hadrian had known the battle was over, the minute he saw Neriah give the Adams boy his legacy. Distracted by them, Kyran’s defence had fallen and the fire he had been feeding to keep the Hunters back went out like a candle in the wind. They’d had no choice but to retreat.

Hadrian pulled in a breath. “Kyran?” he called.

Kyran didn’t move.

Hadrian walked towards him. “This is all Neriah’s doing,” he said. “He found a way to mess with me, even with his dying breath!”

Kyran dipped his head, but didn’t turn around.

Hadrian came to stand behind him. “You know we have no other choice,” he said. “We’ve come too far to give up now. I
need
that legacy. I must have the power of all four elements if I’m to rule the realm as the only leader.” He put his hand on Kyran’s shoulder. “I know you’ve vowed your obedience to my command,” he said, “but I’m not going to say anything to you. I can only imagine how difficult this must be.” His grip tightened. “But you do understand what has to happen, don’t you?”

Very slowly, Kyran nodded. He lifted his head, fierce green eyes stared ahead.

“Aaron Adams,” Kyran said, with a steeled voice, “has to die.”

Look out for Book Three,
Thicker Than Water
, in the Power of Four series by SF Mazhar.