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She studied his posture, which was solid and imposing, and his movements controlled yet purposeful.
He leaned in, pushing his cowl from his head to reveal his smouldering eyes, silver locks and glowing lodestone.
The latter flashed, and Sana’a again experienced a hit of energy. Fokkinhellrain, why did he have this effect on her?
‘You could be anywhere in Pegasi, shikari. If I remember well, the fighting halls of East Iccythria offer much more pay than we do in Katáne. So I’ll ask you again, what is keeping you here?’
She sat on the edge of her chair, buying time to think. She could only put him off for so long, so she shared some of the truth. ‘Not you, that’s for certain. My interest in blading you is long past. I seek someone else.’
‘Who?’ he pressed.
A scent emanated from him, a musky tang around him, like spice and adrenaline. It hinted at the potential for violence and the physical strength he possessed.
She gave him a lengthy look. ‘Your aunt.’
‘Which one?’
‘Kalila.’
This time, he cocked his head, studying her for a beat. ‘She betrayed someone close to you.’
‘Her greed thrust an entire people into damnation.’
His brow rose as his lodestone flashed. ‘Your people?’
Sana’a hissed under her breath, then surprised herself by speaking more truth. ‘Naam. We are the Shotelai, one of the first peoples of the Rimlands. Our world, The Seven Wonders of Shotel, existed on the edge of the Omegaverse and Pegasi galaxies. Famed for its pale rocky surfaces and covered in ivory, crystalline vegetation. It was paradise until a few years ago, when our King, my father, was tortured and murdered, sending the empire into a tailspin. It’s men, women, children and warriors scattered. The mighty Shotelai city, made of glass, steel and white stone, is now a rubble of broken and twisted SHärds and metal pinions. Scarred by fire and torn apart by giant talons.’
‘Why?’
She snarled. The air hummed with her energy, a low rumble of thunder beneath a stormy sky.
‘Because Ga’wa Isato, the Drákon Queen of Isato, Tsu Zatan, monarch over the Amlak Moon Kingdom, and the Kíríga and Kíntí of the Katánian Empire willed it.’
She didn’t offer any further context. Instead, she turned her face from his, unable to handle any more agonising memories and the softened concern that appeared on his rugged face.
Damn him and his bearded, long-haired, wild, fokk-able presence.
‘I have deepest sympathies for the evil they wrought on your world,’ he rasped. ‘I’m aware of how terrible that tragedy was. I also had no idea Kalila was involved.’
His rich voice jolted her, sending her senses into overdrive.
She met his eyes, and their sincerity radiated outwards, vibrating to her seat. The space around him crackled with energy, carrying the scent of ozone and power.
Still, she refused to be seduced by it. ‘I met your aunt. Diabolical doesn’t even begin to describe the essence she discharged. Do people sin on purpose so that they can go to hell and escape her?’
‘Perhaps the only way to break free of her is to throw your blades at her.’
‘Not perhaps. It’s more than certain I will do so. I’ve an oath to fulfil, and I will complete it.’
He twisted his lips. ‘Have at it.’
Sana’a’s brow rose. ‘You approve?’
He gave her a sharp, piercing look.
It cut through her, hinting something more dangerous lurking beneath the surface.
‘At the right moment,’ he rasped, ‘you may do me a favour by keeping her out of my way. But I urge discretion.’
