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“Yes. They’re what kept Atlantis safe for thousands of years after my people arrived here. The crystals cloaked Atlantis beneath an impenetrable shield that concealed the island from the outside world. The shield kept the realm safe from any curious visitor or attack.”
Jenna’s brows rose. “You’re talking about an actual force field around Atlantis?”
“To simplify the concept, yes.”
“And then Atlantis lost two of the crystals,” she replied. “It weakened the shield.”
Zael nodded. “Selene was betrayed by her consort—a human. He stole two of the crystals and gave them to your ancestors,” he said, looking at Lucan. “For a population of Atlantis’s size at that time, the three remaining crystals weren’t enough to hold the shield in place.”
Lucan studied the crystal that still glowed and pulsed in Zael’s hands. “That’s how the Ancients were able to launch their attack.”
“And then they used them to power their bombs,” Jenna added. “I’ve seen it in the Ancient’s memories. They created a beam of light that ignited the explosion in the ocean off Atlantis’s shore. Then the tsunami swept in and destroyed everything in its path.”
Zael hadn’t know the specifics of the Ancients’ assault on the realm, but he had guessed at something like Jenna described.
Lucan’s gaze came back to meet Zael’s. “And you’re certain Selene won’t risk weakening her shield now to use her crystal against anyone?”
“She’d be a fool to try. And Selene is no fool.”
“I sure as hell hope you’re right.”
So did Zael, although he kept that hope to himself.
Because if Selene’s need for vengeance should eventually overrule her logic and reason, everyone on this planet would be doomed.
CHAPTER 9
Brynne returned to her suite next to the library, her mind spinning from all she had learned over breakfast with Tavia and the other women.
The investigator in her had been fascinated by the facts of Jordana’s incredible origins. She’d listened raptly over a plate of crepes and fresh fruit as the pale blonde beauty had described the events surrounding her father’s efforts to safeguard his infant daughter.
Not to mention the powerful crystal he’d taken from the Atlantean realm.
Cassianus had gone to extraordinary lengths to keep both of his treasures from falling back into Selene’s hands.
Then there was Zael. From the way Jordana told the story, he had been ready to sacrifice anything for her safety too.
As professionally intrigued as Brynne had been about the details concerning the Atlanteans, their dangerous queen, and the powerful crystals at the center of so much bloodshed and strife, the woman in Brynne was equally fascinated by the deepening paradox that was Zael.
She couldn’t help thinking that perhaps she’d judged him too hastily, and too harshly.
That had long been one of her many flaws when it came to dealing with anyone—and not something she found easy to change. After all, she’d found out a long time ago that life was a hell of a lot easier to survive when it was lived in basic black or white. Things were either right or wrong, good or bad.
The people around her were either on her side or against her.
Friend or enemy.
With Zael, her old methods didn’t seem to hold up. Everything about the male shook the firm foundation she’d constructed for herself. He seemed to understand that too. Even worse, he seemed to enjoy knocking her off kilter, making her question herself. Making her squirm.
Lord knew he did that all too well.
She thought she’d had him pegged, but he kept proving her wrong. Now that she was forced to look at him in the flattering light of Jordana’s praise and affection, Brynne didn’t know what to think about Zael.
