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He grew solemn at the mention of his fallen clan member. “Yes. It is why I knew you’d be coming to me. I saw you in her last moments. I saw what you did for her. I’m grateful for the mercy you showed her.”
“There have been more like her. Dozens more. And humans as well.”
“I am also aware of this.”
I was surprised to hear this. I knew of no other Drakán who could see things as clearly as Calista did. Julian either had much better connections across clan lines or his psychic ability rivaled Calista’s.
“And do you know about the ones who have disappeared altogether? The ones who have vanished from the Earth Realm completely?”
I paced back and forth in front of the chaise, my agitation growing the more I learned about Julian. He lounged lazily, waiting for me to come to my own conclusions.
“Of course you know,” I said. “You seem to know everything. Were you alive during the slaughter of my family? When Niklos was betrayed?”
“Yes, but I was just a boy,” he said. “My father got great enjoyment out of defeating Niklos because of his stupidity.”
“Because he trusted his mate?” I asked.
“Because he trusted anyone. Especially with clan secrets.”
I was disturbed by his answer, though I didn’t know why. “Then you are aware that Niklos was killed because of the other warriors’ ability to travel through time?” I asked.
He nodded once, his eyes a little more wary.
“I’m told that you have the ability to travel. That you’re aViator. Is this true?”
He gave me a blank look and raised an eyebrow. “If you have already heard such things about me then you know the answer. At least you think you do. Now, if you’ve finished can we please get on with my part of the negotiations?”
“I’m not finished,” I growled. “If you can travel then you must realize that the disappearances of these people could be laid at your feet. The list of those who can do so is rather short.”
“Ahh, and I suppose you’ve already crossed your own father off the list of suspects. The last I checked he also had this ability.”
“Did you kill your own clansman? Are you The Destroyer?” I yelled, a billow of black smoke curling out of my mouth and nostrils. I closed my mouth in surprise. I’d never had that happen before.
“Ahh, you have such passion. Such hidden depths,” he said, inhaling the slightly sulfuric scent. “And since I told you I would answer your question, then I will tell you the answer is no. I am not the one you’re hunting. I am not The Destroyer.”
“Oh,” I said. “Of course, I’m sure the real Destroyer would tell me that as well.”
“I’m sure you’re right. I can’t prove it to you. Both of my parents were Descendents, just as the Prophecy says. But if you search harder, you’ll find there are others like me. It is rare for different clans to meet and procreate, but it does happen.”
“If you are not The Destroyer, then who is?”
“I cannot tell you.”
“Can’t or won’t?”
“I don’t know who The Destroyer is. But he is someone very powerful. Someone with Ancient blood.”
“Will you help me search for him? The Council is supposed to deliver a warrant of execution for me to kill anyone who has become involved with The Destroyer. Contact them and let them know they have your support. The warrant will come through faster.”
“No,” Julian said. His answer was definite.
“I beg your pardon? How can you just say no? The Destroyer could affect what’s left of our entire civilization. Not to mention all of these deaths are bound to draw attention to us from the humans. If he lives, then the Prophecy can never be fulfilled.”
“Do you think the Prophecy matters to me? I am king in my own right here among my people. Why would I give it up to see The Promised Child rise to power? I agree that The Destroyer must be stopped, and if I stumble across him, I will kill him simply because he dared to harm one of my own. But that is as far as I’ll go.”
“Fine. I’ll do it without you. I’ll leave first thing in the morning to go hunting.”
“No. You will stay here until I say you can leave.”
