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  The others chuckled, but Eza couldn’t stop thinking about Tajon and his hateful family.

  “I’ll call this whatever the people like as long as they support what we’re trying to do,” Sage said.

  After a quick goodbye, the two males left.

  “The boys can make trouble for Sculptor if he goes after you. Tajon needs a serious attitude adjustment, and any of us will be happy to assist you.” Sage’s habit of referring to the others as boys made Eza think she was at least middle-aged, likely even older. It took a lifetime to amass the sort of wisdom Sage possessed. It was another reason that Sage reminded Eza of her mother.

  “It’s nothing I can’t handle,” Eza assured her friend. “Like Sentinel said, the current power structure protects me. Besides, I know Tajon’s commanding officer. He might not realize it, but Malik is a friend of mine.”

  Sage nodded. “Let me contact Sorcerer. I don’t want to risk the overlord walking in on you while you’re in a trance.”

  “That’s probably wise.” Eza expelled a long sigh. “This has taken longer than I planned.”

  “Go,” Sage urged. “I’ll take care of everything.”

  Chapter Two

  Eza released the vision and returned to reality. She came out of the trance with a soft gasp and slowly opened her eyes. It took a moment for her vision to clear, which kept her focused on Sculptor’s betrayal. She’d thought/hoped her conflict with the Marr family had ended when she left Wind Rider Village. Now Tajon’s festering resentment might compromise the rebellion. What a stinking mess!

  There was nothing she could do about the conflict until she returned to the world below, so she pushed the issue to the back of her mind. She paused and verified that Kage was still in the war room. He was, but the others had left. Did that mean he was on his way to her?

  The possibility curved her lips into an automatic smile, then she shook her head. This was ridiculous. She was acting like a lovesick schoolgirl. Her lips tingled, and the memory of being cradled in Kage’s strong arms surged within her mind. She could feel the warmth of his chest pressed against her as his mouth caressed hers passionately. Though faint now, his taste lingered on her tongue, teasing her, making her hungry for another sample. He’d fed her energy, nothing more. But she knew he wanted more. It was clearly written in his eyes each time he looked at her.

  Would he finally act upon the longing? The memory clarified even more, and Eza cringed. She’d started it. She invited the inappropriate contact and participated fully in the stolen moment of intimacy. Shaking her head, she pushed to her feet. She knew better than behaving so brazenly. Now Kage would believe she wanted a physical relationship.

  Did she? Did she want the overlord as her lover?

  They met for the first time half a moon cycle ago, and she’d been trying to unravel the mystery surrounding Kage ever since. He had given her one of his rings, and she’d absorbed a staggering rush of images. Yet the information was scattered and confusing, lacking any real context. Her gift also engaged the first time she touched him. Again the images seemed random, almost intentionally manipulated to be confusing. All she knew for sure was Kage was powerful, perhaps the most powerful being she’d ever encountered. And she wanted to know more.

  As if conjured by her musings, the focus of her distraction appeared in the doorway to the bedroom. Kage must have teleported. She would have sensed him moving through the ship.

  “Welcome back.” He stood more than a head taller than she. With broad shoulders and a muscular chest, he’d easily eclipse her entire body. His grayish-green uniform hinted at the strength of his body, yet his movements were surprisingly agile. “You look much better than when I left. How do you feel?”

  Befuddled. The word echoed through her mind, but all she said was, “I’m fully restored. Thank you—again.” Embarrassment heated her cheeks. She generally had more control over her abilities than this, had worked long and hard to recognize and respect her strengths and limitations.

  “I printed a meal that’s popular with the other Sarronti currently living in the Wheel.” He stepped back and motioned to the outer room. “I figured you’d be ready for a protein-rich meal.”

  “Is it plant-based?” The Sarronti did not eat meat of any kind.

  “Of course.” His half-smile held a hint of flirtatiousness that had never been there before. Most of the Outcasts were Rodyte hybrids, so their eyes had colored phitons, rings separating the iris from the pupil. Dark and endless with no hint of phitons, Kage’s eyes gleamed in the subdued light. No one seemed to know his planet of origin or personal history. Even after the hours they’d spent alone, he was still very much an enigma. The lazy curving of his lips softened his rugged features, making him look younger than usual. She’d wondered about his age often over the past two weeks. He appeared to be a male just entering his prime, yet the wisdom in his gaze and the sheer expanse of his memories led her to believe he was older.

  Damn it. They had much to establish before she even considered flirting with this male. His position so near the doorway forced her to brush past him as she left the bedroom. She did her best not to touch him, but his scent reached her nose, igniting her senses and making her heart pound.

  “Are you hungry?” The sensual rumble in his voice hinted at a deeper meaning.

  “Ravenous,” she admitted without meeting his gaze. This was not a good start if she was going to keep things professional between them. At least until the alliance was solidified.

  Like the bedroom, the main living space was compact and orderly. A sleek couch and two matching chairs occupied one side of the room, while a table and chairs shared the other half with a small workstation. Eza sat at the round table and paused to see if Kage would join her or wander about the room as she ate. Years of caution taught her to sit with her back to the wall, especially while surrounded by uncertainty. He slipped onto the chair across from her, his gaze warm and watchful. His hair was casually styled today, resting on his forehead rather than defying gravity as it sometimes did. The sides of his head had been shaved accenting the intensity of his dark stare. She should be used to the asymmetrical arrangement by now, but she still found it odd.

  “Help yourself,” he urged. “I’ve already eaten.”

  Glancing at the food laid out on the table, she fought back a smile. He was clearly trying to please her to provide for her needs. Unfortunately, his knowledge of Sarronti culture was sorely lacking. The main dish he’d chosen was called pelestin and was not generally eaten by the upper designations. It was prepared in large batches and fed to workers, soldiers, and those incapable of bartering for better fare. At least it was one step up from the disgusting protein shakes on which many of the Niffal were forced to survive.

  “It looks wonderful,” she lied. Clearly, all the refugees thus far were from the lower designations. “How many Sarronti are currently living in the Wheel? Are all of them Niffal or have other designations fled as well?” Not wanting to offend, she filled her plate with fresh fruit and vegetables, even taking a small portion of the bland pelestin. Despite its many flaws, it was protein-rich, and she needed protein if she wanted to finish restoring her strength.

  “I’ll happily answer your questions as soon as you’ve answered a few of mine.” A bit of his polite host façade faded and the overlord shone through. “Some sort of pulse incapacitated my favorite ship and nearly cost the lives of several hundred crewmembers. Was that weapon powered by magic or technology?”

  “Both. The disruption it creates is similar to an electromagnetic field, but it is amplified and targeted by magic. How were you able to combat it? It is—or was—my brother’s favorite weapon. I’ve never seen it fail before.”

  He tensed, anger sparking within his dark gaze. “You’ve never seen it fail and yet you chose not to warn me?”

  “I knew the weapon would fail. I told you that already, but I’m still not clear how you and the ship’s commander were able to prevent the crash. What did he do to cause t
he state in which I found him?”

  “Give me schematics of that weapon, and I’ll explain exactly how it was done.” He still sounded angry.

  “I don’t have access to that sort of thing.” He didn’t respond, so she turned her attention back to the offered food. She didn’t want to argue with him, wasn’t sure what she did want.

  “I know the Sarronti have been to Earth,” Kage said after a tense pause. “You’re clearly capable of space travel, but I get the impression ships are not your primary means of transportation. Are you allowed to tell me how you visit other planets, other galaxies?”

  What she was allowed to tell him and what she was willing to share were two very different things. “The ability has become extremely rare in recent cycles, but some Sarronti can create portals that allow us to pass from one point in space to another. Is there anything else Arrista wasn’t able to tell you?” she asked with a challenging smile. “I know she switched sides a long time ago.”

  He smiled as well, seeming to relax. “Oh, I have all sorts of questions, but they can wait a bit longer. What did you ask me earlier?”

  “How many Sarronti have joined the world above?”

  “Not as many as I’d hoped to be honest with you.” The disappointment in his expression made the claim more believable. “I asked my contacts to spread the word among the lower designations that anyone who didn’t feel safe or was being abused in any way could seek refuge with us.”

  Buried memories surged to the surface as she heard his stipulation. If this opportunity had been presented to her mother, she might still be alive. And Eza wouldn’t have endured the humiliation and emotional devastation that followed her mother’s passing. “Why was your invitation only open to the Niffal? What about the midlevel designations, or even the Ayrontu? Abuse can occur for many reasons, even in the most elite houses.”

  He paused, clearly surprised by her vehement objection. “Is that what drew you to the rebel cause? I know your brother had no respect for females. Did he sometimes turn that evil on you?” When she didn’t immediately respond, he persisted. “Such behavior is often learned. Was your father equally abusive?”

  “This is not about me,” she insisted though she averted her gaze. “We’re speaking in generalities. How many of my people accepted your offer?”

  “Eleven. I expected many more.”

  “Everyone knew my brother was about to attack your settlement. They likely figured they were safer below.” Determined to appear casual and calm, she munched on her breakfast as she decided what to tell him and what to omit. If this was a diplomatic exchange, he did not need to know her specific situation. Yet she wanted to pour out her heart, to see if he’d react with compassion and protectiveness, two things sorely lacking in her life. “Now that the battle is over and Cagor is dead, you’ll be overrun with disgruntled Niffal.”

  “You say that with disdain,” he pointed out. “Do you think their discontent is unwarranted?”

  “Many aspects of Sarronti culture are demeaning and unfair. But your resources are limited, and the conflicts in my society will not be solved by a mass exit of our lower designations. Most of the Ayrontu do not acknowledge how large a part the Witernel and Niffal play in the overall operation of our villages, but without them, it would be utter chaos.”

  He poured himself a mug of linset tea, then topped off hers. She’d grown used to the odd taste during her stay, but still preferred the brews found in the world below. Everything the Outcasts ate seemed over spiced and harsh to her palate. Even the Sarronti dishes they’d attempted to recreate lacked the delicate balance only produced by culinary artisans.

  “So what do you need from me?” he asked after a moment of tense silence. “How do you see this alliance progressing.”

  She set down her fork and cleared her mouth to speak. “The next step isn’t up to us. There are two popular war chiefs. Not surprisingly, one is Ayrontu, the other Jintta. War Chief Apex is Ayrontu, War Chief Malik is Jintta.”

  “Which do you support?”

  “I can work with either.” She shrugged but wasn’t nearly as indifferent as she pretended. “Positions within the Sarronti military are gained through combat. We have no choice but to wait and see who survives the challenge.” Unless Sorcerer agreed to rig the fight, which he likely would.

  “Do they always fight to the death or just until one subdues the other?” He watched her closely, but his expressive features revealed nothing of his thoughts.

  “It depends on the combatants. Given the importance of the position, the fight will likely be to the death. It’s unwise to leave a rival alive. Too often they resort to less honorable means to secure their goals.”

  He nodded. “My predecessor was banished to another star system, but I understand the need for caution. Tell me about the two prospects. Do you know them personally or just by reputation?”

  “Apex is the second son of an ancient house. Heirs are groomed from birth for leadership, but younger sons have more freedom to pursue other interests. Apex is well respected among the elite, but common soldiers find him arrogant and self-serving.”

  A slow, half-smile rolled across Kage’s lips. “You’re the only Ayrontu I’ve met that didn’t leave me with a similar impression. Your brother and Lady Isolaund certainly qualify. Why is your attitude so different?”

  Despite her determination to keep this professional, she had a million personal questions she wanted to ask him. If she shared a few basic facts about herself, chances were better that he’d reciprocate. “My mother was unique. Even though she was Ayrontu, she was not well-liked by her peers. She was a free spirit who refused to conform to social expectations. She taught me to appreciate the value in everyone and to assist those less fortunate than myself. I’m often told that I’m very much like her.” And no one who said it meant it as a compliment.

  “Then I suspect I will like her—very much.”

  Their gazes locked and heat spread across her cheeks. Why was he able to rattle her so easily? Before she encountered this male, she couldn’t remember the last time anything made her blush. When they were together, her face was continually hot, as were other parts of her body. Hot and achy and—determined to remain focused on the alliance, she cleared her throat and blinked, disrupting the intensity of their visual connection.

  “She passed beyond eleven years ago.” Before he could respond, she digressed, “Malik represents Jintta on the Guiding Council, so I know him better than Apex.”

  “Jintta is the warrior class?”

  “It’s more nuanced than that,” she told him. “Jintta is the designation given to those who willingly endanger themselves to assist others.”

  “Ah, so firefighters, code enforcers, and first-line medical personnel would also qualify?”

  Sinking deeper into her diplomat persona, she nodded. “Correct. However, if healers, investigators or caregivers are not routinely endangered by their responsibilities, they receive the Sestaul designation rather than Jintta. It is the element of personal sacrifice that is rewarded by the higher designation.”

  “Interesting. That’s definitely not how it works in my star system.” His gaze narrowed, and his eyes gleamed. “Tell me more about Malik. Is he more war chief or diplomat?”

  A strange combination of emotions roughened his tone. Was Kage jealous? The possibility made her smile. It had been a long time since anyone cared enough about her to feel jealousy. Even so, his concern was misplaced. Malik never stirred the sort of reaction she’d felt the first time she saw Kage. “Malik is much more a warrior than a diplomat. He didn’t have the benefit of private tutors and behavioral coaches, so his directness can be abrasive.”

  “I like him already. We barbarians must stick together.”

  She arched her brow at his assertion. “You like people to think you’re a barbarian, but your speech is refined and your manners polished. I think with a different hairstyle and better clothing, you could mingle with the most elite Ayrontu lords and be ac
cepted without hesitation.”

  His expression darkened, and something dangerous sparked in the depths of his eyes. “Don’t let my manners fool you, Lady Eza. I can be very barbaric when I choose to be.”

  “Of that, I have no doubt.” A tingle raced down her spine, stirring longings she didn’t fully understand. Sarronti males, especially Ayrontu lords, were sophisticated, yet often superficial. Kage had a predatory edge that fascinated and aroused her. “Still, you were not born to a life of savagery. You have learned to be barbaric, likely through necessity.”

  “I thought we were talking about your brother’s potential replacements.” His voice became a rumbling growl, warning her not to push too far. Overlord Razel was used to asking questions, not answering them.

  She glanced away as she said, “I find you more interesting than either Malik or Apex.”

  “Do you now?” The challenge in his tone drew her gaze back to him. He’d crossed his arms over his chest, clearly suspicious of her motivation. “Then why did you deceive me?”

  “I didn’t know you, but the rumors about you seemed unlikely. No one is that evil.”

  The comment made him chuckle, but his amusement faded as quickly as it formed. “I approached you in good faith and have been nothing but honest with you.”

  “I didn’t reveal my abilities, but I have not lied to you.” She understood his annoyance, but a good part of it was pride. She’d made him look foolish in front of others, which was always a mistake when dealing with aggressive males. “You suggested the hostage exchange and I wanted more time to determine your character for myself. It seemed logical to stay.”

  His features remained tense, but a bit of the resentment faded from his stare. “So what have you decided? Am I worthy of your trust?”

  He seemed insulted by her caution, but he’d been just as guarded with her. “I’ve decided to trust you, but I don’t feel like I know you much better than I did when we first met.” She paused, searching his gaze as she added, “Who are you really?”