Heir of Fury

Chapter Six

Chapter SixI tracked back through the dark passageways, guilt a heavy presence in my conscience.

Dathana lost faith in me. And I deserved that, I did. I shouldn't have earned it in the first. I was the person who brought her here, who left her no choice when her mother died–at the hands of Remo.

I passed by the recreation chamber, the sounds of vicious curses and a brawl not surprising, not even the bets or the calls of encouragement. The groans and moans from the kitchen weren't surprising either, but not as expected as the brawl. I almost paused to see who was in there, but even as the thought crossed my mind, my face flushed with embarrassment. I hurried on, passed a few chambers better furnished than the caveman style of mine, passed the sound of snoring and laughter and into the heart of the underground lair: Remo's vast library. Well, it wasn't a vast library, but there was a large bookcase against an entire stone wall, filled with ancient books and scrolls and tomes in various languages–English and Latin and Arabic and Hebrew and other dialects never spoken Earth-side. Against the left wall was a long, oval, flat-surfaced rock that doubled as Remo's desk and armoire, made of a black and red rock I'd seen near a volcano in the Beliere planet, Dathana's homeland. It was behind the desk-like stone opposite the entrance that Remo conducted his researches and made notes of the runes and sigils he bastardized, where he stored his stash of herbs and roots and forbidden relics.

Against the third wall and opposite the desk was Remo's throne-like chair, also made of the stone that same hew of black and red, gleaming eerily against the light of the torches ensconced on the walls.

Today Remo wasn't behind his desk, but on his throne, conducting his kingly duties. Three agents stood near Remo's throne-chair, about a foot away from the invisible barrier protecting Remo's inner sanctum from intruders.

My steps faltered when I recognized Remo's guests.

No one noticed my hesitation, no one noticed my entrance. No one, except Remo. And Thiago, a shifter who'd made the mistake of challenging Angelina last month. His death hadn't been quick or painless, and his transition had made Remo happy, so happy he rewarded his bravery with a second sphere. Not that Thiago was in there to enjoy the power boost, no, after the transition, all that was left of Thiago was his name and body. The reward was for the other agent's benefits, to encourage others to take more risks. The faster the implanted person died, the faster the sphere took over.

Beside Thiago was Aegeus, an annoying earth mage who propositioned me a month ago in the kitchen. He'd come out barely rumpled, with only a broken wrist when he'd tried to cop a feel.

Standing beside Aegeus was none other than Angelina Hawthorn, and their combined presence told me they were discussing something big. I could have deducted that by Angelina's presence alone, considering she was his number one lieutenant.

I crossed the vast space with indifference, my booted feet whispering softly against the stone floor.

Thiago watched my progress with his eyes only, his arms crossed over his chest as Angelina explained something about lost merchandise.

Ooh, someone was in hot water.

She finished by pointing a clawed nail back toward the dark, and it was then I spotted the figure hunched against the corner. Erik Blair, the were-rat I'd helped transition when he'd come after me a few months ago. By his submissive posture I could tell he was guilty of whatever Angelina was accusing. Or afraid to defy her. Either could be. Angelina's reputation was legendary.

Posture ramrod straight, I moved passed the group, crossing through the viscous, protective barrier without flinching.

Anyone else who tried to cross got stuck unconscious against the ward until Remo came along, but so far no one had dared try. At least, not while I'd been around.

I stopped about three feet away from Remo and bowed my head.

“Master,” I murmured. “I'm ready to go.”

Remo waved a tiny hand. “Be back in three weeks with my merchandise.”

I bowed lower and turned to leave.

When I was about to cross through the barrier again, Angelina stepped in front of me and blocked my path. The smell of gardenias wafted over, but I said nothing, gave no indication I recognized her scent.

“Where's she going?” she demanded of Remo.

“To bring me what you've been failing to do,” he replied in his nasal rumble.

Angelina huffed. “You know she'll betray you at the first chance she gets, don't you? She'll spill all your secrets, give away all you have taught her.”

And that's exactly what he wants. Remo said nothing.

It was good to know he was keeping Angelina in the dark. Just like he kept everyone else, a good strategy against mutiny.

Remo had no friends. No equal. Only servants and loyal subjects. Such a lonely existence. The pang of sympathy was unwelcome, and I shoved it away.

“She's a liability,” Angelina continued. “Send her to Earth and she's also your enemy.”

“No more than all of you are, ma fleur. You would sell me in a blink if the price was the right one.”

I considered that permission to go and sidestepped Angelina. I thought Thiago would block me next, but he only followed me with his cold brown eyes. Neither Aegeus nor Eric said anything, nor watched me go.