Broken

worry.”

“Kira, tell me what?”

This time Luka answered. “The Royals that attacked her were the same ones outside Ussay’s cottage. They have her scent and were hunting her.”

“And you knew this? How could you keep this from me, Luka? I thought they were rogue hunters who smelled her blood, that they were long gone. I never would have let her go to the cemetery alone.”

“If you remember correctly, you were unable to be near her at the time.”

He looked into Kira’s eyes. The darkness of them made it more difficult to read, but he still sensed she kept something from him. “What else?”

“Tell him the rest,” she said to Luka. “I won’t have any more secrets between us.”

Octavion glared at Luka.

“The man Kira killed in the canyon-the one that attacked Cade-it seems he was a prince.”

“What?” Octavion felt the muscles in his back swell and his eyes burn. If what he said was true, they were in trouble. “Which kingdom?”

“I’m not sure,” Luka said. “I have enquired, but as of this morning, heard nothing.”

“Shandira’s prince,” Kira whispered. “It’s why she’s so mad at me and why. . she did this.” She pointed to her bandaged arm.

The rage he felt for his older sister and the Darkords suddenly channeled in a different direction. How could he leave her alone now? He stood and walked to the window. The twin crescent moons reflected enough light on the lake that white caps could be seen cresting the waves. It would storm tonight.

“Luka, you will have to stay.”

“We have already discussed this cousin. I am going with or without you. This is my doing and I will. .”

“Luka!” Octavion roared. He turned and stepped closer to his cousin. He felt his inner beast rising to the surface. “Perhaps you did not understand my order. I am prince. You will stay and protect Kira. Do you understand?”

Luka straightened and slammed his fist onto his chest. “As you wish, Prince Octavion.” His sarcasm only made Octavion angrier.

“Leave us,” Octavion ordered.

Luka glared at him one last time and disappeared.

Kira had taken her position under the covers again-her knees drawn up-only this time she faced him. “You’re still going?” She’d gone back into her shell. Her frail voice barely audible.

Octavion’s heart sank. “Kira, please do not deny me this. I will only be gone a day or two, no more.”

She didn’t respond, just closed her eyes and pulled the covers closer to her.

“I have waited so long to vent this rage I fear I may take it out on someone else. You of all people know what I am capable of. Who do you suggest I hurt next? Arela?”

When she said nothing, he walked to the door, but stopped short of opening it. “I love you.” His heart beat rapidly in his chest, threatening to break through. He wanted to turn back and hold her like he always had, but he knew the beast inside him needed to be released and he couldn’t do it here. He reached for the door and pulled it open.

“Octavion?” she whispered.

He swallowed hard. “Yes, my love.”

A long moment of silence passed between them.

“I don’t want to go home. Please come back. . safe.”

Octavion’s heart clenched. “They will never hurt you again. You have my word.” Then he left the room.

When he got to the bottom of the stairs, Luka waited. He leaned against the railing with his arms folded, a smirk on his face.

“Did giving me an order make you feel better?” Luka asked.

Octavion snarled at him. “You are not going.”

“There is a snag in your little plan, cousin. You forget I also answer to a higher authority. I told Mother what you said and she spoke to your father. The king. You remember him.” He pushed away from the railing and adjusted his weapons. “He said if it displeased you, he could make it a Royal decree. I am going.”

“And who did my father say would protect the castle and keep Kira safe?”

“I believe he said something about you being arrogant and then he mumbled something else about him protecting the castle for the past two years and perhaps he should tan your hide like when you were a child. Shall I go on?”

“Did he happen to mention the fact that you and your brother were here as well, or did he choose to leave that part out?” He and his father obviously didn’t agree when it came to Kira, especially on the matter of her safety. “And as long as we are discussing the safety of the woman I love.” He transformed instantly, grabbed Luka by the throat and pressed his back against the rail. “You ever keep something like that from me again and I will rip your heart out. Am I understood?”

An instant later, Luka had transformed as well. He ripped Octavion from the step and tossed him against the wooden door. Luka went at him with all his force and Octavion let him. Luka took him to the floor and pinned him there, but only long enough to express his opinion. “You dare talk about keeping secrets? Perhaps Kira should know everything.”

Octavion pushed him off and they were suddenly at each other’s throats, both giving and taking blows. “How dare you question my oath to my father?” Octavion roared. He picked Luka up and tossed him effortlessly. He slid across the floor, slamming his back against one of the wall.

Luka let out a cry, then came up fighting. “I gave no oath. If you do not tell her-I will.”

They were both hunched over, ready to attack-nostrils flared, upper lips exposing their feline teeth, claws at the ready-until Mara interrupted their thoughts.

Enough! she screamed into their heads. You have woken Arela. Have we not endured enough for one day?

Octavion turned away and tried to calm his rage and Luka did the same. Forgive me, Mara. Please tell Arela we are finished fighting. He took in a deep breath and let it clear his head. Mara was right. This wasn’t the time or the place. They had enemies waiting to receive their vengeance.

Please be careful. Send word when you can.

They would have to stay silent and she knew that. Shandira’s gift of slipping into other’s thought conversations was dangerous and they didn’t want her to know they were coming. You will know when it’s over, he reassured.

“Octavion,” Luka said. “It may help to know my father will return in a day or so. He will be able to protect Kira.”

“Then perhaps we should be on our way,” Octavion said.

Luka smiled and raised a brow. “Shall I be at your side then?”

“I would be honored.”

Chapter Twenty One

It had been nine days since Octavion and Luka stepped into Kira’s world and there had been no sign of their safety or return. Mara refused to let anyone try to reach them through their thoughts in fear of distracting them in battle. One moment of hesitation could cause them to be injured or killed. Kira’s fears and imagination produced images in her mind far too horrifying to leave any hope of them returning at all. She knew what Cael and Zerek were capable of, and with Shandira’s sadistic heart feeding their rage, there would be no mercy.

As the constant pain in Kira’s abdomen faded away, the burning sensation in her heart increased-as if infection had set into it. Day by day it grew until her entire chest felt as though it might burst. Sometimes she struggled to breathe against the weight of it.

Over the days and hours of waiting, Kira managed to push everyone away, even Ussay. Her kind-hearted