Page 47 of The Syphon King

“They’re pretty devastated over it, Brother.”

He looked at him. “Over what?”

“Vex had to kill you to stop you.”

Panic seized him and he fought to get to the door. “Where is he? I need to see him.”

“He’s on his way. They brought you back, but you didn’t wake up for a bit.”

“A bit?”

He eyed him, putting a hand on his shoulder. “You’ve been out for a day.”

“Zeen,” he whispered, his panic growing. “I need to see her.”

“She’s fine but understrict surveillance.”

“What does she know?” he demanded when Lore entered the room.

He paused then stopped before him. “We didn’t tell her, but I think we should.”

“No, she can’t know!”

“Try to stay calm brother till we run more tests.”

“She canneverthink I would do this for the wrong reasons.”

“She blames herself,” Seer said.

“And isn’t that enough?” Zodak demanded. “I will surely continue to take this darkness from her. These risks aremineto take.” He looked at Lore. “How are her scans?”

“No sign of dark energy.”

He considered that, remembering. “I’ll only know when I do it again.” He paced on numb legs. “I need to see her.”

“I’ll get her,” Seer said to Lore. “Where is she?”

“Taking care of Jinxxy in your apartment.”

“What’s wrong with Jinxxy?”

“Nothing,” Seer murmured. “I just told her she’s probably missing her master and needs a friend till you wake.”

A dozen emotions assaulted him as he held his head. “Thank you.”

The door opened and Vex walked in, his face a mask of anger. “The man I need to thank,” Zodak said.

“You only getoneof those.”

Vex’s biting tone tickled his sensors and he looked at Lore. “Perhaps you next time. If required.”

“Negative. I prefer finding less deadly measures.

He regarded Vex. “Thank you.”

“It wasn’t free,” he assured. “You owe me.”

“My life, apparently.”

---