Page 59 of Claimed By the Alien Barbarian

Biroon’s gaze dropped, and he started shuffling to the right, eager to leave us. Eradon slunk after him, and the two males soon hurried down the path leading to the dining area, not looking backward.

“He did it.” Vair spit on the ground. “I didn’t need to see it happen to know he’s responsible. He hated her.”

“I didn’t,” I said softly. “I cared for her as much as I could.”

A snarl ripped up Vair’s throat. “She deserved much more than you.”

“I agree, but our mating was not my decision.”

“Your damn grandfather forced it. Then she ends up stabbed on an isolated trail with no one there to help her. She lay there too long, and . . .” His eyes widened.

“Are you saying you have more information about her murder?” Kerry jumped on the latter part of his statement. “You must if you know she laid there too long.”

His eyes widening with panic, he sidled to his left. “No one saw it happen.” His eyes darted to me. “Buthedid it. We all know that.”

“Then you’re lying.” Kerry’s snort rang out. “All of you are lying. Honestly, this makes you look guilty. Maybeyoumurdered Weela.”

His hands flew up, and he tripped as he scooted onto the path leading toward the eastern side of the island. “I did no such thing. She was my sister!”

“Can anyone verify that you weren’t in the right place at the right time to murder her?” Kerry called out to him, her head tilting. “Do you have an alibi?”

“I was fishing,” he cried.

Her huff rang out. “Alone and with no witnesses to say you weren’t on the trail behind her?” She shook her head slowly. “Nevarn, we should tell Firion that Vair may have murdered Weela. He has no alibi, and it appears he has motive.”

“What motive?” Vair barked, jarring his back against a stone building.

“You were eager to accuse Nevarn.”

“That means nothing!” Vair spun and raced down the path, darting around a family coming in our direction. Pausing, they stared after him before easing around us and continuing toward the dining area.

“I don’t believe he did it,” I said softly. “Though I appreciate your defense.”

“Maybe I shouldn’t have accused him like that.” Her hands tightened to fists at her sides, and she gazed up at me, her face flushed with irritation. “I couldn’t stand by and let him snarl at you for something you didn’t do.”

“We’ll find out who did it. This I swear.”

“We will, and we’ll make them pay.”

Chapter 30

Kerry

We entered the dining area that had to be at least fifty feet across and paused. While Nevarn nodded at a few people looking our way, I glanced around at the long stone tables set up in rows with stone benches on either side. Zuldruxians sat, eating from platters and plates. I only saw a few females, but Nevarn said most had died. How sad for these people.

A few Zuldruxians studied me and then Nevarn, but only one of them smiled. The others either scowled or returned to their conversations as if we didn’t exist.

I hadn’t expected a warm welcome, but it was disappointing that a lot weren’t happy to see Nevarn. I wished more had supported him three years ago.

The roof arched above us in a circle, like a dome, the center peaking at about twenty feet. Milky glass covered the ceiling, and dim sunlight filtered through the enormous panels, a few bands of light dancing on the dark gray stone tile floor.

I didn’t expect to find coffee or tea, let alone pancakes or muffins here, and I was curious to see what Zuldruxians ate. I’d enjoyed the food the gods prepared for us last night, and I was sure I’d like what I was provided today.

“Will the gods serve us?” I asked, not seeing a counter with people behind it dishing up food cafeteria-style. Would our meals appear on the table after we sat?

“Yes, they will.” He led me over to a polished stone surface mounted against the back wall at waist height, about five feet long and two feet wide. Granite? I wasn’t the best at identifying rocks, but the deep blue color flecked with gold reminded me of granite countertops I’d seen on display at the local hardware store and in friend’s homes.

“It’s pretty,” I said when we stopped in front of it. I ran my palm across the polished surface, and warmth throbbing from deep within the stone, sinking into my hand. I jerked it back. “Oh, it’s hot.”

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