Page 32 of Dark Rebel's Reckoning

"Yes." Kyra managed a smile. "It has always guided me. I know that sounds strange, and I don't want you to think that your mother is a nut, but this stone is special."

"I don't think you are crazy." Jasmine smiled. "The object itself might have no power on its own, but it might help you channel yours. I used a scrying stick that I made myself to find Ell-rom. Also, I still use the tarot cards you left me. I relied on them for guidance many times."

Kyra's heart leaped at that. "I left you tarot cards?"

"You did, and I put them to good use. I wish I'd had the foresight to bring them with me, but I left them in the village. If you'd like, I can bring them tomorrow, and we can do a reading together."

The tears Kyra had been holding back so valiantly and for so long finally spilled over. "I hate not remembering any of this."

Jasmine wrapped her arms around her shoulders. "Maybe the cards will jog your memory. Did you ever own another deck?"

Kyra shook her head.

"Awesome. I wonder if your hands retained the muscle memory of doing a spread."

Jasmine sounded light and upbeat, and Kyra knew that she was trying to cheer her up. It was working, and thinking about the tarot had managed to distract her from her sudden onset of claustrophobia.

Finally, the bus reached the lowest level, slowing to a stop before a large metal gate. As it began to slide open, Kyra caught sight of a solitary figure waiting on the other side—a tall, incredibly handsome man with an air of authority. He was impeccably dressed in a tailored charcoal suit.

"This is Kian," Syssi said, rising to her feet.

So, this was the clan leader. The man who had authorized the rescue mission, who had sent warriors halfway around the world based on his mate's visions.

The bus doors opened, and he climbed in, looking even more strikingly handsome up close, with an ageless beauty that marked him as a demigod.

"Welcome home," he said. "I would like to first thank the returning warriors who are heading to the village after this short stop. You've done an amazing job, and now that I know what you can do, be ready for more missions."

A rumble of voices sounded from the back of the bus where the Kra-ell sat.

Syssi moved to stand beside him, her hand slipping naturally into his. "Let me introduce you to our guests," she said as she walked him over to where Kyra was sitting with Jasmine. "Kian, this is Kyra. Kyra, this is Kian, my mate and the head of the local arm of the clan."

Kyra rose to her feet and extended her hand, meeting his steady gaze. "I owe you more than I can ever repay. Thank you for rescuing me and bringing me back to my daughter."

Kian's handshake was firm, his eyes measuring as they assessed her. "You're welcome, and I'm sure you'll find a way to repay the favor. We are one big family here, and we take care of each other."

There was an underlying tension in him, something carefully controlled beneath the surface—the mark of someone who had agreat responsibility resting on his shoulders. Lives depended on him.

She understood that.

"And this is Fenella," Syssi motioned to the woman. "Max's friend from Scotland."

Fenella stood and offered Kian her hand. "Thank you for the rescue and a place to stay."

"You're welcome." He shook her offered hand.

"These are Arezoo, Donya, Laleh, and Azadeh," Syssi said softly as if not to spook them. "They have the earpieces that William sent for them, so they can understand what is being said."

No one had told the four girls that they were surrounded by immortals, but they had seen the Kra-ell warriors, and it was difficult not to notice how alien they looked. Kyra had also forgotten that she'd introduced Jasmine as her sister and was now referring to her as her daughter. The girls must have picked up on that.

"Welcome," Kian said simply. "You don't need to worry about a thing. We will keep you safe."

The youngest girl, Laleh, actually smiled in response, while Arezoo, the eldest, gave a cautious nod and murmured her thanks.

"You'll have privacy, security, and whatever assistance you require. Our doctor will visit later today to assess your health and whether you need any treatment."

22

MAX

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