Page 84 of Dark Shadow of Guilt

The rebel slumped further into his chair, looking disinterested. “Why should I care about this human or Praevus or Ike or Serita? And no, I don’t make Scourges.”

“I’m not sure why you should care, but you were on our talk-to list.”

“Hmm. Who put me there?”

Ohngel widened his stance. “The OneCreator and Michael. Along the same lines, can you extinct Immortals?”

“I don’t do that either.”

“Did you feel the earthquake the other day?” When he asked the question, Dom watched Lucian’s reaction closely.

Now the guy looked interested. He sat straighter, both boots on the ground. “Impossible.”

“It happened.” Dom added, “And the OneCreator coughed like he had allergies or a cold.”

Luce shrugged one shoulder. “Dust in the air.”

Dom said, “Not a speck. He’s had a headache, too.”

“Impossible.”

“You keep using theimword, but these things happened,” said Dom.

Luce took his time. He glanced at his backup Scourges. He took in his encampment. His gaze even focused on the sky, which was turning dark, clouds rolling in. “Michael?”

“Meeting him later.” Dom cocked an ankle over his opposite knee. “Can you find Praevus? Or Serita?”

Lucian glanced at the Scourges around him. They all shook their heads. He pointed to a Blood Leech. “Ask around camp.”

The guy lit out as if his feet were on fire.

“I’m not involved in any of these matters. I’m keeping a low profile so I can return to Vast.”

“Do you still have ambitions for the OC’s job?” asked Remi.

Luce grinned, resuming his slouch in the chair. “I have no ambition. I want to fuck goddesses in Vast, fish in the Lakelands there, and watch the sunset.”

A female Scourge, who was leaning against his arm, said, “What?”

“Sorry, love. And fuck Scourges. No slight intended.”

“Why set up an encampment surrounded by the malady-stricken?” asked Ely.

“These people were all looking for a peaceful, safe place to lay their heads between trips to the Ordeals. They obey my rules. In exchange, I offer them a home.”

“Why the camouflage?” asked Dom.

“We’ve had a few Scourge flyovers. The visitors weren’t very nice. The camo helps keep them out.”

“You’re not gathering an army?”

“No, Dominion.”

“What’s your malady, Luce? Are you Blood Leech?”

He grinned with his lips closed. “My curious black-winged assassin, I like to be enigmatic. It adds to my mystique.”

Ely palmed the hilt of a blade in his holster. “I don’t like it. The camp has a military vibe to it.”

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