Page 88 of Dark Shadow of Guilt

Michael laughed. “Is the OC entertaining court with a game at your expense?”

Dom’s upper lip curved into a snarl. “We tossed that around. So, the best guess is the OneCreator is playing us. He brings a human to Angor. Gives her to Serita who gives her to Praevus. Then he extincts Ike for snitching. While everyone is rushing around trying to solve the mystery, the OC’s laughing his ass off as he amuses his court. Is that the take?”

“Simplest solution,” said Michael.

“Why do I feel the sitch is more complicated?” asked Remi. “I see the OC setting up a game. And hell, if Ike pissed him off for something else, he’d have no problem extincting him. After all, he brought the guy into OneWorld and can take him out of it. What I don’t see is his putting a human female through the horror. It’s not his style. He’s very protective of humans. The weaker species. Self-determination and all that shit he spouts.”

“So, where’s that leave us?” asked Dom.

“With a mystery whose solution is above my pay grade.” Michael’s flesh shimmered like a bright star. “Harmony may provide insight into Serita and Praevus.”

“Yeah,” said Ely. “Been there. Done that.”

Remi and Michael were right. Nothing here was simple.

Bright Boy’s stallion charged from the meadow, his head down, puffs of steam snorting from his nostrils. His goal was to knock the Bearer of Death off his feet. Macho horse.

Michael, equally macho, stood his ground, taking the hit. The steed pawed the dirt several times to save face while Bright Boy lunged onto his back. “Rumor has it Lucian is gathering followers again. If you can find him, check him out. I look forward to seeing the assassins next time. Except you, One-eye.”

“Asshole.” Dom flicked up his middle finger. “Why does everyone bring up Luce?”

His brethren shrugged.

The Bearer of Death swept out his white wings while his stallion shot out his own, snorted, and pranced, anxious to be gone. They took off, their strokes in unison.

The Feard trailed Michael off the ground, taking to the air but flying in the other direction.

Chapter Twenty-Five

Angor, OneWorld

Dom didn’t return home after the meet in Serenity Valley. He needed think-time. So he flew above mountaintops and swooped across valleys, trying to wipe Maddy from his mind.

At the top of the steps leading to the yard, she had waved goodbye when he’d told her he was off to see Michael. Dom had ignored her, not returning the farewell. Cowardly? Assholish?

Yep.

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