Page 45 of Red Demon
“It’s quite late, friend.” Mahakal’s voice was so much friendlier than those whiteless eyes. “Not that I mind.” He set down a glass for me. “You’re welcome to rest the night—”
“No.” My voice came out loud, sharp.
Major Mahakal froze, then set the wine bottle on his desk. He turned to me with unbridled concern.
“No thank you,” I said again, my mouth dry. “Thank you, really. But…”
Mahakal waited, pushing the red hair from his striking eyes.
I shook my head, the movement jerky and raw. “This has been a difficult decision, but I won’t be joining your unit. Thanks again for the honor of your offer. That’s all I came to say—I’ll just head home.”
I planned words on the ride that felt all wrong now. He wouldn’t understand how I felt his unit wasn’t my path, or that I had an Asri family that remade themselves around me to fit my jagged pieces.
“I thought you’d feel drawn back to the Bend,” Mahakal said, his voice soft.
“It’s not home anymore. There’s no one there left to defend. My people are here.”
Mahakal watched me, his features weaving a tapestry of emotions I couldn’t decipher beyond a twitch in his eyes.
“You know there are things I’m not cleared to tell you,” Mahakal said. “But believe me when I say the rebels are still among us. My unit is your chance at justice, vengeance—your best chance.”
“I agree.” Heat rose in my chest, the phantom itch for violence still tempting. “I think it’s time for me to let go of all that. You can’t promise me the Red Demon. I’d pledge my life in a heartbeat if you could. There’s no point in me pledging my life in your unit in exchange for vengeance I may never see. So I’m going to move on, do what I need to do to stop obsessing about this. I have a job I’m good at, good people around me.”
Mahakal sighed, a long, weary sound. “Right.” Disappointment flickered in his eyes before he stood up to his full height. “When we first spoke, I told you I wanted to protect you, to offer you a boon for all you suffered. I will ask you just one more time before I wash my hands of this. Join my unit. Even if I can’t guarantee you the Red Demon, I have plans for you. I will ensure you rise to the life you deserve.”
“I don’t want that.” I hated the quaver in my voice.
Mahakal crossed his arms, studying me in silence. Finally, he nodded. “Go in peace, friend.” The Major offered me a small smile and a firm grip that threatened to swallow me whole.
Chapter 21
The Gift
When no work order came from the North Barrack the following week, we welcomed the break. Asher was able to spend every day in Mira’s lab, and I trained longer and harder in the mornings, focusing on teaching a few new kids a few years younger than me. Those few years were huge, as I’d now shed the last misgivings about considering myself a man.
In the afternoons, I took time to cut some firewood for the winter, dropping some to Atalia and Meragc since they let me borrow their horse cart for the hauling. Then I’d meet up with Mira and Ash, and walk home, and listen to Ash tell me about that day’s failed diagnostic attempt.
I love how the air shift in a Noé summer—the smooth green aroma that promises growth and renewal, and all the warmth my skin can soak up. I love how bright the once stark and cool world becomes, and in such moments, it’s easy to feel like all my nightmares are behind me. Back then, whenever the nightmares quite literally did not go away, I shuttered my thoughts away at first light, walking the dawn path to beat or swing that darkness out in the clearing. That was good enough.
When no work order arrived after two weeks, Galen began to worry. The Barrack had ordered weekly shipments for years, except for occasional breaks around the festivals. He inquired and got non-committal answers. We cleaned the shop, organized the equipment—and waited.
I was taking a long lunch and rinsing some lentils and collards for dinner when I heard the shop door open with a ring. Wiping my hands on a towel, I hurried down the stairs.
When I saw the tall, broad-shouldered man in the red military uniform, my heart skipped for three reasons. First, he’d be bringing that barrack order. Second, it was Kane, a man with Asri eyes the color of molten gold and stormy seas and muscles everywhere, my favorite one-time sparring partner. Yes, that one-time sparring partner. One look was enough to remember all the things he could do with that body, sparring or not, and just how that body felt against mine. Voids, he was hot. Thirdly—if I could remember what I was counting and why—I had the shop and house to myself, and the bathhouse too, the safest place to spend a wonderful afternoon.
“Jesse, how have you been?” he asked in that deep voice, a smile playing on his lips as he looked me up and down. “You look well.”
“You don’t.” I sidled up beside him with a tsk, moving some of the hair from his sweaty face. “Looks like you had a long ride. Care for a cold drink upstairs? A hot meal?” My eyes dipped down to the hot meal I envisioned for myself, then back up. His smile glazed over.
Kane groaned, pressing his body into mine. “I was supposed to make the delivery and come right back, but I suppose I can come up with an excuse.” He nodded to the hefty package wrapped in coarse burlap on the counter. “Seems you’ve gotten the Major’s attention.”
The warmth tightening my pants chilled instantly. Attached to the parcel was a hand-inked note with the words: “To Galen’s son: I look forward to working with you soon. Regards, Mahakal.”
I set it down on the counter without opening it. Kane watched me with a smirk.
“Did Major Ryder send an order with you? There was nothing sent through the temple.”
Kane’s smile flickered. “Sorry, just this. But you don’t have to open it right now.”
