Page 36 of Red Demon
Mahakal studied me for a long moment, his void-black eyes unreadable. “Asri magic. She manipulated it to control the machines, and we were able to find out how. The empire must not allow devastation of that magnitude to happen again. We’ve learned from it and tightened security on other operations since.”
“Explains a lot.” I leaned into the tree. Trucks were illegal in Noé now. Even the military had switched to horses.
A ghost of a smile played on Mahakal’s lips. “I wish I could say more. Although by now I think you are old enough to join the army and find out quite a bit for yourself, friend.” He reached out and grasped my shoulder. He angled his face toward mine, and I could smell mint and anise on his breath. “Don’t I owe you a boon?”
“You don’t owe me anything.” I held his gaze. “I just want her dead.”
“You’re welcome to seek your vengeance by my side—well, under me.” He leaned in closer, his face hovering over my hair before he pulled back, the scent of leather and well-worn armor invading my senses. “You’re immune to SBO, and any vaccines remain experimental. I’d love a man like you in my battalion, perhaps my personal squad, if you are ready to be a man.”
I felt a little uncomfortable as his hand lingered on my shoulder, and I looked toward the dancers, the prism of their vibrant clothing under the sun. Stepping out of the shadows, I caught Mira’s eye across the garden, her brow furrowed in worry before she whirled out of my line of sight. Then it was Asher, fumbling his steps when he saw me, questioning.
To follow Mahakal, I’d need to leave Asher behind; Galen too. Pledges were a life commitment. I might never see my new family again.
“Thank you Major, I know that’s a generous offer, but I’d like to sleep on this if you’ll let me. My taam would need a little time to replace me in the shop if I join you.”
“Your taam?” There was a hint of laughter in his voice.
Lila squinted at me from across the garden, now paired with Luzan, but my heart was pounding as I looked back to Mahakal.
“Thank you for updating me, Major Mahakal.” I bowed, stiff and formal. “I’ll give you my answer soon.”
The intensity of his gaze left no shade under that tree. “I will not be in the area long. See that you don’t keep me waiting.”
Chapter 15
Warning
Iwas a much better swordsman than a staff fighter, which is why I practiced with a staff that morning. The engraved wood and steel met Asher’s training blade with a satisfying crack. Sweat slicked my palms, the cool morning air sweet in my lungs.
On the edge of the clearing, a flicker of blue dress and brown skin caught my eye. Mira. My focus wavered for a split second, a fatal mistake. Asher’s sword found its mark with a solid whack on my shoulder.
Pain hitched my breath. “Ow!” I rubbed the sore spot.
Asher, his chest heaving, grinned at me. “Point.”
Mira waved, taking a seat at the bottom of a tree.
Asher turned and waved back. “You’re late, and you aren’t even dressed!” he called out, his voice echoing through the clearing. We both walked closer.
Mira crossed her arms under a navy blue shawl, amusement dancing in her eyes. “I said I’d come. I didn’t say I’d get bruised up! Show off a little more, will you?”
“Of course,” Asher said.
A flicker of intensity ignited in Asher’s gold-ringed eyes. He unsheathed his sword again, the polished metal gleaming in the dawn. “Ready, Brother?”
I welcomed every bit of his confidence as I took my stance. With a nod, he swung into an attack.
Asher tended to fight with measured tactics, defensive until he saw a wide opening and room for a strong finish. Today, his movements were a tornado of controlled severity, his blade curling with fierce precision. Strands of his brown and highlighted hair clung to the sweat on his forehead.
But he was just one man. Instinct kicked in as I felt my way around my least favorite weapon, and I meandered my way from defense to offense. The engraved and reinforced staff met Asher’s blade, faster each time. Every move I made, Asher countered with calculated fury. I kept him at bay with the extended reach of my weapon, prodding him to overextend and falter.
A strange thrill shot through me as I deflected a vicious thrust. He evaded mine. Adrenaline surged when his blade struck my armor—hard enough to bruise. I flicked my eyes to Mira, who stood open-mouthed, captivated by the display. Her eyes darted between us, following the dance. I couldn’t help but feel a spark of appreciation for Asher’s renewed focus that day: my best match with him yet.
Sound joined motion. My muscles screamed in protest with each heavy blow, my breath coming in ragged gasps. But as usual, Asher’s movements slowed before I ran out of stamina.
Then he screwed up: I capitalized on his overextended lunge. With a swift flick of my wrist, I used the staff to disarm him, sending the sword clattering to the ground several feet away. Asher stumbled back, his face distorting. I lunged forward, thrusting my staff harmlessly at his chest.
“Point,” I announced, panting.
