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He’s got some unusual psi energy.

‘How so?’

It’s more acute and different, somewhat extending into the spiritual and divine.

Riv pursed his lips.’Twas what he shared with me. The stone on his forehead represents the third eye of intuition and intellect. According to the Katáne, when something is seen in a royal’s mind’s eye or a dream, it is also seen by hawkstone. The hawkstone’s purpose is to enhance the powers of this third eye. This allows the wearer to interpret the world in a truthful, unbiased manner, as well as forsake their ego and get rid of their false labels.

Damn.

What’s even more interesting is that my meta DNA enhances his abilities.

Zane shook his head.His depths are unfathomable. I wouldn’t want to be on the wrong side of him.

Riv grinned, his mirth laced with pride.He’s like a lion in lambskin. He has the purest of hearts, like his mother. However, I sense in battle, although untrained, he’d tear the enemy apart, split them open like soft fruit, and pick at their bones.

As Riv spoke, Killen looked up, his sightless eyes aiming straight at him, a playful smile on his face.

Zane hid a laugh with a cough.I believe he caught every word.

Killen gave a mock bow.

Riv laughed out loud.Damn, son, you could fokk us up if you so decided.

Killen’s mind-voice floated into their neural network.Not a clue what you’re talking about, Father. I was taught never to eavesdrop.

Bullshit,Riv guffawed.It seems you need training in the art of covert listening. Your poker face also needs some work. A father-to-son skills transfer needs to kick in.

Bring it on,’Killen said with a raised brow.

I foresee a couple of kapo sessions in our future, Killen—the best place to learn how to poker-face and lunge at the same time.

Kapo?

Zane and Riv exchanged a glance.

You’ve got your work cut out, brother.The sapphire-eyed Rider grinned, clapping a hand on Riv’s shoulder.

ÉLISA

Élisa gazed at her man, who stood by Zane, deep in discussion about their coming mission.

Ki’Remi drew Élisa’s attention away from her reverie.

He called out to both her and her son.

When Killen reached his mother’s side, the taciturn Rider handed them two small boxes. Inside were two chrome circles edged with a luminous hi-tech lining.

‘These dampeners are designed to combat the Ka’SHärd effect on your physiology. Place them on your temples to filter and reduce the impact of any psionic waves emitted. They’ll inhibit the effect up to ninety per cent, even more.’

‘Sante,’ Élisa told Ki’Remi, taking the box. ‘Your thoughtfulness touches me.’

The Rider shrugged with a slight smile. ‘Don’t thank me. Thank Riv. He gave me the brief.’

Élisa’s eyes misted over as she slid her gaze to her man.

Her mounting concern for Killen fell somewhat. While prepping for this jaunt south, she’d studied the Riders up close. She’d taken in the wonder of their monstrous battleship, their evident firepower and organization.

They were no longer the lads she’d dallied with on Eden II; they were now formidable operators, and her confidence in their promise to keep Killen safe firmed in just a few hours.