Page 51 of Alora: The Portal (Alora 2)

The words sounded foreign to Graely’s ears. “What does this mean? What is his gift?”

Brian’s mouth curved up on one corner. “Basically, it means he’s spent years sitting around and gazing at the stars while contemplating the meaning of the universe. But it’s given him plenty of time to learn how to solve unimaginable problems. This should be a piece of cake.”

“A piece of cake?” asked Graely.

“This shouldn’t be too much of a challenge for Steven,” Brian clarified.

Charles made a grunting noise, his mouth set in a grim line.

“You

don’t agree, Charles?” Graely asked.

“I’m still unhappy Brian took it upon himself to break our agreement. The more people who’re aware of Alora’s gift, the more dangerous it is for her.”

“Charles, you worry too much.” Brian laughed. “I promise Steven won’t tell a soul. He could write a paper about Alora’s ability and publish it in one of his journals, but nobody would believe him. He’d be a laughing-stock.”

The muscles along Charles’ jaw clenched and unclenched. “I hope you’re right.”

*****

Kaevin gripped the zip ties with sweaty fingers as he followed the long hallway to the room where Daegreth was to sleep. Slipping the thin straps into his pocket, he retrieved a blade before entering the room.

Why did he ask for me to be the one to bind him to the bed?

Daegreth had secluded himself in his room the entire evening, refusing to come out and declining dinner, despite a long conversation with Karen and Brian. Since Daegreth had insisted his restraint begin immediately, Kaevin’s father had been the first to secure him. Kaevin opened the door to find Daegreth bound to the metal chair Brian had retrieved from an outside sitting area. The chair faced the window, providing a view of the sun setting behind the mountains. Daegreth sat so quiet and still, Kaevin wondered if he might be asleep.

Steeling himself in an effort to hold onto his righteous indignation, Kaevin approached him from behind.

“This realm is very beautiful, isn’t it?” Daegreth’s voice sounded flat and impassive. “I suppose Tenavae might be beautiful as well, but I can’t remember ever noticing.”

I don’t feel like chatting with him. “I don’t know. I suppose both are beautiful.”

Daegreth twisted to peer over his shoulder. “Please come closer. I’m not a danger, bound as I am to this chair.”

“I’m not afraid of you.” Kaevin relished the resentment he felt at Daegreth’s insinuation.

“Of course you have no fear of me, gifted as you are in dexterity and carrying a blade. But you’re the only man in this household who seems to understand the true danger I pose to everyone here.”

Kaevin gave him a silent nod as he moved to stand where they could face one another.

“I awoke this morning in this house and heard a bird sounding a merry tune outside the window. It was the first time I remember hearing a bird sing since I was a child.” Daegreth’s eyes squeezed shut. “I can’t hear birds singing in Tenavae. All I can hear is Vindrake’s voice in my mind.”

Kaevin knew he ought to offer regrets for his earlier harsh words. He’d been jealous and immature. With great effort, he formed an apology in his mind. “Daegreth, I—”

“Kaevin, I need to confess something and ask a favor of you, though you hate me with good cause.”

“I don’t hate you, although I don’t trust you, either. You’re not at fault, but Vindrake’s bond—”

“No. You’re correct about me.” Though his voice was without inflection, he looked up with haunted eyes. “I killed him. I killed my best friend.”

Kaevin felt a cold chill ripple down his back. He stared for a long moment before forcing his mouth closed. No proper response came to mind.

Daegreth continued. “In the trials. Everyone must fight—it’s mandatory. Brivaene wasn’t gifted in strength or dexterity or weapons. He never had a chance of victory. He wanted to die—he didn’t wish to become a wendt. I killed him. I watched the life leave his eyes. How I longed to join him, yet my bloodbond made me fight to win.”

Imagining in his mind if he were forced to kill Jireo, Kaevin’s gut roiled. For the first time, he felt true empathy for the boy whose bond made him his mortal enemy.

“So, I want you to promise something. If this doesn’t work… if the bondmark returns, you must kill me. If there isn’t a way to eliminate the bloodbond, will you do that for me?”