Page 57 of Dark Island: Rescue

"A promise doesn't change the reality of what's possible." Kian made an effort to keep his voice gentle and not let frustration and agitation creep in. "The clan's involvement must remain a secret, not just to protect us but also to protect Areana."

"I am aware of the challenges, and I told Areana that it might be impossible. I also told her that you and your team might come up with a creative solution. All I am asking is that you do everything you can to devise a plan that can save all four. If you explore all options and decide that it is not possible, I will inform Areana that we can only extract Tula."

That was a reasonable approach, but he had already brainstormed with the team he had with him and had arrived at the conclusion that Tula would have to leave Tony behind. But he hadn't explored all the options. He hadn't spoken with Turner yet or told Onegus anything.

"I will do as you suggest and explore creative options, but in all honesty, I'm pretty sure that Tula is the only one we can get out of there."

"Thank you," Annani said. "Areana will try to call methis Saturday. Do you think you will have something for me by then?"

"I'll contact Turner and Onegus immediately, but I don't want anyone's hopes to be crushed when they confirm my assessment. You need to prepare Wonder for the likelihood that we can only get Tula."

There was a long pause, and Kian imagined his mother comforting Wonder.

"Do what you can," Annani said.

"I will." Kian checked the time. It was late in California, but not too late to contact Turner and the chief. "I'll keep you updated with our progress."

"Thank you, my son. Wonder thanks you as well."

He didn't want Wonder to thank him and get her hopes up, but he had learned a long time ago that he couldn't protect everyone he cared for from anguish.

After ending the call, Kian stood in the shade for a long moment, his mind running throughMission Impossiblescenarios and dismissing them just as quickly.

He needed a damn miracle.

Pulling Turner's contact, his finger hovered on the call button, but then he decided to send a message instead. It was late, the guy was probably relaxing with his pregnant mate, and a text was less intrusive than a call. Turner could ignore the text and answer it the next day, while a phone call robbed him of that option.

Ineed your expertise on another island extraction. Areana's companion is pregnant and wants us to rescue her along with her partner and two others.

Turner's response came within thirty seconds.I need more details.

Kian's thumbs moved quickly across the screen, laying out the situation in a concise manner that Turner appreciated.

The return text arrived seconds later.Give me an hour to review. I will call you later with a preliminary assessment.

Kian pocketed his phone and stared at the ocean for a long moment. The island looked peaceful from here, tropical and pristine, all the action taking place elsewhere. It was hard to believe that Navuh's fortress was only about three hundred miles away.

Four people.

The number kept circling in his mind.

When he returned to the mess hall, he was surprised to see Allegra with a tall stack of new pancakes on her plate.

"Look!" She pointed proudly.

"Very impressive." Kian slid back into his seat, aware of the eyes on him.

"What's the verdict?" Kalugal asked.

"We have confirmation, but instead of two, we now need to come up with a plan for four."

Drova regarded Kian with those unsettling, too-large Kra-ell eyes. "Is someone in trouble?"

"Not everything is your concern, Drova," Jade said.

Having a powerful compeller was an advantage that Kian had forgotten to mention to Turner. He had no idea how they could utilize Drova's talent, but perhaps Turner would.

"I can help," Drova said. "I'm a trusted member of the team. You can tell me things now."