Page 35 of Guiding Reason

I got you instead of death,he thought.I think you are the better deal.

He thought he said it, but he wasn’t sure. He was just going to rest for a moment before going back to work. There was too much to do, and too few people to do it after all.

13

ORREY

Orrey felt Senlas’s power all around them as they were walking back from the Grounds’ Western Entrance to the Champions’ Tower. It was a nice day, but an uneasiness hung over the Grounds, over the entire city. The Battle of Starlit Stage had cast wide circles.

“At least the auto-drives aren’t causing chaos anymore,” Orrey said because Senlas was frowning again.

He’d been mostly frowning ever since Orrey had put his foot down and told him the protectors needed help handling the situation. Orrey knew that Senlas and he could help them do what needed doing without making it worse on the Grounds side of things. Senlas hadn’t wanted to leave their bed.

They turned right and came to the street lined with restaurants on either side where not too long ago they had caught Durgo and Linar arguing in public.

Then, people had been out and about, and the air had been rich with cooking scents both strange and familiar. Today, the sidewalks were nearly abandoned, and several of the restaurants appeared to be closed.

“It looks almost like Covenant Week,” Orrey said.

He felt Senlas’s power explore. “I suppose. This chaos is why I prefer to drive.”

There were still auto-drives from the regular side of Ferrea parked in the middle of the street. The Grounds auto-drives slowly circled around them. Some of the passengers stared with open-mouthed horror at the unusual sight.

“Auto-drives are safer,” Orrey said, though he was only half paying attention.

Senlas noticed. “What is it, kitten? I can fly us back to the Champions’ Tower.”

Orrey shook his head. “No. I just…I was thinking about Durgo. Should we find out how he’s doing?”

“I honestly can’t think why. One of the protectors I spoke with today said she was there when they pulled Linar off him. Apparently he admitted to her that he wanted Undora dead and made a bargain for it.”

Cold shivers ran over Orrey’s skin, and Senlas reacted, his power there,Touching, Comforting.“That’s terrible. I don’t understand how any person could be driven to think taking another’s life was an option. But Linar is Col’s friend, and Durgo her Guardian, and so maybe it’s relevant information for Col to have? Durgo’s status will affect how Linar is going to be sentenced. You said Col and the others are back at the suite, right?”

Senlas put an arm around Orrey’s shoulders. “Yes, surprisingly.”

Orrey looked up at his frowning Guardian. “Why surprisingly?”

“They just imprinted. Hyran doesn’t know us, not in any way that matters. It’s difficult having strange Guardians around your Conduit.”

Orrey giggled. “You were fine with Vin, Taros, and Karmine when you imprinted on me, remember?”

“But they’re my brothers. They wouldn’t have touched you unless it was life or death, and if I ever get hurt, they’d protect you with their life. They’re good to have around.”

Orrey laughed. “Maybe not all Guardians are as possessive as you were. You turned the Guardian Parade into such a drama when you shoved me into that auto-drive that day you imprinted.”

“Kitten, I did not shove you. I gently helped you into the vehicle.”

“Sure, sure.”

Senlas stopped. “I didn’t shove you.”

“Okay. Can you prove that?”

Orrey wasn’t sure where this was coming from. It wasn’t the right time for humor. People were dead. The Ferrean Op-AI was dead.

But I am in love with this Guardian, and everything is different now. It’s like my heart is beating for two.

“Come here. Let me kiss you. That’ll be proof.”