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  Cy smiled and parted his lips to speak. The words were said in a low rasping tone, “Friends. Forever.”

  Kon bowed his head. “Yes. Of course.”

  “No blame,” Cy whispered, reaching to latch onto Kon’s hand once more.

  Kon shook his head. “I am to blame. I sought to save you and instead I have jeopardized your life.”

  “Big...heart. Bet-better...king than me.”

  Kon tried to decipher what Cy meant when his body lurched and drew taut. His mouth gaped open and his amber eyes flared wide before going blank. Then his body suddenly slumped. Kon stared as horror slowly sunk in. “Cy?”

  There was a huge rending sensation in his chest. The mantle slammed into Kon with the force of a grown sea whalen. He cried out, arms clenched about Cy. Untold pain and grief poured into Kon. The king. The King of the Purple was gone. His best friend from childhood.

  Before he could wrap his mind around the loss, Cy’s body crumbled into a brilliant swirl of purple colored ash. Kon’s fingers clenched on empty air as the grains slid to his lap.

  “Nooo!” he roared.

  Another surge of power rammed into his chest and Kon fell backward onto the ground. The cries and screams of his people filled his head to bursting. Alone. They were alone and in need.

  Power hovered, seeking a new base to hold its core. The transference of the mantle to select a new king. Kon flinched as he gazed at the hazy sky above. He was the only one present. There should be others. Warriors from their sect ready to accept this gift.

  But Kon had sent the only two other possibilities away. If he couldn’t hold the mantle, their sect would be lost. The Purple would not survive without a king to lead and guide.

  This time when the power came at him again, he relaxed and opened himself. “Goddess of Fate, I welcome you.”

  Power poured into him followed by the bite of bone rending agony. A blazing trail of fire ripped up his spine and tore through the skin on his back. Kon rolled to his stomach and clawed at the sandy ground beneath him. He screamed as wave after wave of energy pummeled him. His face hit the ground and he wanted to beg for death. His jaw locked on the whimpers trying to escape.

  The pleas of the sect added to his guilt and burden. He couldn’t give up. The mantle had to find Kon worthy and accept him or the alternative was the destruction of everyone. He closed his eyes and thought of his mother and father. He was the only child created from their essence. He had to survive.

  Blinding light filled his vision until he squeezed his eyes shut. Kon felt as if his insides were shredding. Tears slid through his lids and for a moment he considered giving in to the vortex, letting go and joining his friend in oblivion.

  Then the pain faded. A pulse—a thrum of connection remained left behind. Kon squinted, breath coming in harsh gasps as he pushed up to a kneeling position.

  “Kon! Kon!”

  The shouts breached the silence. His chest throbbed with a dull ache. Kon pressed a palm to the invisible hurt. With a thought, he eased the cries battering at his senses.

  Ease. Calm.

  He sent the reassuring thought along the new connection inside. The noise quieted. Confusion remained but it hovered at a distance. Not his feelings but those of his sect.

  Julian dropped beside him and placed a hand on his shoulder. His gaze was distraught. “Have mercy. I’m sorry, Kon. Sorry we left you to this.”

  “A new king has risen,” Sabine murmured, squatting in front of him with a somber smile as she placed her hands on his shoulders. “All hail King Konlan of the Purple.”

  Kon blinked as the impact of what he’d done hit him.

  “All hail the king.” Julian and Marias repeated and bowed their heads to him.

  Konlan was now King.

  Chapter 2

  Present Day

  The dark memories bothered her most when she was alone which was why Breya made a point not to be alone often. A burst of laughter brought a smile to her face as she gazed at those taking part of the fun around her. It was an outdoor day and many of those in the Black sect were in the large field behind the king’s house relaxing and taking advantage of the first hint of the new season and its welcoming heat from the sun.

  “Can I join you?”

  Turning her head at the question, Breya stiffened. Without waiting for an answer, the red-haired female sat on the bench beside her and propped her elbows on the table behind her as she leaned back with her face tipped to the sky. Breya didn’t believe the relaxed pose for a second. Sana and she were not friends though they weren’t enemies either.

  Sana glanced over at her, a hint of a smile on her lips. “You’re wondering why I’m here, aren’t you?”

  Breya bit off a snort and took a sip of the wine in her glass, her second of the day. The cool liquid slid down her throat, releasing some of her nerves. “You have to admit we don’t associate with the same crowd.”

  Sana was beautiful. Not in an ordinary way but in a gorgeous males and females stopped to stare way. The fact that she was mated with a lira and shared a ten year old daughter with him didn’t seem to stop the covetous looks she received. To her credit, she didn’t take anyone up on those offers. At least, Breya didn’t think she did.

  “We don’t, do we?” Sana turned away, her gaze roving over the crowd around them after that drawling admission.

  Taking another sip of her drink, Breya decided to get straight to the point. She wasn’t into playing games. Never had been. “So? What do you want?”

  Sana dropped all pretense and spun around, her gold eyes flashing with fire. She latched on to Breya’s wrist and demanded, “Tell me how you did it. I need to know.”

  If not for the tight grip on her, Breya would have stood up and walked away. If she had to tussle with the other female, it would draw attention and the last thing Breya needed was unnecessary attention. She had enough of that thanks to recent events. Pitying glances were still occasionally tossed her way.

  “Breya?!” Sana hissed when Breya didn’t respond.

  She had no idea what Sana was talking about but the desperation in her voice held Breya still. “How I did what?”

  Sana glared as if Breya was being deliberately obtuse. “Convinced Ranald that you no longer had feelings for Konlan.”

  Ice slivered through Breya’s veins at the mention of her former lira. It didn’t matter that he was no longer in her life. The very thought of him brought back the remembered terror of living with him.

  Mouth dry, she licked her lips and tried twice to speak. When no words would come, she snatched her hand from Sana’s hold and finally managed, “What are you talking about?”

  Concern then regret glimmered in the other female’s gaze as if realizing the dark memories she rehashed. Then she straightened and assumed a haughty tilt to her head. “Come now, Breya. Or should I say Brie like your friends? We’re both years beyond our First Fire, we can talk about this.”

  Breya rose to her feet on shaky legs. She knew what Sana was asking and had no intentions of discussing her past with anyone. Especially Sana who didn’t show signs of caring for anyone but herself. How she got someone like Mikal to fall in love with her was hard to believe, let alone her former lira, Rylin, who was now King of their sect. The Goddess of Fate must have shined a light on her steps from the day she released from the shell.

  Spinning on her heels, Breya was determined to walk away but Sana shot up and chased after her. “Wait!”

  “Say what you want, Sana. Don’t dance around the words,” Breya snapped.

  For the first time, a hint of shame crossed the other female’s features. “You are right. I’m sorry it didn’t come out the right way. I just wanted to know how you convinced Ranald that you really loved him and Konlan was in your past.”

  Stunned didn’t come close to how Breya felt. As Sana babbled in more detail, Breya couldn’t hear her over the background roar of noise in her ears. The truth wasn’t something Sana would want to know because Breya hadn’t l
oved her former lira, Ranald, and her feelings for Konlan weren’t in the past.

  ‘How could you Brie? How could you deny me and take Ranald as your lira?’

  The question was asked in a voice filled with denial and disappointment after her claim.

  ‘It was simple, Kon. My feelings for him caught me by surprise. I’m sorry to hurt you this way but being with him is what I want.’

  The conversation with the King of the Purple had been explosive, his anger and pain hard to ignore when he stared at her from wounded gold eyes. To make matters easier for the both of them, she’d cut all contact with him.

  “Breya?”

  No indeed, Sana didn’t want the real answer. “I can’t help you.”

  She turned and this time the female didn’t give chase. Breya continued with her head down, the enjoyment of the day dimmed. It wasn’t easy to block thoughts of Ranald. He’d had such a disastrous impact on her life in the short time they were together but with a strong will, she managed.

  Coming toward her at a brisk clip was the last individual she wanted to speak to. Before he could say anything, she raised her hand and stopped him. “Sana went that way if you’re looking for her.”

  Mikal’s mouth parted, his brows drawing close in confusion. “I’m not looking for Sana.”

  Though, after saying it, his gaze did a methodical sweep of the clearing. As an experience guard it didn’t take long. Breya knew the moment he spotted his lira and daughter by the light easing of the tension riding his shoulders. He swung his gaze back toward her and the brief softening in his eyes vanished. “King Rylin needs to see you.”

  It wasn’t so much what he said but the tone he used that straightened her back. Rumors were rampant about the attacks randomly occurring through the sects. Nothing recent for the Black though. It wasn’t until King Rylin called them together and announced a madness that Breya truly developed a sense of fear.

  Why would the king need to see her? She’d done nothing wrong and didn’t have any more information of interest pertaining to Ranald.

  “You need to go to him now, Breya,”

  She dipped her head and hurried inside at his sharp words. Cool air hit her face the moment she entered the large home. Breya slowed to a sedate pace though her heart beat in triplicate. She wasn’t sure why King Rylin had summoned her but it had to be important.

  Rarely did the King meet with anyone without it being for a big reason. Otherwise, he approached them directly. It was what Breya liked about the King of the Black. He ruled in a manner which invited confidence and trust.

  “Brie, how are you?”

  She came to a stop in the hall and faced Rylin’s lira, Dara. The dark-haired female was from Earth and had brought love and laughter back into their king’s life after Sana had abandoned him for Mikal.

  “Dara, I’m fine. You look great.” And she did. Especially since she had five very lively toddlers to watch over. Toddlers who were frantically crawling after their mother. Well, three were. The other two were taking wobbly steps. Behind them following at a careful but watchful distance were the guards assigned to their protection—Quinn and Bejon.

  Dara caught up to her and scooped one of the babies up in her arms on her way over then propped the little one on her hip. “Are you heading to see Rylin?”

  Breya nodded. “Mikal said not to delay when he delivered the message.”

  Mikal was not only Rylin’s guard but also his best and closest friend.

  “Do you think it’s about the madness and what’s going on with the sects?” she asked as they resumed walking toward Rylin’s office.

  If it was, Breya wasn’t sure how she could help. Rumors claimed the king of the Silver had been inflicted. She didn’t know how true the gossip was but the thought was frightening enough. Each king represented the best and strongest of who they were. Knowing their most powerful could be taken down by any form of illness was a frightening thought.

  They reached the door to King Rylin’s office and Dara walked in without a single bit of hesitation. Breya eased in behind her and swallowed back the fear that leaped in her throat at the sight of the three very large males inside.

  “Dara!” Rylin was on his feet and rushed to his lira’s side to hug and kiss her as well as the babe she held and the others bustling around her.

  Dara returned the embrace and stared at the other two males. “I’m not staying long. I saw Breya and decided to walk with her.”

  A loud wail on the other side of the door had her cringing. She darted a grimace in Rylin’s direction. “Your children are ready for nap time.”

  Another wail joined by three others and then a solid thump to the door. Rylin grinned and opened the door. Dara slipped out and Breya didn’t miss the flash of regret on her king’s face as he shut the door before the crawling babies could sneak their way in.

  With Dara no longer there as a distraction, Breya took note of the others in the room and froze at the way they watched her. The two menacing figures never shifted their raptor gazes from her as she waited for Rylin to resume his seat behind the monster sized desk.

  “Thank you for coming, Breya.”

  Stuffing her hands under her arms to warm the sudden chill in her fingers she nodded. “Of course. I can come back if you’re busy.”

  “I assume you know Varyk and Faris.” He waved a hand at the two males standing with arms crossed.

  Despite their distinctive hair color, Breya would have recognized Varyk, the King of the Green sect and Faris, King of the Silver, easily. “Yes.”

  She knew them because of Kon. When they were together he’d shared his feelings of deep friendship for Rylin, a camaraderie that was rare among the four kings.

  “They are leaving. Faris must plan for his mating ceremony.”

  True pleasure emanated from the silver-haired king, his golden gaze swirling in a lighthearted manner. He inclined his head. “Thanks once again for all of your help and saving me, Rylin. I look forward to see you both and I know Rena is excited.”

  He tossed a troubled look Breya’s way, then left closing the door quietly behind him.

  “This wasn’t as fun as I’d expected. We will convene later, Rylin.” Varyk dropped his arms and a green mist swirled about him before he vanished.

  No matter how many times Breya witnessed a member of the Green using their ability to port to locations it still stunned her.

  As soon as they were alone, Rylin pinned her with a fierce stare. “I’m sorry to put you in this position but we need your help. What I’m about to share with you is more detail on what we’ve shared with the sects regarding the madness.”

  “My help?” Breya wasn’t sure how she could help. Or what was going on. “How?”

  “Konlan.”

  The skin over her face tightened and a wave of heat washed down her body. Somehow, deep inside, she knew this would involve him. Swallowing back the twisting nerves in her belly, she said, “I’m not sure I can help. Kon and I haven’t been on good terms since—”

  “Since you deserted him and decided to mate with Ranald,” Rylin finished for her.

  Breya flinched. It was the brutal truth.

  His features softened. “I’m not saying this to hurt you. I know it will be hard and would understand if you decline.”

  Releasing a rough exhale, Breya raked a hand through her hair. “Tell me.”

  There was no question that she would agree. Konlan still owned her heart. “No one has heard from him in a while. We are concerned for obvious reasons.”

  “He might not be near land.”

  It wasn’t unusual for the Purple to travel for long stretches of time. Getting messages to the water based Dracol was often difficult.

  Rylin sighed. “In light of the madness, we can’t take the chance that more is going on. What I’m going to share needs to be kept close.”

  Breya nodded then listened in shock as Rylin detailed all that had been discovered and why the Goddess of Fate had forsaken them.
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  Chapter 3

  “How many would you wager we have lost?” Konlan’s right hand and best friend, Dairin, asked.

  Treading water, Konlan watched as the grainy remains of one of his friends swirled in the air before blending with the foam of an incoming wave and washing away.

  “Too many.”

  The madness Kon had discussed with his fellow kings a while ago had definitely reached his sect. To lose liras and now those he’d laughed and bonded with left a painful knot in his chest he’d yet to untangle. Grief flowed in a steady stream into him through the mantle which connected him to the members of the Purple sect.

  They knew of the recent loss and cried out in agony. Kon didn’t have time to mourn. He soothed and eased his sect even as he struggled under the weight of his own burden.

  His sect looked to him for resolution and Konlan didn’t have the answers. If Faris, King of the Silver, could be impacted what hope did the rest of them have?

  If they followed the preemptive approach Rylin of the Black suggested, Faris would never have a chance to harm those under his rule. Konlan snorted and shook away his frustration. As if planning the murder of one of their own was justifiable.

  “You should return without me,” he told his friend.

  Dairin stared and Konlan felt the heat of his gaze searing the side of his face. Instead of speaking his thoughts, Dairin swiped a hand through his damp hair and asked, “To the Cavern?”

  The Cavern was their underground residence where Konlan spent most of his time now. “Yes.”

  There had been a time when he was as free as the others and never stayed long in one location. Then the mantle had fallen to him. His dual nature had fought the need to swim free with the necessity of ruling. A necessity which had grown lighter after a certain female entered his life.

  A twinge of anger teased at his mind. He had made plans to spend his life with a female member from the Black sect and was completely prepared to handle her need for land based living.