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had developed in the black zones over the past few centuries. Rayden pivoted in his
chair, facing the others as he added, Father s ideas were too philosophical for people
who were used to settling disputes with physical combat. They were territorial and
aggressive. They preferred direct action to committees and consensus. Father finally
concluded that he couldn t save them if they weren t willing to change.
Sarah took up the story as Rayden turned back to the control panel. By the time he
ran out of funding, however, he d accumulated enough data to publish a series of
thought-provoking papers that launched his career as a professor. He returned to
Sanctum with his Stilox wife and proceeded to climb the ladder of academia.
They didn t marry until after they settled in Sanctum, Rayden corrected, but
everything else was right.
If your parents settled in Sanctum, how do you know Sean and Sarah? Allen
asked.
Rayden pivoted again, meeting Allen s gaze directly. Father thought I would
benefit from a well-rounded education, so he sent me to live with my uncle for five
years. I was treated the same as all the other apprentices, including his own son,
Kellan.
And now Kellan is overlord, the spirit commented.
40
Seer
So, you, Sean and Kellan all went through training together. Allen s tone was
warmer. Apparently curiosity had eroded his resentment. Was this before Sean s
abilities began to manifest?
Rayden nodded. Sean left for the Underground nine months before I returned to
Sanctum.
Then my vision is correct, the spirit concluded. All the elements of this conflict
connect through Kellan.
I understand my connection, but what is Sean s and Sarah s? Rayden glanced at
the controls but remained facing the others.
Sean is mated to Kellan and
What did you say? Sarah stared at the spirit, sure she had misheard.
He didn t tell you?
He told me he was mated to Brianna, the human he went to rescue.
He is. The spirit smiled, clearly amused by her confusion. Sean, Brianna and
Kellan have formed a three-way soul bond.
Holy shit, Rayden muttered, and then laughed. On second thought, it s not that
hard to picture. I knew Kellan had lovers of both sexes. I just didn t know Sean was
so& open to new experiences.
Why didn t he tell me? She didn t care if her brother had chosen a less-
conventional relationship. Many Stilox women had more than one mate. She was
disappointed that he hadn t trusted her with the unexpected development.
He was too worried about your emotional well-being, the spirit defended. As I
understand it, you were still dealing with the shock of your regression.
Sarah allowed the sequence of events to calm her emotions. She had been a mess
during the recent crisis, completely absorbed in her own grief. It s true. As usual, he
was protecting me.
Is everyone still buckled in? Rayden asked. We re about to land.
Where are we? Sarah sat back in her seat, waiting for the heaviness of
deceleration.
You ll see.
Landing was far more subtle than takeoff had been. Rayden glided into a private
bay and quickly secured the ship. He released his safety restraints and activated the
hatch. Welcome to my home, or one of my homes, he added with a wink.
Allen fought down his sudden surge of jealousy. Rayden was self-confident and
sophisticated, physically appealing and élite. His clothing was obviously custom
tailored and this ship was beyond belief. He carried himself like royalty and effortlessly
emanated power. How the fuck was a scientist supposed to compete with this god!
41
Aubrey Ross
Determined not to be completely eclipsed by their host, Allen hurried after Sarah.
His resolve dwindled with each step he took. They entered the house through a utility
room then emerged into a massive living space. Lush carpeting, elegant furnishings and
intricate architecture made the label house insulting. This was a mansion by anyone s
definition of the word.
Luxurious draperies opened to reveal a stunning view of the exclusive heart of
Sanctum. The sun hid just below the skyline, leaving streaks of color trailing in its wake.
Allen had only seen vids of this section of the city. An energy barrier protected the
occupants from anyone who didn t belong, anyone who wasn t worthy of the limited
resources left on Protaria.
This isn t my primary residence, so staff is on call. I ll make sure we aren t
disturbed.
The spirit offered her thanks, but Allen bristled. The bastard was showing off. There
was no doubt about it.
Wouldn t it be safer to close the drapes? Sarah s tone was hushed with awe,
reinforcing Allen s frustration.
The windows are tinted. We can see out, but no one can see in. The coating
dampens scanners as well. We re about as safe as it s possible to be under the
circumstances.
Thank you. Sarah smiled. This was very generous.
Allen had heard enough. He would not stand idly by and watch her fall under
Rayden s spell. He has ulterior motives. Don t let his polish fool you. He s still on a
mission. We just happen to be headed in the same direction.
Rayden clasped his hands behind his back and inclined his head. A faint smile
curved the corners of his mouth. I ve never denied our common goal. Why are you
threatened by my motives?
You re Howyn s henchman, Allen snapped.
I believe General Bryson had that distinction.
The past is irrelevant. Sarah positioned herself between them. Bryson and
Howyn are both incarcerated. Who do you work for now?
The secretary of defense. To my knowledge, an interim chancellor has not yet been
named.
Secretary of defense? I didn t know there was such a person. What s his name?
Allen knew he was being petty, but he couldn t seem to stop himself. He could feel
Sarah s interest building with each moment she spent in Rayden s presence.
Rayden s smile broadened. He clearly understood the true cause of Allen s
surliness. Do you know every person on Protaria?
I m just wondering how many of Howyn s cronies are still in power.
At the moment, the Interplanetary Consortium is in power. They intend to remain
involved until after elections can be conducted.
42
Seer
What do you intend to do with Ceddrik if we succeed in capturing him? Sarah
cut to the heart of the matter.
The dragon must be destroyed, not captured, the spirit insisted. He has earned
death a thousand times over.
Rayden s expression smoothed, though his gaze remained sharp and watchful. I m
not opposed to that outcome. My primary goal is the complete and final eradication of
the Chrysalis threat.
And the next step toward that goal is empowering the seer.
The old woman had a one-track mind. Allen sighed, regretting his flash of irritation.
If what the spirit said was true, she had good reason for her obsession.
I haven t agreed to the ritual, Sarah reminded. I need more information before I
make up my mind.
Then ask your questions. The faster I ease your fears, the sooner we can begin.
Rayden swept his arm toward the furniture grouping on his left. Why don t we
sit? This feels confrontational.
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