Skinwalker (Shadowborn Rebellion #3) - Cyndi Friberg Page 0,18
“I can’t hold this for long.”
Nikki was slammed back into her seat as the ship shot forward in a sudden burst of acceleration. One of the Cretzian ships swooped directly into their path. Ayran didn’t slow or alter course. Jaron fired all their weapons at once and obliterated the smaller ship.
The explosion momentarily blinded Nikki as excitement and fear warred within her. She blinked quickly, hands grasping the armrests. By the time her vision cleared, they were surrounded by darkness, complete utter darkness. She could feel the ship moving, dipping and swaying as if it flowed down a daring waterslide.
Suddenly, Velmar groaned, and his body sagged, knees nearly buckling.
The gentle rocking of the ship became a sickening spiral.
“Velmar,” Jaron called. “Are you still with us?”
Velmar’s only response was another groan as he collapsed onto the deck.
The ship spun out of control and Selina screamed. Nikki closed her eyes and tried not to throw up as a prayer from childhood found its way to her trembling lips.
Chapter Three
Zerna sank chin-deep into the bath of fragrant water and released a contented sigh. Home. After weeks on Cretz and an unwanted stop in Ghost City, she was finally home. Riverside was the cultural center of Sarronti Prime as well as the governmental capital, so it made sense that it had a high concentration of the powerful and affluent Ayrontu.
A tray of finger foods and a bottle of wine slid across the floor next to the tub, barely entering her peripheral vision. Her personal attendant was new, but well-trained. If the rest of her trial period went as well as the first moon-cycle, Zerna might even keep this one. The girl left without intruding on Zerna’s relaxation, which was as it should be. A truly efficient servant provided for the needs of their mistress without drawing attention to themselves.
The door opened with a bang and Zerna tensed. So much for the new girl’s potential. “Did you forget something?” she sneered making it obvious that she didn’t appreciate the interruption.
“I forget nothing,” Indrex Farr cautioned, his tone even more condescending than hers. “You’d do well to remember that.”
She gasped and sat up, covering her breasts with her arms. “How dare you? Get out!”
Ignoring her outburst, he casually walked around the room with some sort of scanner in his hand. What in Creation’s name was he doing?
“I routinely scan for surveillance,” she objected, insulted by the inference that her security was inadequate. “Do you think I’m a fool?”
He shot her a mocking look. “Do you really want me to answer that?” Apparently satisfied, he slipped the scanner into his pocket. “The newest generation of transceivers is undetectable to standard scanners.”
Wonderful. Something new to worry about. “Did you find anything?”
“I did not.” He walked to the double sinks across from the tub and pulled himself up to sit on the counter. “Kantor wants to kill you, and I was ready to let him.”
Kantor Alonov, Indrex Farr and Zerna were the self-appointed leaders of the Opposition Force, but the organization included a massive network of elite Sarronti in all six villages. The livelihood and lifestyle of every Ayrontu was threatened by the unlawful rebellion of the lower designations so each member of the elite would fight with everything they owned to return Sarronti Prime to Ayrontu rule.
“I’m still breathing, so I presume you’ve changed your mind.” She refused to show fear to the likes of Indrex Farr. Yes, his bloodline went all the way back to the ancients, but Indrex seemed like a spineless party boy—most of the time. Other times Zerna would look into his eyes and see a ruthlessness that terrified her. She had known Indrex since childhood, but couldn’t decide which Indrex was real.
“It took me a while, but I figured it out,” he said proudly, his colorless gaze moving boldly over her body.
The water was murky and her breasts were covered, so she simply ignored his rude behavior. “What do you think you figured out?”
“What you’re up to.” He scooted off the counter and stalked toward her. His sleek, pale-blue hair made his face appear narrow and his eyes gleamed dangerously. “As everyone knows, my sister Isolaund dabbled in forbidden magic. That’s part of what got her killed. I think you’ve developed a similar thirst for power. In fact, I think you learned about certain rites and incantations from Isolaund herself.”
Zerna fought hard to keep her expression neutral. His conclusion was shockingly accurate. She never interacted with Isolaund, but one of the enforcers who