Dark Choices - I. T. Lucas Page 0,87

chilled water. “Perhaps you should ask William to make earpieces for all of your men.” She poured the water into two tall glasses and handed one to Rufsur. “While on duty, your men should wear them.”

Rufsur sat on the couch and crossed his legs. “I doubt Kian will agree to that.”

“Why not?” She sat next to him on the couch. “You can pay for the parts.”

“It’s not about the money. Besides, I’m sure we can find someone other than William to make them for us.”

“I know that William is busy now with the cuffs he’s making for the rest of your men. But after he’s done with that, he’ll have time to assemble several pairs for you.”

“Kian will not want us to have that kind of protection from Annani.” He put his arm around her shoulders. “Did you know that she could compel an entire crowd before she tested it during Richard’s ceremony?”

Edna shook her head. “I knew that Annani could compel humans and immortals alike, but she never liked doing it and downplayed the ability. I never knew she was that powerful.”

“Do you think it’s a coincidence that she tested her powers when Kalugal was here?”

“No, and I was shocked to see that it affected him as well.”

“Annani is very powerful.”

“Yes, she is.” Edna took a sip of water. “Supposedly, the godly powers increase with age. And the same is true for immortals.”

“It didn’t happen to Kalugal’s mother.”

“Maybe it did, and she just doesn’t realize it? I don’t think Annani herself knew that she could compel so many people at once. Richard’s ceremony was the perfect occasion to test it. In fact, that was the reason for it being so grand. Usually, the induction ceremonies attract a much smaller crowd and are done with much less pomp.”

As she put the empty glass on the table, Rufsur took her hand and shifted so he was facing her. “Annani can override Kalugal’s compulsion.”

“It would seem so.”

“But he cannot override hers.”

“If she’s more powerful than him, which appears to be the case, then he probably cannot. Where are you going with this?”

“If you are willing to quit your job and come live with me, Annani could compel you not to reveal any of the clan’s secrets. Kian will have nothing to worry about and therefore no reason to forbid it.”

Edna swallowed. “You are asking me to give up everything that I've worked for my entire life. It’s not fair to ask it of me.”

“I know, and I wouldn’t have done it if I saw any other option. I would have quit my job with Kalugal first, but you know why I can’t. And that’s not the only problem. Kalugal didn’t think of it yet, or perhaps he did and just didn’t say anything, but because of Annani’s ability to override his compulsion, he can’t allow me to be exposed to her. Other than Jacki, I’m the only one privy to all his secrets. Not even Phinas is aware of all Kalugal’s plans. They have nothing to do with the clan, but still, Annani could get information out of me that he needs to keep private. Once he realizes that, I don’t know what he will do. I’m afraid he won’t allow me to come here at all.”

“Crap. That’s really bad. When did you figure that out?”

“It occurred to me as I listened in on his conversation with Kian before dinner.”

“But Annani is rarely here.”

“If he can compel people over the phone, so can she.”

64

Rufsur

Rufsur groaned. “Fuck it, Edna. Let’s just elope and leave everyone to worry about their secrets while we sunbathe in Madagascar or some other exotic place.”

Edna smiled. “You would do that for me?”

“I’d do it for us. Yes.”

“And who would keep an eye on Kalugal?”

“No one. Let him do whatever he wants with the world. Why should we sacrifice our happiness for others?”

It was just talk, and he could never do that, but it felt good to say it.

She sighed. “We both love our people, Rufsur. We would be happy for a week or two, and then we would miss everyone and crawl back home.”

“Hey, maybe that’s the best idea we've had so far. What can they do to us if we just present them with the fact? We can elope and come back after a year with a child. They won’t kick us out or throw us in prison, right? We will suffer through a few months of angry scowls, but that’s a small price to pay. We’ll