But if it was my father approaching, why hadn't the Raziq device woven into my heart reacted? It had been designed to summon them the minute my father appeared in my presence, and when it activated, it felt as if someone had shoved their hand into my chest and was intent on squeezing every ounce of life out of my heart. Painful didn't even come close to describing the experience.
This time, however, there was nothing. And while it was curious, I wasn't about to complain. I might not want to confront my father, but I sure as hell had no desire to be caught in the middle of a battle between him and the Raziq.
He hurt not, Amaya commented. We stronger. Fight.
I snorted. Fighting was my sword's answer to every problem.
Not every, she said. But kill better.
I ignored her and said, "Ilianna, Mirri, get upstairs. Now."
Ilianna opened her mouth to protest, then took one look at my face, grabbed Mirri, and got the hell out of the kitchen.
And not a moment too soon.
An instant later I was hit by a blow of energy so fierce it smashed the chair and flung me backward. I was thrust along the floor with such force that I crashed into one of the cupboards, sending jagged pieces of wood and china flying. Then a band of iron settled around my neck and hauled me upright.
"Where is the second key?" The voice was a deeper, angrier version of mine, and so thunderous it rattled the remaining crockery in the cupboard.
I opened my mouth to answer, but no words came out. No air was getting in, either, but it was anger rather than panic that bloomed through my body.
Damn it, I was getting rather tired of being thrown about by all and sundry. My father, the Raziq, Hunter – they all needed my help, and it was about time they started remembering it.
Even as the thought crossed my mind, energy surged through my body and Amaya was suddenly in my hand. I gripped her hilt tight and swung at the invisible band of steel wrapped around my neck. She screamed in pleasure and anticipation, eager to kill.
No, I warned. Not yet.
Fun not, she bit back.