“Incredible.”
“We gained strength, speed, the ability to shapeshift into a wolf. On the next planet, Taln, they can command the geological forces of the planet. I’ve seen my brother Graylan generate earthquakes. Collapse the ground, shoot dirt and rocks into the air.”
“That sounds fascinating, but a little scary.”
“Graylan is…intense.” Brodin smiled. “You don’t think huge wolves with large claws and volatile tempers are dangerous?”
She smiled back. “Maybe I’m getting used to it. Even Annora was nice to me today.”
“But I wasn’t.”
She grabbed his hand. “I forgive you, Brodin. I get it. Things are pretty tense right now. Carry on with the story.”
“The final planet in the system is Sarkan.” His father’s world. “It was unaffected by the Radiance. They rely on manufacturing weapons and vehicles of war. Zavir rules the planet with fear and intimidation.”
“Oh.” She shifted. “You really don’t like him.”
“An understatement. He is a power-hungry, gorr-cursed tyrant. Years ago, he tried to take over the entire system. After years of intense fighting with the planets, they proposed peace through strategic marriages. He took three wives.”
“Multiple marriages? That’s why he has a son on each planet.”
Brodin nodded. “He wants us for our powers. He sent the warlord Krastin to Zhalto to ‘convince’ Rhain to join him. And he sent Candela here.”
Poppy squeezed Brodin’s hand. “You’ll find her. You’ll rescue those kids.”
“I can feel the calm emanating from you.” He tucked her hair behind her ear. “I’m sorry I yelled at you, Poppy. What you can do is a gift.”
She laughed uncomfortably. “I’m not doing anything, Brodin. I’m bumbling around, and I hate not feeling competent.”
His face turned thoughtful. “You’ll find your place. You have an inner strength that is stronger than any Damari wolf I know. Now, you should rest. You need some sleep.”
He started to move, but she grabbed him.
“Um, would you stay?” She shook her head and released him. “You’re probably busy. You have to go. It’s fine.”
He gripped her chin. “I’m staying, and not just because Cassanra ordered me to keep an eye on you.”
He lowered his head and kissed her.
The kiss was slow, gentle but deep.
“I shouldn’t be doing this,” he growled. “You’re hurt, far from your world, I—”
“Shut up, Brodin.” She pressed her mouth to his.
She nipped his bottom lip, and his mouth opened. Her tongue stroked his, and he took control, deepening the kiss.
“Enough,” he growled, pulling back.
Poppy didn’t want to stop. Every part of her was tingling.
“Sleep.” He nudged her down, then lay down beside her. His big body curled around hers.
That was nice. Her heart thumped steadily. Really nice.
She felt truly safe for the first time in a long time.
She drifted off to sleep with his heartbeats in her ear, his scent filling her, and his strong arms surrounding her.
Chapter Eight
Brodin’s eyes snapped open.
Someone was at his front door. He was curled around Poppy’s small form. Warmth filled his chest. She’d slept soundlessly in his arms.
Gently, he touched her cheek and rose.
It was early, the sun just starting to rise over the forest. His chest locked as he wondered how Nayla and the other young ones with her were fairing.
I will find you.
He found one of his cleavers waiting on the steps, knowing Brodin would sense him.
“Emperor.” Cardan bowed his head.
“Cardan.”
“I have word from healer Cassanra. Fillian is awake.”
A jolt went through Brodin’s veins. The young man could have information on Candela, and where she was hiding.
“Brodin?” Poppy wandered out, looking sleepy and sweet.
He saw Cardan’s discreet glance at Poppy’s bare legs, and interest in the man’s gaze.
Fighting a spurt of heat, Brodin stepped closer to her, blocking the man’s view.
“Fillian is awake,” he told her.
Her eyes widened. “You’re going to question him?”
He nodded. “I need you to come.” He didn’t want to find her collapsed on the floor again.
She nodded. “I’ll get dressed.”
They walked quickly to the infirmary, and Cassanra met them at the door.
“Poppy, did you sleep well?” the healer asked.
She nodded.
The healer eyed Brodin with a critical eye. “You look rested too, sire.”
Brodin refused to rise to the bait. “Where’s Fillian?”
“Through here.”
Cassanra led them down a short hall and into a comfortable healing room. It was painted in a soothing green, with lots of plants resting on shelves.
Fillian sat up in the bed. His skin was pale, and he had dark circles under his eyes. His brown hair was mussed from sleep.
“Emperor.” Fillian’s parents bowed their heads. They looked tired, but relief was stamped all over them.
Brodin touched their arms. “I’m glad he’s fine. You need to rest now. Cassanra has him.”
They nodded, and Fillian’s mother kissed her son’s cheek before his parents left.
“Emperor.” Fillian’s voice trembled.
Brodin gripped the young man’s shoulder. “You’re safe now.”
“But Stein, Nayla, and the others aren’t. My friends… That Zhylaw witch has them, and it’s my fault!”
“We’ll find them, and this isn’t your fault. Your job now is to rest and regain your strength.”
The young man’s face twisted, but he nodded.
Then his gaze shifted and snagged on Poppy. The young man’s face lit up. “You.”
She smiled. “I’m—”
“Poppy. I remember you. You and the emperor. You made me feel better.”
She looked at Brodin, then walked closer. “I’m really glad you’re okay.”
He reached out a hand and she took it.
“Thank you. And you, sire. For saving me.”
“Fillian, we need to ask you some questions about Candela. It could help Stein and the others.”
The young man’s face darkened.
Brodin gently disengaged his hand from Poppy’s.
“You aren’t leaving, are you, Poppy?” Fillian’s voice turned anxious.
“No.”
Brodin urged her into a chair. “Poppy is under my protection.” He met Fillian’s gaze.
The young man got the message, a faint blush staining his cheekbones.
“I need you to tell me everything you remember. Nothing is too small. Any detail could help us pinpoint Candela’s location.”
The young man swallowed. “It’s mostly a jumble. I was hunting with Stein, and we got separated. Something hit me from behind, and knocked me out.” He dragged in a deep breath. “What I remember is blurry and—” his chest hitched “—filled with pain.”