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  “Nadiah?” he asked, looking anxiously down at her. “Sweetheart, are you all right?”

  “Fine.” She smiled up at him, her eyes half closed in fatigue. “Now that you’ve got me I’ll be all right forever.”

  “Oh, sweetheart…” He bent to kiss her cheek…and realized that it was ice cold. Surely that couldn’t be normal, could it? “Nadiah?” he asked, trying to keep the panic out of his voice but this time she didn’t answer. “Nadiah!” Rast shook her gently and then with more force but her eyes—those lovely, otherworldly blue eyes—were closed and her head rolled limply against his arm. “Help!” He looked around wildly. “I need a doctor over here—help me!”

  Suddenly Lydiah was pulling on his arm again. “Off-worlder?”

  “What? Do you know a doctor? Where’s the fucking hospital around here?” Rast demanded, all in one breath.

  “Do you truly love her?” Lydiah was looking at him steadily. “You weren’t just saying that to help her break the bond?”

  “What? Yes, of course I love her!” Rast said wildly. “I’m out of my goddamn mind in love with her, all right?”

  “And you want her with you?” Lydiah persisted. “You want to be tied to her for always and spend your whole life with her and only with her?”

  “Yes, yes, yes! What is this, twenty questions? Just tell me where to find a doctor!”

  “You don’t need a doctor—you can heal her yourself. If you’re willing.”

  “Willing to do what?” Rast begged. “Please, just tell me, she’s barely breathing.”

  “Close your eyes, calm yourself, and feel for the broken bond—the one she tore away from Y’dex,” Lydiah instructed.

  Rast forced himself to do as she said. He’d always had a cool head under pressure. This was no time to panic—not when Nadiah’s life might hang in the balance.

  Closing his eyes, he reached along the slender cord that connected him to Nadiah. He could barely feel it now—it was like a ghost, a whisper of silk that passed right through his mind’s fingers as he searched. But there was something else in there—something big—he could sense it. Big and hurt and throbbing, like a cut artery pulsing away the life’s blood of its victim.

  “Do you feel it?” Lydiah asked anxiously. “I don’t want to rush you, off-worlder, but Nadiah seems to have stopped breathing.”

  “Yes.” Reaching out mentally with everything in him, Rast grabbed the severed cord. It was more like a rough rope or a vine in his hand and unlike his own, slender connection, it was still throbbing with life. Even as he held it, though, the throbbing grew weaker and the cord felt less and less substantial. “I’ve got it,” he told Lydiah, still not opening his eyes. “I’ve got it—now what?”

  “All right, feel for the end,” she instructed. “The broken end.”

  Rast felt for it and found it soon enough. It came to a sharp and jagged point, like a limb torn away from a tree by lightning. Like holding a dagger in my mind, he thought and felt a strange comfort in the thought. “I’ve got it,” he said grimly. “Just barely. It won’t last long. Now what do I do?”

  “Now you must stab it into your heart.”

  “What?” Rast’s eyes flew open and he almost lost his mental grasp on the slippery, jagged bond. “What did you say?”

  “If you want to save her, you have to anchor her to you,” Lydiah explained patiently, as though speaking to a young child. “The only way to do that is to push the bond deep into the core of your soul—your psychic heart. Close your eyes and imagine pushing it into yourself—stabbing the root deep in your heart. It’s the only way.”

  “Of course it is,” Rast muttered. Suddenly, it all made perfect sense.

  “One thing, off-worlder,” Lydiah said. “This will hurt. And if Nadiah is too far gone, she may take you down with her to death’s doorway.”

  “You think I give a damn about that?” Rast growled. “I don’t care where she takes me as long as we’re together.”

  Lydiah smiled at him. “Then you are truly worthy of her. I am glad I broke my vow.”

  Rast didn’t know what she was talking about and he didn’t care. Closing his eyes, he took a firm grip on the jagged, pulsing root. Then, with no hesitation, he pictured himself driving that wickedly sharp point firmly into his own beating heart.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Nadiah was in a long, dark tunnel. So long and so dark she was almost afraid. But when she looked up, she saw a light at the end—a light that dispelled all her fears. So beautiful, she thought as she drifted towards it. So perfectly peaceful. So right…

  The light grew closer and now she could see a figure standing there in the center of it, the figure of a person who was somehow familiar, though Nadiah had a feeling she hadn’t seen whoever it was in a long, long time.

  “Nadiah? Nadiah, my child.” The figure became clearer and suddenly Nadiah recognized her Grandmaman—the one who had told her about her gift—about the Sight. She had warned Nadiah before she died that she might inherit the gift and told her what to expect. But that had been years ago. And now…

  “Grandmaman?” Nadiah could hardly contain her joy. “Oh, Grandmaman, I’m so happy to see you!”

  “And I’m happy to see you as well, child. But it’s too soon. You’re early.”

  “Early?” Nadiah frowned. “What do you mean?”

  “I mean the Goddess says it’s not your time yet. You must go back, child. The one you left behind loves you dearly—so dearly he is willing to risk his own life for yours. You must go back to him.”

  “Rast?” Nadiah asked. “Are you talking about Rast?”

  “He has a hard road ahead of him child—the wellbeing of First World will rest in his hands.” Her grandmaman shivered. “I wouldn’t wish that heavy a load on anyone but his shoulders are broad enough to bear it—if he has the right female to help him, that is. So you see, you must go back to him and face the Empty Throne. You must.”

  “I must,” Nadiah repeated softly. Faintly, so faintly she could barely hear it, the sound of voices drifted up to her. One of them belonged to her friend, Lydiah and the other, deeper one was Rast—she was sure of it. He seemed to be panicked or upset about something. He was calling her name, asking for help and it sounded like Lydiah was answering him.

  “Go…” Her grandmaman’s voice was softer now and when Nadiah looked up, she saw that the older female was fading back into the brilliant, warm glow at the end of the tunnel. “Go now, my child. Go and do what you must do.”

  “Wait,” Nadiah pleaded. “What is it I must do?”

  “When the time is right, you will know, child.”

  “Will I see you again?” Nadiah asked.

  “Of course you will.” Her grandmaman’s voice was fainter still and the sound of Lydiah and Rast talking was growing louder. “We all come to the Goddess in the end,” her grandmaman said. “But first you must fulfill your destiny. Goodbye, Nadiah. Goodbye…”

  “Goodbye, I love you,” Nadiah called after her. By now the circle of light was no more than a pinprick. Suddenly, she felt a rushing sensation, as though she was falling—no—flying downwards. Diving from a great height down to something or someone who was terribly important to her.

  The darkness cleared and she caught a glimpse of her own lifeless body, cradled in Rast’s muscular arms. And then—

  * * * * *

  Nadiah jerked in his arms like a heart attack patient being shocked by a defibrillator. A ragged gasp tore from her throat and her eyes flew open, staring up at him in wonder.

  “Rast?” she whispered, reaching up for him. “Rast, is that you?”

  “Nadiah!” It was impossible to put the relief he felt into words. His heart throbbed in his chest and he could feel the newly connected bond throbbing with it, beating in time to his pulse and hers. “Oh, sweetheart,” he whispered and crushed her to him.

  She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on, weakly at first but then tighter as strength seemed to pour back into h
er limbs. Strength that he was giving her, Rast realized. She’s getting better. Thank God! Or the Goddess, or whoever, I don’t care! She’s going to be all right.

  “I love you,” he heard her whisper timidly as he pressed his cheek to hers. “Love you so much, Rast.”

  “I love you too, sweetheart.” He drew back and studied her lovely face, cherishing every detail of it from her exotic eyes to her full, pink lips. “I’m sorry I was too much of a coward to say it before,” he said hoarsely. “It’s just, I know Sylvan wants you with a Kindred and he made me swear not to touch you.”

  Nadiah smiled. “Sylvan will just have to understand.”

  “Yes.” Rast kissed her deeply and then pulled back, smiling as well. “Yes, he will. I mean, I’ll call him and tell him what’s going on. We can ask for his blessing but if he doesn’t want to give it, I’m still going to make an honest woman out of you.”

  Nadiah frowned. “What exactly does that mean? I’m already honest. Well, mostly.”

  Rast started laughing, so full of relief he thought he might burst. “It’s a human saying. It means I want to marry you.”

  Her eyes shone. “You mean like a bonding ceremony?”

  “Exactly.” Rast bent to kiss her again but a heavy hand fell on his shoulder.

  “Just a moment, off-worlder. I don’t believe this challenge is over.”

  Rast looked up to see Magistrate Licklow standing there glowering at him. Behind him, a very pissed-off looking Y’dex was doing the same.

  “What the hell are you talking about?” he demanded. “It’s finished—done. Nadiah’s bonded to me now—I won fair and square.”

  The magistrate’s face got red. “You most certainly did not. You had help from Lydiah in the form of verbal direction. And you left your spot to go to Nadiah as I specifically directed you not to.”

  “Y’dex left his place too—before I did as I matter of fact.” Rast was really beginning to get angry. “He grabbed her and wouldn’t let go.”

  “All the more reason to declare this challenge void and start from the beginning,” Licklow said pompously. “Now, then, Nadiah will have to be re-bonded to Y’dex so she has a connection to both of you, just to make things fair. And then—”

  “No!” Rast interrupted. “Hell no. Nadiah is my female now. She’s mine. And I’m not letting any male—let alone your slimy, hairless-cat-looking, fucked up son get anywhere near her.”

  The last words were a full throated roar of aggression, like an enraged lion fighting for its mate. Rast suddenly knew that something strange was happening to him—something he’d never felt before. His eyes felt hot in their sockets and a red veil seemed to have dropped over his vision, painting everything in tones of bloody crimson. Every muscle in his body was tense and his shoulder blades itched and burned horribly, like someone was running a red-hot knife over them. The pain only added to his rage and he took a step forward, a menacing growl rising in his throat.

  Magistrate Licklow’s face grew pale and he fell back a step. But he was still frowning as he spoke. “I’m sorry you’re upset, off-worlder, but rules are rules.”

  “I don’t give a flying fuck about your damn rules. Nadiah is mine,” Rast growled. He was beginning to see that this might come to a fight, which worried him. Not because he didn’t think he could take the pudgy magistrate and his son, but because he’d have to put down Nadiah to do it. And something told him the bond between them was still incredibly fragile. The least little mistake might tear it lose and he might not be able to reattach it this time.

  Licklow was still talking, clearly ignoring the warning look Rast was giving him. “As I said, rules are rules. And if I have to, I will bring in guards to help me enforce them.”

  “Be quiet about the damn rules for once, why don’t you, Licklow?” A new male had showed up—a tall, lean fellow with a rugged swimmer’s physique and light brown hair. He had one arm firmly around Lydiah which told Rast that he, at least, was not a threat. Still, he backed away warily, holding Nadiah close to his chest to protect her and the fragile bond.

  “I beg your pardon, Havris,” Magistrate Licklow blustered, frowning. “What are you talking about and how dare you interfere?”

  “I’m interfering because I can’t stand to watch any more of this blatant favoritism.” Havris frowned. “The off-worlder won the blood challenge fairly and you know it. It was Y’dex who attempted to cheat over and over. And every time, you helped him.”

  “I…I don’t know what you’re talking about!” But the magistrate’s face was almost purple and he was slowly backing away.

  “The hell you don’t,” Havris said angrily. “Lydiah told me that she overheard you and Nadiah’s parents plotting to fix the challenges. And believe me, I’ll be more than happy to go to the Elders with that information if you don’t let Nadiah and her male go right now.”

  “You wouldn’t dare!” Y’dex exclaimed, stepping forward with an outraged look on his face. “Not if you want my sister for your wife.”

  “You’re the one who had better not dare anything, Y’dex.” Havris’s voice was low and cold and he looked at his future brother-in-law as though Y’dex was a bug he wanted to squash beneath his boot. “After the way you treated Lydiah for all these years, the cruelty and humiliation you subjected her to, I’m itching to put my fist through your face. Just come one step closer and try me.”

  “Traitor!” Y’dex screamed, but Rast noticed he didn’t come any closer. “You’re a traitor to the Purist cause. A traitor to Tranq Prime,” he accused.

  “No, I’m just someone who won’t stand by and let you cheat anymore.” Havris frowned. “You’ve gotten away with everything your whole life because your father was magistrate. Well, no more! You’re going to let Nadiah and her off-worlder go right now with no interference from you or the guards.” He turned to the magistrate. “And as soon as they’re safely gone out of orbit, Lydiah and I will be having a private bonding ceremony. You and Lady Licklow are invited if you can keep civil tongues in your heads. If not, don’t come. I don’t care either way.”

  “I…I…you can’t…” For once Magistrate Licklow seemed to be at a loss for something to say.

  “Oh yes I can,” Havris said grimly. He gave Lydiah’s shoulders a squeeze. “Run say goodbye to your friend, darling. She and her male are leaving.”

  Lydiah gave him a radiant smile and then ran up to Rast. “Can you put her down, just for a moment so I can say goodbye?” she begged.

  Rast looked uncertainly at Nadiah but though she looked extremely fatigued, she nodded. “All right,” he said at last. “But be careful not to joggle her too much. I’m worried the bond will shake loose.”

  Lydiah laughed. “Silly off-worlder—it’s not that easy to get rid of a deeply rooted blood bond. Although you do need to seal it as soon as you can.”

  For some reason, this statement made Nadiah’s cheeks turn red. “Lydiah!” she exclaimed.

  “Well, it’s true.” Lydiah pulled her into a gentle hug and Rast heard her say, “Sorry I had to break my vow.”

  “That’s all right.” Nadiah hugged her back and kissed her cheek. “I’m glad you did.”

  “All right, no time for long goodbyes.” Havris had a wicked looking gun-type thing in one hand and his eyes on Magistrate Licklow and Y’dex. “Let’s go,” he told Rast tersely. “Lydiah and I will escort the two of you to your ship.”

  Nadiah tore herself away from her friend and Rast picked her up again over her feeble protests.

  “Be quiet,” he ordered tenderly. “You’re in no shape to walk. Besides, I want to carry you.”

  “All right.” Sighing, she relaxed in his arms and rested her head on his chest. “Let’s go then. I want to get out of here.”

  “You and me both, sweetheart,” Rast murmured. “You and me both.” Holding her carefully, he turned to follow Havris and Lydiah who were headed out of the challenge grotto. But just as he reached the high, arching exit, he heard someone calling his
name. Turning his head, he saw Y’dex still standing there, his pale face purple with rage and both hands clenched into fists.

  “You’ll regret this, Rast,” he howled, his voice echoing through the cavern. “I swear it on my soul! If I can’t have her, no one can!”

  In his arms, Nadiah shivered. “Oh, Rast…”

  He held her closer and walked faster, following Havris. “Don’t pay any attention, sweetheart. He’s just a sore loser, that’s all. After this you’ll never have to see him again, I swear.”

  “I hope you’re right.” Her face was pale and drawn. “Oh, Rast, I really hope you’re right.”

  They made through the main grotto and down the long tunnel that led to the frozen landing area. Only when they were standing right by the door that led out into the chilly tundra did Rast breathe a sigh of relief. He turned to Havris and nodded at the other male.

  “Thank you. I appreciate your help.”

  “You’re more than welcome.” Havris nodded back. “I’ve been aching to tell Lydiah’s father off for years but I had to wait until she came of age.”

  “Yes, so you could whisk me away and bond me.” Lydiah looked up at him, her face glowing with love and adoration. She grinned at Rast and Nadiah. “But I think the two of you have some bonding to do too.”

  Nadiah blushed again. “Lydiah, really.”

  “Well, you know it’s the truth! Oh, and before I forget, here.” She stepped forward and pressed something into Nadiah’s hands.

  “My tharp!” Nadiah hugged the furry garment to her excitedly and it ran through a rainbow of colors, obviously as glad to be back with her as she was to have it. “Where did you get it?” she asked Lydiah. “I was afraid it was lost. I told it to find me but…”