Defender by Cyndi Friberg

Author:Cyndi Friberg [Friberg, Cyndi]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Anything-but-Ordinary Books
Published: 2016-01-21T06:00:00+00:00

* * * * *

Five days had passed since Chandar’s restoration and still she hadn’t had a vision. Long, in-depth sessions with Indigo kept frustration from completely overwhelming Chandar, but she still felt useless. Broken.

“You can’t let this defeat you,” Indigo said as they left Chandar’s suite and entered the courtyard. One of the maintenance teams discovered a program that changed the esthetics of the common area. The fountain and benches remained the same, but the sky and surrounding images could be altered, creating a variety of settings. Currently the program created a cool, autumn scene, complete with the tranquil haze of twilight.

“I’m not sure what else to do.” Chandar sat on the edge of the fountain facing Indigo, who sat on one of the benches. “I’ve tried every technique I know and my gift still won’t engage.”

“Not every technique.” The deep male voice came from somewhere behind her.

Chandar quickly stood and turned around, moving to one side so she could see around the fountain. Vox stood just inside the archway leading to the rest of Lunar Nine. She hadn’t seen him since her restoration, had wondered if he’d returned to Bilarri. “Which techniques have I not tried?”

“The ones I taught you.” He strolled toward her, his movements smooth yet powerful. Though he lacked the height and obvious brawn of a Rodyte warrior, his body was perfectly proportioned and lean. His red phitons seemed unusually bright, yet she wasn’t sure if it was the color or a reflection of the power at his disposal. The close-clipped beard shadowing his jawline was new. In all her memories of Vox, he’d been clean-shaven. She’d always found him handsome, but now the attraction felt casual, unimportant.

His clothing, though common on Bilarri, distinguished him from the uniformed Rodytes. A hip-length tunic of red and gold was belted at the waist. His tan-colored pants were tightly braided from something that looked like leather, though she doubted it was actually animal skin. Kneehigh boots completed the ensemble, which was rich yet oddly sedate for a Bilarrian prince. And unlike the warriors, Vox appeared to be unarmed. The thought made her shiver. It was a misleading illusion. A Bilarrian mage was never without weapons.

“How do you know which techniques she’s tried?” Indigo stood as well and rushed to Chandar’s side. Her overprotectiveness was sweet, but misplaced when it came to Vox.

Chandar reached over and touched her arm. “I remember him clearly now. He’s more than earned my trust. Just like you, he’s here to help.”

Indigo nodded though her gaze remained narrowed and watchful, and she didn’t move from Chandar’s side.

Vox stepped closer, stopping just out of reach. “When your abilities remain elusive, what are the two paths by which you can access your energy?”

“Pleasure and pain.” Chandar glanced at Indigo. Did she know where this conversation was leading? Had Vox told her about his unconventional techniques? “When you trained me before I wasn’t involved with anyone.”

A warm chuckle rumbled from Vox’s throat. “I’m not suggesting we resume training.

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