Titanian's Phoenix by Victoria Saccenti

Author:Victoria Saccenti
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Future, Romance
Publisher: Essence Publishing
Published: 2021-01-08T00:00:00+00:00

SOREN MARCHED OUT of the portal into the bright afternoon light without bothering to check if Talaith followed him. He didn’t hear any screams, so he assumed she’d come across in one piece. He was still ticked off. Eachann and his unsolicited comment had forced him into this situation. Now he had Talaith, a total stranger, in his home, free to roam about and learn the entire layout. Not a prudent move.

Scowling, he stopped and turned. She was coming. Her posture hadn’t changed since Scotland: arms tucked inside her sleeves, head lowered, and the ever-present platinum braids a stark contrast against the black robe. She’d made the journey unfazed and without apparent disorientation or time dilation effects. In other words, this was not her first, second, or third time crossing through the portal.

He pivoted frowning as he scanned the garden. Where… When the tall figure stepped out of the shadows, Soren exhaled.

“I believe my apparent absence troubled you,” Kailen said as he approached. “My apologies. I didn’t mean to worry you. I had to verify who exited the portal. These days, one can never be too careful.”

“Indeed not.” Relieved, Soren extended his hand. “It’s good to see you.”

Kailen shook it as he glanced over Soren’s shoulder. “Hmmm, you brought Talaith.”

“You know her?”

“She trained with Khnurn,” Kailen said. “I met her when I visited the mage in Egypt. Talaith was younger then. She showed promise.”

“Great,” Soren grumbled. “Since you like her, you can keep an eye on her.”

“Forgive me, dear friend. You misunderstood.” Kailen arched an eyebrow. “I met her. I didn’t say I liked her. Actually, I find Talaith’s arrival unnerving. I was expecting Anna. Why the switch?”

Soren exhaled a loud breath. “Eachann. Who else? I mentioned I was concerned about leaving Maya in her transition phase without a comforting presence. So in Bromm’s room, right in front of Talaith, he tells me to take her instead of Anna. There you have it, long explanation for a short, ill-timed comment. The bastard trapped me.”

“Mmm, yes,” Kailen murmured. “I understand. Here’s Talaith.”

“Greetings, master.” Talaith’s syrupy voice swirled through the air. She bowed to Kailen.

Soren’s teeth ached.

“Greetings, Talaith.” Kailen bowed back.

The depth of his bow didn’t escape Soren; it was a skosh less than Talaith’s and a clear statement of rank and seniority.

“Master is unnecessary.” Kailen’s tone was patient and soft. “Kailen is fine.”

“As you wish,” she murmured and bowed again.

“Let’s go inside. I’m sure you’ll enjoy some refreshments.” Kailen tapped Soren’s shoulder as he walked toward the conservatory.

The muscle felt tender, sore. Soren moved it around, trying to loosen it. Weird, he couldn’t figure out the sudden discomfort. Then he saw the conservatory and forgot his shoulder. “You’ve been busy.”

The night of the attack, he’d left half the greenhouse in shambles, broken glass everywhere. Now it was perfect, not a scratch or break anywhere. The beveled glass edges sparkled in the afternoon sun.

Kailen chuckled. “All of us got a little excited that night, the werefoxes included. They helped with the repairs.”

“No one would guess anything had happened,” Soren murmured.

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