Destruction (Mystic #5) by B. C. Burgess

Author:B. C. Burgess [Burgess, B. C.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781940652054
Goodreads: 18365704
Publisher: Bandit Publishing
Published: 2014-05-21T23:00:00+00:00

SIXTEEN

Clutching onto each other, Quin and Layla entered the Crusaders’ great hall and scanned the majestic chamber. The walls were rounded, sloping toward a domed ceiling, and like the rest of the base, they were plated in golden gemstones. The four long tables occupying the hall curved as well, flowing with their surroundings while brightly reflecting the illuminated dome, and they were evenly separated by a maroon velvet runner, which led to a dais and four golden thrones. Atop the thick maroon cushions padding the shiny seats, sat two women and two men. A fifth magician in powder-blue stood to their right.

A guard closed the door behind them, and Quin glanced at the sealed exit before tightening his hold on Layla's hand and following Venetia further into the room. As they approached the two steps leading to the platform, the high council stood, and Quin pulled Layla halfway behind him.

The high council froze, but their smiles remained as one of the men spoke. “Welcome back, Venetia. Your commitment to your task has been impeccable and will be duly honored in our hall.”

“Thank you, Lorcan. Shall I make the introductions?”

“Of course.”

Venetia looked at Quin while motioning to the wizard who’d spoke, an older man with chiseled features, short gray hair, and smoky-blue eyes. “This is Lorcan, the eldest member of our council and the one who’s served the longest.” Next she pointed to the witch to Lorcan's right, an ethereal looking woman with knee-length silver hair and pale-purple eyes. “This is Andraste, the second eldest and the second elected member. Next to her is Kassandra, the third in their great reign.”

Kassandra nodded, her long lashes bobbing over dark-blue eyes as her platinum bangs fell forward. Then Venetia gestured to the dark-featured man on Lorcan's left. “And this is Roarke, the youngest and newest member of our council. The man to their right,” she added, motioning to the wizard without a throne, “is Gavin. He’s been our prime soothsayer for the past forty-six years.”

Turning toward Layla, Venetia smiled and flipped the introductions around. “This is Layla, her mate Quin, and their companions – Grant and Cecelia.”

The high council and their soothsayer stepped forward, but Quin moved Layla further behind him. He'd spent the introductions observing the Crusaders’ auras, and knew these wise magicians would be a challenge to fight if the need arose.

The high council once again froze, as did their soothsayer, and Venetia silently watched from the sidelines.

Taking one more tentative step, Lorcan stopped on the platform's ledge and held his hands out beside him. “We do not wish to alarm you. None of you will come to harm by the Crusaders’ hands.”

“If you want to talk to Layla,” Quin returned, “you’ll have to accept my mistrust and concern.”

“Consider it done,” Lorcan agreed. “May we see her?”

Quin scanned everyone's hands, lips, eyes, and auras. Then he moved Layla to his side.

“She's beautiful,” Kassandra whispered.

“Indeed,” Lorcan mumbled. “May we see her without her cloak?”

Quin scowled. “She's not your eye candy.”

Lorcan bowed his

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