Dragon Awakened(80)
Cyn fisted his hands at his sides. “I’m not handing over Ruby.”
“Ah, you care about her.”
“She’s been through enough. You had her family murdered.”
“But the girl was not harmed, due to your…compassion.”
“I wasn’t harmed?” Ruby exploded from her hiding place, rage heating her cheeks, and her Dragon. “You killed my family! My uncle! And you’ve been trying to kill me.”
Cyn gripped her arms as she tried to pass him and face the man who had taken so much from her. He held her fast, whispering her name in a warning tone.
Purcell didn’t look the least bit afraid of her. “The blame lies squarely on Brom’s head. He is quite mad, you know. He accused Darren of re-creating the fluctuation and then stormed off. Darren sent a scry orb to follow him, worried for his safety. Brom told Moncrief about his vision, that you would follow in your father’s insanity and sabotage everything we’ve worked for. Darren would not let that happen. He acted rashly, without consulting me. I apologize for the trouble he has caused.”
He apologized. Apologized for killing her uncle!
She crossed her arms over her chest. “A demon tried to attack me after his death.”
Purcell’s mouth tightened. “A demon that continued to fulfill its obligation.” He met Cyn’s gaze. “You killed my son, because he acted recklessly.” His cold eyes shifted to her. “Your father died for the same reason. Enough people have perished. Now we must focus on saving those we can.”
Rage trembled through her body, making Cyn squeeze her shoulders.
Cyn’s voice was rigid when he asked, “Won’t it be odd when thousands of people die for no apparent reason?”
“Of course. The CDC will be desperately searching for the killer pathogen that will seem like the avian flu panic all over again. But it will be over before they can even begin their research. You, Cyn, are—were—a Vega, the most capable of Guard officers. We could use your help.” He looked at Ruby. “You will be spared, too, if you cooperate.”
Purcell turned to Fernandez. “Show them your bracelet.”
He did, plucking at a leather band. Purcell pulled more bands from his pocket. “I will give you four of these. When the lack of Deus Vis becomes too much to handle, the Chosen will be called to a central location, where we will ride out the storm. Like a hurricane shelter.” He held out the bands. “Do we have a deal?”
Cyn gave her shoulder another squeeze. “Deal. We’ll cease and desist.” He couldn’t be thinking of trusting this guy!
Purcell’s steely gaze shifted to her, and she felt an odd pressure in her head. “I know you doubt me,” he said, as though he’d read her mind. He had, she realized. “But with your comrade on our side, you haven’t a chance of succeeding. Cyn, when you or Ruby start feeling ill, call Fernandez. He’ll have instructions by then.”
Fernandez approached Cyn. “I’m sorry I set this up.” He watched Purcell’s retreating back as though he were afraid the man would disappear.
Cyn narrowed eyes that showed his sense of betrayal. “Set me up. This could have gone much differently.”
“I can’t lose her, Cyn.” The man’s voice bled with regret. He ran across the lawn to follow Purcell.
As soon as he was out of earshot, Ruby asked, “We’re not really—”
Cyn shook his head, answering and cutting her off with the same movement. He motioned for her to follow him to the T-bird. As soon as they pulled away from the house, Cyn instructed his cell phone to dial Grayson.
His deep voice boomed over the speakers when he answered. “What’s up?”
“I need a Leap to Chena. I’ll fill you in when we get to your place.” He disconnected.
“Who’s Chena? And what’s a Leap, and why does it make my stomach knot up even more than it already is? Don’t you dare tell me ‘later.’”
He slid her a slightly amused look. “Chena is a what, not a who. It’s a town in Alaska, one of the few places where pockets of Deus Vis can sustain Crescents.”
“Alaska? Are we running off to save our asses? Or are you running off?”
“Ruby, you’ve got to stop letting your emotions drive you. Back there, bursting out like that could have gotten us killed.” He released a breath. “You really think I’d leave you to save myself?”
She settled back in her seat. “No.”
Cyn pulled into the high-rise’s parking lot and started heading to the entrance. “Maybe Purcell’s telling the truth, and this disturbance is a natural result of the impending solar storm. My gut says it isn’t.”