"Oh."
Riley glanced down at himself with a frown. "Oh? Is that a good 'oh' or a you-look-like-a-dork 'oh'?"
Rayner smiled widely. "You appear every bit the prince." He bowed in front of Riley as Tura gasped. Rayner straightened and gave Tura a wink before placing his finger to his lips.
"What?" Riley asked, lost by the unspoken conversation Rayner and Tura seemed to be having.
"Come along. It's time to meet the others." Rayner ushered Riley toward the door, but not before Riley called out over his shoulder.
"Thank you for the clothes, Tura. They're awesome!"
Tura beamed at him. He gave them a nod as Riley was escorted out the door. It was weird what a little wardrobe change could do. In his T-shirt and jeans, he'd received curious looks. Now dressed in his new outfit, one dude ran into the wall because he was staring at Riley and not paying attention to where he was going. When it happened a second time, Riley became concerned.
"Do I have something on my face?" Riley whispered as they headed down a long stone corridor decorated in rich blues and black. "Why's everyone staring at me?"
Rayner seemed to find the whole thing amusing.
"Do I have something in my teeth?" He tongued his teeth but couldn't feel anything poking out anywhere. "Seriously, man, help me out here."
They reached what Riley assumed was the front gate. Khalon stood with his back to them, speaking to Adira and Ezra. There were several Soldati and servants around, all of whom started murmuring and whispering to each other. Why the hell was everyone looking at him? Was it because he was a human? Did he look like an ass?
Riley tugged at Rayner's sleeve. "You gotta put me out of my misery. What's going on?"
"You are a vision, Riley Murrough. They want to know who, and what, you are."
"They've never seen a human?" That didn't make sense. The Soldati protected humans from demons. Surely they'd seen thousands, maybe millions, of humans in their lifetime. Why was Riley different?
"Your golden hair marks you as rare."
"There are no blonds in your kingdom?"
"No."
Now that Rayner mentioned it, Riley looked around. No one had blond hair. The closest was a light brown on one of the foxlings. Weird.
"But they've seen blond humans."
Rayner nodded. "They have. However, they sense Khalon's mark on you but know you are not Soldati. They don't know what you are other than a rare flower that has yet to bloom."
Riley wasn't sure what to make of that.
"What the hell is going on?" Khalon grumbled. He turned, doing a double take when he saw Riley. It would have made Riley laugh were he not suddenly the center of attention.
He didn't know what to do with himself, so he stood there, back straight, chin lifted high. Well, if he was going to be gawked at, he might as well do his part, especially since Khalon's eyes had gone wide and his mouth dropped open as he swept his gaze over Riley. Way to be subtle. Riley tried telling himself he didn't care whether Khalon was pleased with him or not, but he was failing pretty spectacularly.
Riley felt good about himself. The guy obviously liked what he saw. Who's a whelp now? Rayner elbowed Khalon's side and cleared his throat, a smile tugging at his lips.
"You're gaping, Your Majesty."
Khalon snapped himself out of it and turned to glare at Rayner. "Shut up." He spun on his heels and stormed out, Adira and Ezra exchanging glances before following him. Riley stepped up beside Rayner and held back a smile.
"So do you think that means he approves?" He was pretty sure he knew the answer.
Rayner threw his head back and laughed before giving Riley a hearty clap on the back. This was going to be interesting.
Chapter Five
RILEY WAS surprised by the large crowd gathered outside the gates. He was even more surprised to find the crowd was there to wish Khalon and his warriors well on their trip. Everyone from Soldati to servant stood to one side. They appeared genuinely concerned for Khalon and Riley was stunned to see the affection in Khalon's eyes. The way everyone met his gaze or bowed their head when he touched their shoulder, assuring them he would return, spoke volumes of how they felt about him. It was clear they loved him. They certainly respected him. There was obviously a whole other side to Khalon Riley had yet to see. Why was Khalon so intent on keeping Riley at a distance?
While Khalon accepted the words of encouragement from his people, Riley took the opportunity to get a good look at the castle. Holy hell! It was huge! Which he supposed castles tended to be, but he'd never been inside a four-bedroom house, much less a castle. It was like one of those Scottish castles in the movies, but with plumbing.
The gray stone facade was covered in ivy while expansive and lush gardens surrounded the castle on all sides. Beyond the gardens were thick forests, and above them, the bluest sky he'd ever seen. Riley was horrified to discover they'd not only be going into the forests, but they'd be making the journey on foot with Ezra and Adira in their tiger forms. As a New Yorker, he was used to walking a lot, but he'd never marched through wildlife. He was never one of those kids who always wanted to go camping. Sleeping on rocks and getting eaten alive by mosquitos or whatever furry beasts lived in the woods never appealed to him.
Riley had no idea what direction they were heading in or how long it would take to get there. Thankfully Rayner informed him they'd be stopping at villages along the way for provisions, and the forest would provide food, whatever that meant.
As they walked Riley figured he might as well make the best of the situation. At least the woods were scenic and not some creepy dark fairy-tale woods. The bright sunlight filtered in through the lush trees on either side of the dirt path they followed. It was a sunny day but cool. Thank God. He couldn't imagine trekking through the heat in this much leather. There was a nice breeze. He couldn't remember the last time he'd walked through so much nature. Did Central Park count as a hike through the wild?
Rayner and Khalon walked ahead, neither speaking, but they didn't seem to mind the silence. In fact, Rayner looked content, and Khalon.... Well, at least he wasn't scowling. He looked almost pensive. After what seemed like an eternity to Riley, he stopped to rest on a fallen log.
"You guys don't have cars, or horses? Carriages? Something that moves you can sit down on?"
"We have no need for vehicles or horses," Khalon muttered, sitting down on the log.
"How do you get around?" Riley's question was met with a chuff from Adira, who sat close by, her tail thumping against the grass. "Right, the whole tiger thing. Question: where do your clothes go when you change?"
Khalon folded his arms over his broad chest, looking even more imposing and larger than life, if that was possible. He was dressed all in black, from his black leather tunic to his pants, boots, and shirt, including wide black leather cuffs on his wrists over his sleeves. "Our clothes are like a second skin. When we shift, it simply becomes one with our bodies. Clothes are an invention of man. Unfortunately even our world has conformed to your nonsense and we've been forced to adapt. Entering your world unclothed yields... undesired results." Khalon motioned it was time to get going. Hey, a whole five minutes. Fantastic.
Reluctantly Riley got to his feet and started walking again. "If it's a second skin, do you feel pain when you get your sleeve caught on something or your boot steps on a rock?"
"No."
Cool. So because Riley couldn't shift into anything more than a couch potato, they were all forced to walk. Way to make friends.
Something had been bugging Riley since last night. "Is it really necessary to wipe my memories? I mean, don't you think humans have a right to know about what's out there?"
Khalon came to an abrupt halt and spun on his heels. Uh-oh. He'd angered Mr. Personality. Again. How unsurprising.
"A right?" Khalon loomed over him, which wasn't difficult considering he was about a foot taller than Riley. "You humans are so arrogant. You believe your mere existence entitles you to whatever
you fancy. That you are the center of the universe. For centuries my warriors and I have risked our lives to keep you safe, and yet year after year you find new ways to destroy yourselves. There is no greater threat to the human race than itself."
Wow. Okay. Not a fan of humans, clearly. Before Riley could say another word, Khalon stormed off. Did the guy ever stick around to have a conversation? Or was it just Riley? Did he smell? He subtly gave his armpit a sniff. Nope. He smelled like flowery soap and nature. Maybe he'd just soak in all the greenery, seeing as how Khalon clearly couldn't wait to get rid of him. Was it so terrible they get to know each other?
Around them the birds chirped and Riley smiled when he saw some squirrels playing. Soon some other furry little creatures joined in. A group of rabbits appeared, heading swiftly in the same direction. Did rabbits travel in packs?
"Um...." Riley caught up to Rayner. "Quick question."
Khalon let out a heavy sigh. "Your questions are never quick. And here I thought I might have a moment's peace."
"Your charm continues to astound me," Riley drawled before turning his attention back to Rayner. "Are the animals in this forest always in such a hurry?"
Rayner stopped. He sniffed the air and narrowed his eyes, peering into the woods. He turned and gave Adira a nod. She leaped into action, darting off into the woods while Ezra took off in a different direction. That didn't bode well.
"What's going on?" Riley asked, a chill spreading through him. He didn't like this. Something was wrong. There was a distant roar and Rayner's eyes widened. He grabbed Riley's arm.
"Run!"
Before Riley could ask, the sun was swallowed in darkness, or so it seemed. A thick fog rolled into the woods all around them and Khalon pulled Riley between him and Rayner as they sped down the trail. The fog became so thick Riley couldn't see what lay two feet ahead of him. He trusted Rayner and Khalon not to run him into a tree.
A horrifying shriek resounded before it multiplied into several more, followed by two familiar roars. Riley's heart was ready to beat out of him. He didn't need to be told what was behind them. The tattoos on his arm burned but he ignored it, too horrified by the noises coming from within the fog. He could barely see a thing, and as much as he hated to admit it, he was scared shitless. Whatever number of demons had shown up in the alley last night was nothing compared to what was after him now.
"Khalon, what's happening?" Riley asked as he did his best to keep up with the warriors on either side of him. He really needed to lay off the cake. If he survived he'd have to remember to thank Tura for the boots because his sneakers--and feet--wouldn't have survived the jagged rocks and harsh terrain of the woods. An icy wind whipped in his face and his lungs ached from his heavy breathing, but he continued to push himself, his boots kicking up dirt and pebbles as he raced down the path.
"There's a village not far from here," Khalon informed him. "Straight ahead. Whatever you do, don't look back, and don't stop."
Despite what Khalon might think, Riley wasn't an idiot. He had no intention of stopping until he either ran out of ground or collapsed from exhaustion. Amazing how the threat of being killed by demons unlocked a level of athleticism Riley never knew he had.
The noise intensified and the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. Something was close. He could feel it. Like it was clawing at his soul. His chest got tight and it suddenly became harder to breathe. What the hell? Was he running out of steam already? He wasn't that out of shape. His lungs burned and he felt dizzy. No, this was something else. His vision flickered, and when a strange pulse erupted from his chest, he got scared and cried out.
"Khalon!"
Riley didn't know why he called Khalon's name, but when the world around him spun off its axis, his vision growing dark and his legs giving out from under him, he was relieved and grateful Khalon was there to catch him.
Chapter Six
KHALON FELT the flicker in Riley's soul like a knife to the chest. He'd spun on instinct, seconds before Riley called out his name and just in time to catch Riley before he could hit the ground. Lifting him easily, Khalon hoisted Riley over his shoulder and took off again. Adira and Ezra reappeared alongside him. Word of Riley's presence in the Soldati Realm had spread quicker than anticipated and the demons were out in full force. He needed to get Riley to safety. They were almost there. He could see the village up ahead. As they neared, Rayner shouted at the villagers to get indoors.
Khalon ran through the expansive stone archway marking the entrance to the village and spotted Rayner up ahead, waving him over to an open doorway. Khalon swiftly entered the cottage and was greeted by a family of kit foxlings. The taller of the adult females showed him to a bedroom with a bed tucked inside an alcove.
"Lay him here, Your Majesty. We'll watch over him," she stated, her big brown eyes gentle. "I am Flora and this is my mate Lasa, and our daughter Tinia."
Khalon gave the three female kit foxlings a nod. Riley would be in good hands. He laid Riley on the bed, startled by his sudden reluctance to leave him. His instincts pulled at him, demanding he protect what was his. He shook himself out of the ridiculous sentiment. Riley was not his, nor would he be. The priestess would set all to rights. For now he had to protect Riley, and in turn, his kingdom. He hurried for the door, ordering the kit foxlings to close it behind him.
Outside the wind whipped fiercely, the shrieks of approaching demons intensifying as they drew near in a cloud of putrid fog.
"Take positions!" Khalon shifted instantly into his tiger form and the four of them situated themselves around the small village, the others following his lead when he roared.
White light burst from their open jaws into the sky, spreading over the small village and forming a protective barrier, warding it from the demons. The thin veil of magic sealed within seconds, and the first small wave of demons disintegrated into black smoke upon colliding with the barrier of light.
The remaining storm of demons encircled the translucent dome, unable to see in, but from within the barrier, Khalon could see them clearly. He shifted into his human form and approached the barrier, waving a hand so he could be seen by a select few on the outside, or more specifically, one demon. He stepped up close and fixed his gaze on the empty eyeholes of one particularly repulsive-looking demon. It was a dark demon, a scout. Khalon should have known.
Demons attacked in brute force, driven by the instinct to kill and harvest souls, but occasionally a dark demon could be found among them, leading the others, their intentions far more wicked. Dark demons didn't merely hunt humans for their souls; they had purpose. This one had purpose. To kill Riley and, in turn, weaken Khalon, leaving him and his warriors vulnerable. Without the Soldati to protect the humans, their souls would be ripe for the taking.
As expected the dark demon sensed Khalon's presence, drawn by his power and the light in his soul. It drew as close to the barrier as possible without contact, knowing it would disintegrate into nothingness should it touch the light. Its mouth elongated, hissing and dripping rotten blackness.
Despite Khalon's low growl, he knew the demon could hear him perfectly. "You won't lay one decayed tendril on him, putrid beast. I promise you."
The dark demon hissed and shrieked its annoyance at being unable to claw at Khalon's face.
Rayner stepped up beside Khalon and let out a noise of disgust. "Revolting bastard."
Khalon nodded. He waved a hand so the horrid creatures could no longer see inside. Rayner followed him as he headed back to the small stone cottage where he'd left Riley.
"I admit I hadn't expected one to show up so quickly," Rayner added.
"Have Adira keep an eye on them, that one especially. It's likely he'll call others. Send word to Captain Airaldi. I want him along with three dozen warriors dispatched immediately. Tell him I expect my path to the temple to be cleared by the end of the week."
"It will be done. What of Riley? What do you suppose happened?"
Was that concern Khalon heard in Ray
ner's voice? He was about to reply when Flora came running, her brown eyes filled with fright.
"Your Majesty! Come quickly!"
Khalon broke into a run with Rayner on his heels, an icy chill spreading through him as he entered the cottage. Riley's terrified moans met his ear and he hurried to Riley's bedside, his chest tightening at the fear plaguing his soft features, his brow beaded with sweat. Khalon reached out to wake Riley when Lasa caught his wrist. He arched an eyebrow at the foxling's boldness.
She snatched her hand away as if burned, and when she spoke, her voice was quiet. "Please forgive me, Your Majesty, but I tried to wake him, and when I touched him, I was hurled across the room by a powerful force."
Khalon frowned. He looked down at Riley in the midst of what appeared to be a terrible nightmare. His body twisted and contorted, tears escaping from under his closed lids. "He is of the human world. There is no magic in his soul." He believed Lasa nonetheless, yet he could hardly stand by and do nothing. Whatever Riley was experiencing, it brought Khalon great discomfort.
Bracing himself, Khalon sat on the bed beside Riley. He let out a guttural scream that shook Khalon to his core. Riley was terrified. Khalon called Rayner over.
"Rayner, I need a moment. Please fetch Ezra and escort Flora and her family to the village square for provisions, as well as a show of my gratitude for their wonderful hospitality."
Rayner nodded. With a kind smile, he ushered the foxlings out of the cottage. There was no telling what might happen, and Khalon preferred to keep matters concerning Riley private. When he spoke to Riley, it was in low and soothing tones.
"Riley, listen to my voice. It is your mate. I won't hurt you. It's my touch you will feel." He tentatively eased his hand closer to Riley, taking a deep breath as Ezra appeared. His friend and confidant remained silent as Khalon placed his palm to Riley's heart.
Riley's breaths fell in pants before he released another scream.
"Riley, I'm here," Khalon stated firmly. "Open your eyes and see me."
Riley's eyes flew open, revealing nothing but white, and Khalon refrained from cursing under his breath. What the hell was happening? Riley's back arched up off the bed, his brows drawn together. He fell back onto the bed with a steep gasp.