Untamable Lover (Worlds of Lemuria: Earth Colony Book 2) (8 page)

“Can you walk? We need to hurry.” 

Aramie wavered on unsteady legs, but she took a few steps. She peered at the awakening sky. A part of her wanted to stay here, let the sun take her. She couldn’t imagine life without Sidea. A great weight descended.
My sister is dead.
A soft wail escaped her lips. Tears blurred her vision, and she swiped her hand across her face to wipe them away. 

She fisted her hand and punched her thigh. Her fingers crashed against a hard bulge. Intense pain radiated through her leg. The ache was but a drop compared to the agony in her heart. 

The pain cleared her mind.
The stone!
A shiver ran over her shoulders and down her spine. She had the blue sunstone of legend, but the cost was great—her sister’s and Kitani’s lives. 

Aramie glanced at her friend, thankful she’d survived. “Let’s go. Call for a portal.” 

There was always a balance in life. Aramie wouldn’t let the death of her sister and Kitani stand for nothing. She’d get this stone to Demir, heal him. Then, she’d search out Ram and slice his throat with her own claw.

Chapter Thirteen

Zedron jogged up the stairs two at a time, eager to arrive at the market. Although he was in decent shape, his ragged breaths heaved in and out of his lungs. He’d spent too much time deciding which sandals complemented his tailored pants and fine woven shirt, making him late to the auction. Straightening his jacket, he smiled. With his clean-shaven face and slicked back hair, he was as handsome as ever. 

Up in the trees, the Lemurian landscape was a sea of branches and leaves, interspersed with the pathways, platforms, and stairs that wove their community together. A warm breeze blew, flapping the leaves to and fro, creating a soft hum. The Etila and Rolmdew trees were the lifeblood of Lemuria and the safest place for its inhabitants.

With one hand to steady himself against the smooth bark of the nearest tree, he glanced over the edge of the fence. Branches and vines snaked between the trees obscuring the dense Lemurian forest, and the dangers that lay on the surface—rhondo beasts. The large black animals with their oily skin, sharp teeth, and scissor-like claws were a danger to anyone who dared to roam the surface of the planet. The idea of being ravaged by one of those beasts caused goosebumps. He shook himself, and continued on his way.

A giant platform with wooden slats stretched between four tall Etila trees. The small limbs and leaves at the top entwined as if holding hands. They provided a nice canopy, keeping the heat to a bearable level and would adjust as the sun moved across the sky. 

A few dozen Lemurians stood in small groups. Their loud voices and laughter carried along on the breeze. Merchants and buyers alike, they smelled of money and too much drappervine. An older male stood nearby. He had the round paunch and red nose that went along with overindulgence.

Zedron curled his lip. He disdained others without control. 

The overweight male made him feel dirty. Reflexively, he brushed his sleeves, as if whisking away some imagined dirt. Along the far edge of the platform, a small group of Arotaars stood close together. The shackles around their wrists and ankles identified them as the auctioneer’s trade. A female with short blue hair stood out from the rest. The orange spots on her light skin signified her origin. 

A sense of giddiness sent Zedron’s pulse racing. There were only a few Arotaars from the planet Arotin on Lemuria. Not all survived the transport, but those who did were excellent slaves. 

An image surfaced in his mind. Alora with her hands clenched into fists, a few strands of blond hair escaping her tight bun, her brow furrowed over blue eyes. Anger was all he saw from her anymore. Although Alora had grown up in a slave faction family, she hated slavery. She’d rebelled and switched to the free faction not long after leaving her family home. For him to purchase an Arotaar would ignite her temper like nothing else. When she found out what he’d done she’d chastise him, but he’d get to see her again. 

He smiled.
Absolute perfection.

“Time for the auction. Gather round!” The robust fellow he’d spotted earlier motioned with his giant paw of a hand for everyone to come to the center of the platform.

The wood creaked and groaned as the trees swayed in the breeze. The draft caressed the back of Zedron’s neck, cooling the sweat he’d emitted despite the tree’s canopy. The perspiration would stain his collar and ruin his perfect, styled image. He clenched his jaw.

 The crowd swarmed around the merchant. Zedron pushed himself to the front, garnering a few scowls and shoves along the way. In the middle of the platform, a small dais stood ready for the first slave.

A petite, yellow-skinned female from the Drakin colony hopped onto the raised floor. Her fingers trembled as she gripped the edges of her shirt. With her eyes downcast, long white hair covered her features. One of the bidders would become her new master, but not Zedron. He’d already selected his next servant.

“Bidding starts at twenty livins.” The slave trader strutted back and forth in front of his merchandise, his large gut straining against the buttons of his shirt. Zedron smirked. Surely, one would pop soon.

“Twenty-five livins.”

“Thirty livins.”

Zedron tuned out the bidding and focused on the Arotaar female. She studied her surroundings, as if looking for a way to escape. With her head held high, her eyes glowed with intelligence and determination. She would challenge him, and he’d punish her for it.
Perfect. 

A newb no more than seven years old approached, and he focused on Zedron’s lapel pin—the one that identified him as a Colonizer. He stopped mere inches away and gripped Zedron’s pant leg. “Sir, are you a Colonizer?”

Zedron bent down on one knee, bringing himself eye level with the young Lemurian. “Why, yes. Would you like to touch my pin?”

The young male’s eyes widened. “Could I?”

Zedron nodded. The youth grazed the finely etched gold, reverence forming in his eyes.

Zedron clasped his hand on the young male’s shoulder and stood. “Study hard, and you, too, can become a Colonizer.” 

“Utaun! Utuan!” A female’s voice rose above the din of the crowd. The boy bowed, and then ran off toward her call.

Zedron smiled, his chest filling with pride. The merchant’s litany brought him out of his reverie, and he refocused on his task. After the sale of a few males and another female, his prize stepped onto the platform. A visible tic formed in her clenched jaw. She pulled against the manacles binding her wrists. The chains rattled above the din of the crowd.

“Ooh, we have an Arotaar here. She’s lean, strong, able to handle much hard work.” The trader’s sweat reeked of his addiction. He released the top button of his shirt and wiped his brow with the back of his hand. “She will command a much higher price. Bidding starts at one hundred livins.” 

A low murmur rippled through the crowd. The minimum bid was high, but the cunning trader knew his job. He was right to request such a sum. Zedron had anticipated as much. 

He stepped forward to have a better look at the female. Her tattered pants and ripped shirt hung on her frame. She seemed to have lost weight on her journey here, but strength showed in her taut legs and developed biceps.

He nodded in appreciation. “One hundred fifty livins.”

She caught him looking at her and held his gaze. Her nostrils flared. She had spirit and that brought a smile to his face.

“Two hundred livins,” another bidder shouted above the noisy crowd.

Zedron clenched his jaw. He wouldn’t participate in a bidding war for this female. When he spoke, his voice was low, but commanding. “One thousand livins.” 

The female flinched at his words. Her eyes narrowed.

The crowd quieted. 

When no one else bid, the trader pointed his finger at Zedron. “Sold…to this fine male.” 

Zedron’s fingers tingled as a sense of giddiness raced along his nerves. He couldn’t wait to bring his new servant home and begin the domestication process.

Chapter Fourteen

The heat from the upcoming day settled over Aramie’s skin. Her heartbeat raced. Fear crept into her gut, twisting it tight. She had the cure for Demir in her pocket. Could she and Jonue make it back to the Keep before the sun killed them? 

A vision of her imaginary father formed in her head, as he often did during times of stress. She longed to ask him what to do, but even in her mind, the words wouldn’t come. He placed his dream-like hand on her shoulder.
Fight, Aramie, live!

“The portal.” Jonue’s words held a tinge of hope, pulling Aramie out of her daydream.

Aramie stared into the mist. Through the fog, the outline of rocks formed, solidifying into the Portal Navigation Center. In the middle of the chamber, Rin stood over the
Porte Stanen
. As he moved his hands over the crystals, the ring of concentric sunstones burned bright beneath his fingers. 

He waved his hand. “Hurry!”

Aramie raced through the hole and into the Keep, Jonue right behind her. Having left their boots at the edge of Blue Pool, their bare feet slapped against the stone floor.

“What did you do? You said you were goin’ hunting? The smell of Gossum clings to you like dirt.” The little man put his hands on his hips. His pinched eyebrows and downturned lips would’ve made Sidea laugh. A spike of pain burrowed into Aramie’s chest.

“Weren’t ya a party of four?” His mouth remained open and his gaze slid between them.

Jonue lowered her chin. “We lost two to the Gossum.” 

“Ah,
craya
!” His shook his head. “Are ya injured? I called for medical when I got yer message.”

“Just a few scrapes and bruises. Nothing to worry about.” Aramie wiped her mouth with the back of her hand. 

The sound of several pairs of running feet echoed from the hallway. Saar, Noeh’s Commander of Arms, entered the room followed by three of his fellow fighters. Saar seemed ready for battle with his gold armbands and a short sword that dangled from his waist. His comrades wore similar attire. 

Saar evaluated Aramie and Jonue. “Rin called for medical. Do you need help?”

“I need to see Gaetan. I…have something to show him, something he won’t believe.” Aramie stared into his eyes. 

Saar chuckled. “Gaetan is older than the hills. I doubt anything would surprise him at this point, but be my guest. I believe he’s in the infirmary.” 

Even though she shivered with the pain of losing her sister, Aramie clamped down on the tears that threatened. Instead, she turned to Jonue and forced an encouraging smile. “You did well tonight.” 

Jonue’s features softened for the briefest moment, and she placed her hand on Aramie’s arm. “I’ll catch up with you later.”

The skittering of claws on stone caught Aramie’s attention. Leon and Hallan entered the room in panther form. Leon searched the group, and his eyes flashed yellow, displaying his displeasure. Both males changed into human form. Hallan approached his mate and wrapped Jonue in his embrace.

Leon puffed out his chest, blocking the doorway. “Where’s Kitani?”

Aramie swallowed, and the hair on the back of her neck stood on end. She raised her chin and held his gaze. “I…I’m sorry, Leon. We were attacked…Kitani…she fought against the Gossum and died a warrior’s death—” 

“No! I told her not to go.” He breathed through clenched teeth, his shoulders visibly heaving from the exertion.

Aramie’s heart ached for this male’s loss. “Leon—I wish—” 

The angry male lunged at her, but before he could get close, Saar wrapped him in a bear hug. “There’ll be no fighting in the Keep, unless it’s in the training center.” 

Aramie raised her hand. “It’s ok, Saar. He’s hurting…that’s understandable.” She focused on Leon. “I’m truly sorry for your loss.”

Leon thrust his arms into the air, pushing Saar away. He turned his attention to Aramie. “It’s your fault she’s gone. You’ll pay for this.” Spittle flew from his mouth.

“I’m sure I will, but right now, I have to see Gaetan.” With her head held high, she walked past the distraught male and raced down the hallway. Her heart filled with conviction, causing her chest to ache. She’d make sure Ram paid for killing her sister and Kitani. The bulge in her pocket pressed against her thigh, and the need to get the sacred stone to Gaetan burned in her raw throat.  

*****

“Gaetan.”

“Aramie, it’s good to see you again.” Gaetan gripped her hand between his warm palms. His scrutinizing gaze roamed her face. “Come, sit down.” 

Releasing her hand, he grabbed his cane that leaned against the edge of the counter. He sat on his stool, the wood groaning under his weight. With tender care he rubbed his misshapen leg, and the dark marking that ran down his arm and into his hand moved eerily in the light.

The scent of cleaning fluid masked the smell of blood and sweat. Scalpels, scissors, tape, and gauze were scattered across the countertop, some partially covered by a towel. 

“I don’t have time. I…We…” Her voice wavered, and she pursed her lips.

“I can tell you have something important to say. It will be easier if you relax.” He motioned to one of the examinations tables.

She sat on the nearest one, her feet dangling over the edge. Adrenaline raced along her nerves, and a wall of pain threatened near her heart. She kicked her legs back and forth, anything to burn off some of her energy—and stave off her grief.

A sad smile crept across his face. “What brings you to visit me?” 

 “I found the blue sunstone.” With shaky hands, she pulled the sacred crystal from the pocket of her damp pants. The room lit up with an eerie glow.

Gaetan gasped and stood faster than she imagined possible. His stool crashed against the stone floor. “How? Where?”

“Blue Pool is real. The crystal was in a small cave underneath the dry waterfall. We found it—” She choked on the words. Her sister had sacrificed her life for this stone. Tears welled in Aramie’s eyes, and she glanced at the floor.