Rune
Itug on Vameer’s sleeve as Dread walks through the portal.
It’s like the one from a moment ago, shaped like a door, tall and wide enough that Vameer will be able to walk through without ducking. It’s outlined in a band of glowing gold magic, which matches Dread’s eyes. But it’s the flat part, the part you walk through, that freaks me out.
It’s solid black. Total darkness.
Vameer pulls me into his side. “You will be fine, Mon Amour.” He bends and presses a kiss to my hair. “Do you want to go before or after me?”
“After.” The word comes out as a squeak.
This way, I’ll have Vameer on the other side waiting for me. With Nix and Volik on this side, helping if I lose my nerve.
Dread reappears. “It’s clear.”
Vameer kisses my hair again. “Walk normally and close your eyes in a slow blink as your face reaches the portal wall. When you open them, you’ll be in the new location.”
I look up at him as he stands to his full height. “Merci, Mon Cheri.”
His chest rumbles in a purr, and he places his fingertip under my chin. “Two seconds.”
Vameer turns and follows Dread through the portal. Not hesitating. Not stopping.
I take a deep inhale.
Nix gives me a thumbs-up.
I walk toward the wall of black.
My heart refuses to race.
And as I reach the pitch-black surface, I hold my breath, and I blink.
My feet complete the step. Start another one. I open my eyes. And Vameer scoops me up with one hand gripping my ass.
He lifts me up until we’re face-to-face, my thighs spread on either side of his torso. “I like that you’re brave, Mate.”
I smile at him. “It’s easy to be brave around you.”
There’s a crackle, and out of the corner of my eye, I see the glow of the portal disappear.
Vameer ignores Dread leaving. “What do you mean?”
“You’re…” I lift a shoulder. “Huge.”
He grins.
I poke him in the chest. “You’re strong. And dangerous. And all the things I don’t need to be.” I flatten my hand. “It’s easy to act brave when I feel so safe.”
Vameer lets out a groan of pleasure. “I like the things you say to me.”
A door slams open nearby. And Vameer’s gravito wraps around me, catching me as he drops me and turns, putting himself between me and the sound.
“Welcome, Interfector Mali.”
The tension leaves Vameer, and the power around me releases once I’m on my feet.
“Haruto.” Vameer gives a small bow.
I peek around Vameer’s side to see an older man with white hair, dressed in a teal tunic, standing in the open doorway of a warehouse that looks abandoned.
The man, Haruto, gives his own slightly dramatic head nod. Then he turns and walks into the building.
Vameer grabs my hand, and we follow.