Dark Slayer

Falcon stepped in front of her, leading her through the long entry, through the tunnel lined with warriors. «Travis,» he said gently, «you will be fine.»

«No thanks to you,» Ivory said with a sniff of disdain. «I hope you are a better warrior than parent, Falcon.»

He flashed her one emotion-laden look over his shoulder, promising retribution, but she merely continued walking. The council chamber was packed with Carpathians, both male and female. Many turned their attention from the trial in front of them to her. She caught a glimpse of Natalya's face, bloodred tears tracking her cheeks, and she felt no sympathy for her at all. She would have liked to give her a reason to cry.

The lines of warriors opened for them, the men parting to reveal Mikhail, his face drawn and tired. Razvan stood to one side, and Ivory tried not to drink him in, tried not to show the relief sweeping though her.

She inclined her head regally at the prince. «I have brought you your traitor.» She pushed the child into the circle.

Falcon caught the boy to him, wrapping one arm around him and holding him protectively. «What are you accusing him of? Being in league with our enemy?»

«Exactly. Were you planning on killing my lifemate in your need for revenge against Xavier? How inconvenient that I found the real culprit.» She looked around at the faces of the counsel, her contempt obvious. «Whatever fate you chose for him, you now have an obligation to put on this boy.»

Falcon pulled Travis closer to him. «She lies to save her lifemate.»

Her eyes flashed at him. «I never lie. Healer, examine him. All of you, the entire mockery of accusers. The shadow of Xavier has found a home. The boy must have been hiding in the woods while we battled Xavier's abominations and we only destroyed one of the four shadow fragments. He carries one. He is your traitor, not my lifemate, who has fought to save a species not worthy of life.»

Razvan said nothing as he looked upon his warrior woman. Fierce. Proud. Unbending. She looked far more regal than the prince. A queen among men, showing her utter contempt of their stupidity. She took his breath away with her beauty. With her absolute belief in him and her ferocious protection of him-in spite of his instructions. She didn't mind very well, but it was worth it to see her dress down the ancient warriors in the room.

«I examined Razvan as you asked,» Gregori said, «although I was reluctant to put him through such an indignity when I already knew he was free of Xavier. I will examine the boy.» He was grateful that he had gone first and no other Carpathian had relived Razvan's memories, although he felt it would shame them to know what the man had suffered, as it did him.

«You will not touch my son,» Falcon said. «No one will touch him.» He laid a hand on the hilt of his knife. His heart lurched. Startled, he looked at his belt. The scabbard was empty.

Travis snarled and flung himself forward, straight at Mikhail, his small arm upraised, his face a mask of hatred as he attempted to plunge Falcon's knife into the prince. Gregori moved to intercept almost before anyone knew what was happening. He caught the boy's small wrist, marveling at the strength in the child as he fought to retain the weapon.

The knife fell to the floor at Mikhail's feet and Gregori held the child to him. «It's all right, Travis. Everything is going to be all right,» he soothed, rocking the boy. «I've got to take him to the surface and remove Xavier's fragment.»

«There are still two missing,» Ivory said. «You will need to check everyone who was there that day. If Xavier managed to find other hosts, everyone is at risk.» She turned cool eyes on Falcon. «Start with him. Perhaps the entire council should search him.»

Ivory. Razvan said her name gently.

«Tell me of the progress, of your find,» Mikhail said. «I want to take you to Raven and Savannah. Will you come with me now?»

Ivory looked to Razvan for the answer. It is up to you.

We came here to save the unborn children.

«I will return as quickly as possible,» Gregori said. «Let me help this boy.»

Mikhail nodded and then looked around the chamber. «We will need everyone to aid us in attempting to save our children. Those of you who do not care to keep your vow of allegiance, I free you from your blood-sworn vow. Go now and do not return.» He waited but no one moved. «I will call when we need to draw energy for the healing chant.» He gestured for Razvan and Ivory to follow him.

Ivory shot another look of contempt toward Natalya and her lifemate before walking beside Razvan, her head up as the prince led them through the crowded chamber. She disliked any public display of affection, but she deliberately tangled her fingers with Razvan's to show solidarity. The entire lot of the Carpathian people could walk into the sun, for all she cared. She didn't have a high opinion of them and so far, other than Gregori and maybe the prince, nothing had happened to change her mind.