And again I copped the full force of his eyes. Silky strands of his thick hair fell across his forehead.
“I have an affinity with energy. It’s not an interesting or common gift.” He shrugged as if to say, ‘no big deal’.
Yeah, right.
Brace smiled, but not with his eyes, just his lips. “I’m curious, though. I haven’t been able to get a read on either of you. Do you choose not to communicate telepathically?”
Lucy’s mouth fell open. In that moment she probably swallowed ten bugs.
“Shut. The. Door. Seriously? Telepathy?” She laughed.
Shaking his head, he opened his mouth to retaliate – I opted for the distraction.
“So what’s with the dark mountains?” Their oiliness was weighing on my thoughts. I couldn’t ignore them any longer.
His confusion was replaced by a forced exhalation of air – his anger enhancing his dark beauty.
“They were an amazing natural wonder. First Worlders traveled from all over to ski, mountain-climb and camp throughout their wilderness. But something happened many years ago; their energy changed.” He shrugged. “I have no idea what’s going on. There are thousands of miles of tunnels underneath. If it was me – and I have suggested this to the guardians before – it’s the perfect place to build and house an army.”
He said this without hesitation or doubt. I shivered thinking of the dead plants. An army of zombies maybe.
“Where are they located?” I was going to make sure we avoided that area.
He looked back the way we had just walked. “They’re not too far from the royal castle. Less than a day’s walk and only four hours’ drive.”
I sighed in relief. We were heading in the opposite direction.
The landscape was changing as we walked. The forest had thinned.
“So, tell me ... is Lucas single?” Lucy winked at me as she pranced along.
It didn’t even look as if the heat was bothering her anymore. I sighed. If she’d been closer, I’d have kicked her.
Brace simply laughed. “Lucas is one of my closest friends. But I wouldn’t send him on a date with anyone. Being next in line for the royal throne, he’s been completely pandered to.”
I chuckled. What a picture those words painted. “We’re reading you ... Lucas is a spoiled brat.”
He shook his head. “It’s not exactly his fault. He was raised to believe he’d end up with his chosen empress. But it’s never happened. So now he likes to ... be indulged.”
“How is Lucas expected to rule all of First World?” I found that odd. Even on Earth different countries had different leaders.
The corners of Brace’s lips lifted slightly. “I’m not sure anyone is expecting him to rule at all. We’re all kind of hoping Emperor Quest hangs on for many more years.” He ran a free hand through his hair. “Fortunately, six of the seven lands have a competent Mayoral Head. No way could Lucas keep control of two billion inhabitants alone.”
Mirth danced in his breathtaking eyes. Apparently the very thought was amusing to him.
“You said you’re from the north, right?”
A quick glance toward Lucy told me she couldn’t remember what we’d said either.
“Uh, sure, sounds right.” I bobbed my head a couple of times.
His jaw tightened. “Yeah, well I think Mayor Johansson might be the one we need to keep an eye on. Lucky for us, even as a stand-in for his father, Lucas is mostly a figurehead and he can’t make any decisions without majority vote of the council. They’re actually meeting at the moment.”
A loud rustling in the bushland to our right distracted me from my next question. I stopped and craned my head higher. This section of the forest was almost barren, with lots of dead twigs and leaves. I shifted my pack, trying to ease the ache in my shoulders.
An echoing roar shattered the air around us.
Lucy pretty much dived into my arms. “What was that, Abby? Abbs. Seriously, did you see it? Is it a bear ... lion ... bigfoot?” Her panicky questions were rapid.
Brace stepped closer and took Lucy’s pack from her. “Keep moving. It could be any of the native animals. I’ve got your back.” He ushered us forward, bringing up the rear.
We set off at a dead run. I always thought I was fast, but now I know – Lucy is faster.
“Angelisian is not far.’ Brace’s voice came from behind me. “But we need to get out of the forest now. It’s a burber.” His breath came in rasps as we sprinted.
My pack felt like a feather, shoulder aches gone.
“What’s a burber?” Lucy gulped, her tiny legs flying.
Brace’s voice came in gasps. “Let’s hope you don’t find out.”
The thundering grew louder. I was losing momentum. Despite the adrenalin, the stress of the last few days was catching up to me. Brace kept pushing our pace. He was close behind me. I could smell his clean masculine scent.
I looked back, my curiosity demanding to know what was following us.