Page 27 of Taken By Fury
“I could. Unfortunately, he ran away and never came back, so I didn’t get any information from him.” Orien grinned. “But I did the guards. The Concosa are idiots and were an easy target. I have already briefed the king and queen.”
“I cannot wait to hear what you have learned.”
“Not until you tell me what it was you saw in the ruins that’s gotten you all shook up.”
He stood. “I need to get this artifact to our brother and sister.” Then spun on his heel and started for the door, Orien’s laughter filling the space behind him.
Fucker.
* * *
Sheila had takena long hot bath and was just slipping on a pair of sandals when there was a knock on her door. When she opened it, she had to blink several times.
“You have to be Orien? You look like your brothers.” His smile was gentle, and his eyes filled with kindness.
“I am he, and I came to thank you. May I enter?”
She stepped aside. “Of course.”
He moved past her, and she didn’t miss the fact he carried himself in exactly the same manner as Zander and Greydon. Tall, proud and full of confidence, yet he held a power that was all his own. Once in the middle of the room, he turned and faced her.
“I wanted to thank you. I understand it was information you gave that led to not only my rescue, but my people’s.”
“I… I thought they didn’t find anyone at the place I sent them.” That is what Zander had told her.
“True. However, Talon and Fang managed to catch a lingering Concosa and… Well, let’s just say they have ways of making men talk. The information they gained is what led to finally finding where we had been relocated.”
“That’s good news.” The way he looked at her was too familiar, but that was crazy. She had never met Orien while they were in captivity.
“I understand you are Valarian, yet grew up not knowing so?”
“So it would seem.”
His smile was full of charm, and he had a tiny dimple at the crease. “Has my baby brother taught you how to use your powers?”
She shook her head. “No, but he has promised to do so.”
“Do you mind if I touch you?” He held out his hand. “And I mean that only in the most proper sense. I may be able to tell how strong your powers are currently.”
“Oh. I don’t feel anything peculiar, but then again, I don’t know what having any kind of power feels like.” The thought of allowing him into close proximity made her uncomfortable. “I will allow this if you promise it doesn’t hurt.”
“I would never harm you.”
He stepped closer and laid his palm on her shoulder and she nearly sighed with relief that he had chosen a spot that was not too intimate. She almost felt like she was being unfaithful to Zander, which was utterly ridiculous. There was a small tingle of energy that ran over her skin, but it wasn’t uncomfortable. After what felt like only a minute or two, he stepped back.
“Your power has been blocked.” He scratched his chin. “From what I can see, there is some kind of magic that has it locked up and I’m guessing since Zolar didn’t see it, it’s possible that only a Valarian can.”
“I don’t even understand what that means.” Her power was blocked?
“In simple terms, I’m guessing your parents placed some kind of spell on you that keeps your power locked up so no one would know what you really were. If they left you in the human world, they had a very good reason, I’m sure.”
“So what do I do now?”
“Allow me to speak to the king and queen. They may have some ideas.”
“If I am understanding you correctly, even if you showed me how to hide myself, I wouldn’t be able?”
“That is correct.” His gaze dropped to the bracelet she still wore. “That is all that keeps you hidden.”
