Page 48 of Taken By Fury
“There are definitely other Valarians located close by,” she whispered.
“This is good news. We will launch a beacon in this area,” Aimee said. Greydon had concocted a device that would let their people know Atlantis was ready to welcome them home. It held a coded message telling them to shift into their demon form. Once they did this, their DNA would home in on their king and they would have the choice to go back home or stay. Either way, they would hold the knowledge that the king of Atlantis had once again risen.
“I’m not picking up anything else.” She released the grip on the other women and opened her eyes. “I’m sorry, but she is either not close enough, or so well hidden I may never find her.”
Zander moved next to her and placed his arm around her shoulders, hugging her to him. “You will find her. She simply isn’t here so we move on.”
She nodded, hoping he was right. “All right. Next stop it is, then.”
Bethany waved her arm through the air. “As you wish.” The next portal opened and off they went to the eastern coast. Again, Lysandra sensed nothing except more of their people. While she was happy about that, her heart sank into the pit of her stomach. What if she didn’t find her sister? Everything weighed on this demigoddess being located and Orien wooing her into bed so her memories could be unlocked. Only then could they plan their attack on Zolar.
The western coast also proved to be a bust. Lysandra was convinced her sister was not in the United States.
“Where to next?” she asked.
“How the fuck am I supposed to find my mate like this?” Panic was etched all over Orien’s face.
Lysandra’s heart ached for her now brother-in-law. “I agree. There has to be an easier way of doing this. I mean, how did you find me, Zander?”
He scratched his chin. “I wasn’t looking for a mate. I took you because you were in plain sight and working for Zolar.” He seemed to think for a moment. “Though there was a deep attraction to you.”
She looked at the queen. “How about you and Greydon? How did he find you?”
Aimee lifted her shoulders. “He was chasing his enemy, and I happened to be there and in trouble. Right place, right time, I guess.”
“And I met Fang when he came to Aimee’s apartment looking for her, and I was there doing the same,” Bethany added.
“Hmm, seems to me in all instances it was a right-time, right-place thing.” Lysandra looked back at Orien. “Is there any place in this world that calls to you? Somewhere you wish to visit?” She was digging deep for anything at all that might help their cause.
“Not really. I mean, I have been a captive for so long that really anyplace where I am free sounds suitable.”
She chewed her lip. “There has to be someplace you wish to visit. Think about it, even if it seems like a distant dream.”
He closed his eyes, then opened them seconds later to stare at the horizon. “I have always wanted to see Norway.”
“Outstanding. I’ve never been to Norway, so can’t open a portal.” Bethany looked at Zander. “Please tell me you have.”
“Actually, I have. I went hiking there once. Beautiful country.” He waved his hand through the air and a portal opened. He bowed to Bethany. “Protector.”
“Thank you.” Bethany stepped through and everyone else followed in the same order they had before.
On the other side, Lysandra found herself awestruck. Everyone stood on a rock ledge and found themselves surrounded by orange, red, and yellow leaves. The mountains that loomed nearby commanded attention.
“Wow. It is beautiful. I can see why you wanted to hike here,” Aimee said before turning to Orien. “Anything?”
He looked around. “I find it peaceful, yet I feel restless. Best I can describe it is I feel like I belong elsewhere.” He looked at Zander.
“Sounds about right.”
It had only taken Lysandra a moment to pick up on a vibration. “There are Valarian’s here as well, but I sense one in particular that stands out. The energy is faint, which means she is not close, but she can’t be too far. Perhaps we start with the closest village?”
“Sound plan. We need proper attire and packs so we fit in,” Zander said, and minutes later everyone was wearing hiking gear and a pack.
Orien looked at everyone before he started down the hill. “Let’s go and may Uuna bless us with luck.”
* * *
As they enteredthe small tavern, Zander sensed a Valarian behind the bar. “You guys grab a table. I’ll get us some drinks.” He headed straight for the bartender.
