Page 35 of Awakening Storm

“Poor devils,” Steve said.

Indeed. He wouldn’t want to endure that over and over again. He turned his gaze to Rhianna. Her hair was disheveled and her cheeks smudged with dirt. None of these people should have to stay here, but his number one concern was getting Rhianna out.

He glanced around still trying to put the pieces of the puzzle together that made up this absurd game of Theodora’s.

“How do you know what team you’re on?” Aidan asked.

“This side of the road is Mamushi; the other is Habu,” Steve said.

“Huh, she named them after snakes.” Anxious to come up with a plan, Aidan paced around the group.

“Yeah, I remember the mamushi from our safety literature,” Steve added. “It’s bite causes the tissue to liquefy. The victim literally loses a chunk of his body.” He scrunched his face and shook his head. “Ugh.”

Rhianna shuddered. “I hate snakes.”

Aidan paused, allowing his thoughts to solidify into a plan. “Steve, Sean, and Dillon, see what information you can learn about these games? Is there anything else we need to know? Rhianna, you stay put and get some rest. I’m going on a reconnaissance flight to see how big this universe is and come up with a plan to escape.”

“What is he talking about,” Dillion asked, Rhianna. Still dazed from what he’d been through.

Rhianna rested a hand on Dillion’s shoulder. “He has some special abilities. Just trust him.”

“Whatever you do, promise to take us with you,” Dillon begged.

“We’re all going to get out of here,” Aidan promised.

“I’m with you,” Steve assured him. “Thanks.”

“I’m sure all the people here feel the same,” Sean added.

Rhianna sucked in a breath, placing her hand on his arm. “Oh my god. What if my great-grandfather is here?” She shook her head, as if scolding herself. “Why wasn’t that the first thing I thought of?”

“Don’t count on it,” Aidan muttered without thinking.

Her lips turned down and her eyes misted. A pained look crossed her face.

He wished he could take the words back. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to be harsh. I just don’t want you to get your hopes up. Your great-grandfather has been gone a long time, and he must be quite old now.”

And I’m a boor who isn’t used to dealing with people.

He stepped closer to her and drew her into his arms, stroking her silky hair. She rested her cheek against his chest. “But I’ll still do my best to find him.”

Her response was to squeeze him tighter around his middle and snuggle into him.

His heart skipped several beats. He’d give anything to make her happy. Anything.