Rylin's Fire

Rylin's Fire by Michelle Howard Page B

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Authors: Michelle Howard
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at his vow.
     

Chapter 10
     
    The Dracol Kings responded to his summons and arrived at Ry’s home shortly after he returned from leaving Dara at her place for off-world visitors. His Dracol fought him the entire flight back, wanting to turn around and guard the female he’d claimed.
    “You insult my Dracol by calling us here,” Varyk spat. Green waves fell to his collar from a small side part. “Whatever you’re dealing with is a matter for the Black. I resent any implication that my Green are involved.”
    Ry knew requesting the presence of the other Kings with so little information would open him up for censure. Getting them to the privacy of his office without anyone becoming aware had been tricky but he wanted their take on the matter before it became a wide spread rumor.
    Faris, King of the Silver, scoffed. “We all know of the vendetta you hold against the Black, Varyk. It’s not unreasonable for Ry to include you in this meeting, since he says he has something of grave import to discuss.”
    Faris’ statement didn’t necessarily mean the Silver agreed with him. It only proved Ry wasn’t wrong in his belief that Varyk or one of his Green could be responsible for the murders taking place in Black territory.
    The long-limbed King of the Green leaned back in his chair, leather clad legs sprawled out before him as he sipped his wine. A smirk played about Varyk’s mouth. “If everyone is a suspect in whatever news there is, then it stands to reason that Kon should be here.”
    Ry didn’t react to the arrogant comment. The King of the Purple had sent an emissary in his stead—not that Ry had expected him to show. Konlan’s grudge wasn’t against the entirety of the Black like Varyk’s, but against one female in particular. When Breya turned down his suit, only to mate another the next day, Kon had lost all semblance of control and gave reign to his Dracol. The beast spewed acid everywhere, calling on the strength of his sect in an attempt to get at the male to whom Breya pledged her heart. The damage had been extensive but worse was the breach it created between Ry and a man he’d once called friend.
    “Dairin’s presence is enough for me to satisfy the reglio . I wouldn’t have demanded each of you show today if it wasn’t important.” Ry stared hard at Varyk, his challenge unspoken if his peer chose to refute his statement.
    Faris tipped his head to the side, causing the length of the silver white braid to fall over his shoulder, hitting his jewel encrusted belt buckle. “This must be serious. When I received word you’d called a reglio, I almost laughed. It’s been over a century since a King enacted such a formal summons.”
    Ry shook his head. “I wish this was a joke, but what I share is very serious.”
    Varyk slammed his glass on the small table to the right of him, but didn’t lose his laconic slouch. His raptor gold eyes glittered with menace. “Nothing that happens to the Black can possibly justify the demand I leave the warm thighs I spent the night between.”
    “Someone is slaying liras .”
    Ry’s announcement fell into a dead silence. Dairin, the representative from the Purple, straightened from his lax pose against the wall. The short strands of brown and gold streaked hair formed a mohawk in the middle of his head from front to back with the sides tapered short. “Be specific, King of the Black.”
    Ry folded his arms over his chest, crossed his legs at the ankle, and leaned his hip against the desk at the center of his office. “It’s exactly as I said. Three of our females have been found slain. Liras, all of them, and their mates none the wiser until the last moments of their life when the killer let them reach out in terror along the mate connection.”
    Varyk stared, something flickering in his gold gaze too quick for Ry to catalogue.
    Faris lost all amusement. “Impossible.”
    “Is Breya one of the females you lost?” Dairin asked, tension lining his

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