Cyn’s voice was rigid when he asked, “Won’t it be odd when thousands of people die for no apparent reason?”
“Of course. The CDC will be desperately searching for the killer pathogen that will seem like the avian flu panic all over again. But it will be over before they can even begin their research. You, Cyn, are—were—a Vega, the most capable of Guard officers. We could use your help.” He looked at Ruby. “You will be spared, too, if you cooperate.”
Purcell turned to Fernandez. “Show them your bracelet.”
He did, plucking at a leather band. Purcell pulled more bands from his pocket. “I will give you four of these. When the lack of Deus Vis becomes too much to handle, the Chosen will be called to a central location, where we will ride out the storm. Like a hurricane shelter.” He held out the bands. “Do we have a deal?”
Cyn gave her shoulder another squeeze. “Deal. We’ll cease and desist.” He couldn’t be thinking of trusting this guy!
Purcell’s steely gaze shifted to her, and she felt an odd pressure in her head. “I know you doubt me,” he said, as though he’d read her mind. He had, she realized. “But with your comrade on our side, you haven’t a chance of succeeding. Cyn, when you or Ruby start feeling ill, call Fernandez. He’ll have instructions by then.”
Fernandez approached Cyn. “I’m sorry I set this up.” He watched Purcell’s retreating back as though he were afraid the man would disappear.
Cyn narrowed eyes that showed his sense of betrayal. “Set me up. This could have gone much differently.”
“I can’t lose her, Cyn.” The man’s voice bled with regret. He ran across the lawn to follow Purcell.
As soon as he was out of earshot, Ruby asked, “We’re not really—”
Cyn shook his head, answering and cutting her off with the same movement. He motioned for her to follow him to the T-bird. As soon as they pulled away from the house, Cyn instructed his cell phone to dial Grayson.
His deep voice boomed over the speakers when he answered. “What’s up?”
“I need a Leap to Chena. I’ll fill you in when we get to your place.” He disconnected.
“Who’s Chena? And what’s a Leap, and why does it make my stomach knot up even more than it already is? Don’t you dare tell me ‘later.’”
He slid her a slightly amused look. “Chena is a what, not a who. It’s a town in Alaska, one of the few places where pockets of Deus Vis can sustain Crescents.”
“Alaska? Are we running off to save our asses? Or are you running off?”
“Ruby, you’ve got to stop letting your emotions drive you. Back there, bursting out like that could have gotten us killed.” He released a breath. “You really think I’d leave you to save myself?”
She settled back in her seat. “No.”
Cyn pulled into the high-rise’s parking lot and started heading to the entrance. “Maybe Purcell’s telling the truth, and this disturbance is a natural result of the impending solar storm. My gut says it isn’t.”
“If he’s right, my father was either crazy or greedy. My gut says it’s not true.”
“Your gut or your heart? You must be able to tell the difference.”
She recalled the memories Grayson had revived. “I remember my father telling Darren that what they were doing was dangerous. That’s why he destroyed everything. He wasn’t a man intent to run with a moneymaking device, but one in fear for the safety of his family. And all Crescents. My gut says that in the end, he did the right thing.”
Cyn nodded. “Trust your gut always. Trust your emotions never. Going to Alaska is about getting answers. Jay Caruso’s had a fascination with the Deus Vis ever since he went to college with your father. When Brom had his vision fifteen years ago, he called Jay, whose idea it was to use the prism to see the Deus Vis. Jay is a permanent resident at Sanctum, the Crescent sanctuary where Brom went. When I was at Brom’s earlier, there was a message from Jay on his machine. He’s running experiments based on something Brom just told him. We’re going to find out what that something is.” He ran his hands lightly over her shoulders and down her arms. Her body stiffened, and he pulled back. “You’re going to need a coat.”
Even that casual touch sent his energy into her body. “I can get one at the airport.”
“We’re not going via plane. We’re going via magick.”
Chapter 21
Cyn outlined what they knew while sitting at the bar at Grayson’s. Grayson took a generous drink, obviously feeling the emotions zinging between Cyn and Ruby. “There was something on the news this morning about an uptick in people getting the flu. I don’t feel it, but I’m old. I’ll take you and come when you’re ready to return.”
“I understand.” For Cyn, Sanctum was a place of healing. For Grayson it was probably a reminder of why he’d needed healing.
Grayson slammed down the rest of his drink, setting it on the counter with a thud. “Ready?”
Ruby slid from the stool and grabbed the coat Grayson had borrowed from the lone female Caido in the building. She’d taken the whole Leap thing pretty well. Of course, compared to demons and finding out you were a Dragon, Leaping was pretty tame.
She put on the coat, then grabbed a small bag. Cyn had nothing but the clothing he wore and a long black leather coat.
Grayson stripped out of his shirt. Their “wings” weren’t the Mundane’s vision of the feathery kind. Even so, they still tore through clothing—and hurt like hell if his grimace was any indication. Ruby stared as he came around the bar, trying to see his back. She didn’t get a chance. He put his big arms around both Cyn and Ruby. “You’ll feel light-headed, light-bodied. It’ll pass.” In a flash of white, Cyn felt the very sensation Grayson had described.
Seconds later, they stood outside the remote commune known as Sanctum. A sign gave the impression that it was, indeed, some kind of private mental facility. Beyond the utilitarian entrance lay beautiful landscaping and buildings.
Cyn turned to Grayson, who was also taking in the place. “It calls to you already, doesn’t it?”
Grayson said, “Yes, which means it’s time to go.” In a flash, he was gone. Here, among only Crescents, no one had to hide their magick.
Ruby held out her hands. “I can feel a difference in the energy here. Is that what you mean?”
“Sanctum has an odd mix of natural magick and strong Deus Vis. You can see the aurora borealis here year-round, where it’s usually only visible in winter months. It’s a bit like the Thrall. The broken come here to heal, to become whole again. And you never want to leave.”
Now Ruby’s hazel eyes had the same effect, holding him in a different type of thrall. “Sounds like you’ve been here before.” She tilted her head, seeming to look right into his soul. “What did you need to heal from?”
“My life. My past. I made a little girl an orphan. I quit the only career I’d ever known. I gave up a lot for the Guard, and I caused loss and suffering in the name of duty. I ended up staying for a year. This place held me as a willing captive.” She was looking at him as though he were an angel. “Don’t let it suck you in.”
Ruby blinked at the directive. “No, of course not.”
He called Jay’s phone but it went right to voice mail. “Jay, this is Cyntag Valeron, a blast from the past. Listen, buddy, I’m here at Sanctum, and I need to talk to you as soon as you get back. It’s about Brom.” He disconnected. “I’m going to get a room so you can rest up until he gets back.”
“I could use a hot shower. But what about you?”