Page 27 of Capture of Capricorn

“No, because it’s not possible to move places almost instantaneously.”

“And yet, it just happened. Care for a tour?”

She crossed her arms. “I want to know who exactly the hell you are.”

“I told you, my name is Capricorn, and I’m a Zodiac Warrior, an enhanced human tasked with being a protector of mankind and Earth.”

“Not funny.”

“I’m being utterly serious. I was chosen for the duty because I showed selfless bravery. As part of my transformation, I have certain abilities that include starbeaming. The room you’re standing in”—he swept a hand—“is known as the portal chamber. Think of it as an arrival terminal.” He tapped the dais under his feet. “This spot we landed on, marked with my symbol, acts as an anchor for when I want to return home. The other medallions you see are for my fellow Zodiac brothers.”

Her lips pinched. “And those arches?”

“Fixed portals to specific spots on Earth. Those can be used by the non-Zodiac gifted.”

“Meaning I could walk through one and end up somewhere else.”

“You could, but I wouldn’t recommend it.”

“Why not?”

“Well, for one, Adam is most likely still looking for you, and two, you might find yourself stranded somewhere you don’t like without funds or a way of getting anywhere.”

“This is insane.” She whirled from him.

“But real.”

“We’ll see about that. Show me this tower.”

“I’d be delighted.” They emerged from the portal chamber into the main hall just as the grand doors opened and Leo strode in, toting Olivia on his shoulders.

“Uncy Cap, you found Zora.” The little tyke clapped her hands and beamed.

Zora froze in place before whispering, “How does that kid know my name?”

“I saw you, silly.” Olivia giggled. “I told Uncy he’d find you.”

“And so I did, Squirt. Although Zora here is having a little bit of trouble accepting what’s going on.”

“Because it makes no sense,” Zora grumbled. “People cannot teleport.”

“Starbeaming is the best,” Olivia gushed. “It’s like a superfast zoom.”

Leo cocked his head. “Hey, Cap, your friend looks like she’s going to either faint or puke.”

“She’s fine,” Capricorn stated, but when he would have slid an arm around Zora just in case, she moved away and snapped, “Who’s the big dude?”

“That would be one of my Zodiac brothers. Goes by the name Leo, and that’s his daughter, Olivia. She can see the future, like Sage.”

“Of course she can,” muttered Zora.

“We are going to be the bestest of friends if you and Uncy save the world,” Olivia stated.

Leo coughed. “Um, yeah, on that note, I think it’s snack time. Let’s go, Rug Rat.” The big man jogged off, his daughter giggling as they jiggled and bounced up the stairs.

However, Zora didn’t watch them leave. She’d gone to the open door and peered outside.

“Where are we?” she asked quietly. “That landscape doesn’t match what I know of Nevada.”

---