Page 86 of Splintered Shadow
Cobbled -together armor and homemade weapons. That was the best he had to offer.
No matter. He had faced more formidable foes with fewer resources. By the time he boarded the enemy vessel, the fight would be concluded.
The song of battle took over, a tune so familiar that he did not have to think about his part. He fell into the role with ease, letting the chaos of it swirl around him. He saw the pattern emerge.
The long-range weaponry disabled the Starshade ship. His ship overtook the other and prepared to board. The boarding team jettisoned out an airlock, carrying a heavy lance and torches to pierce the hull and force their way inside.
The second wave of guards boarded the ship. Images of the fight filled a dozen screens.
Vekele growled, his hand clenching the back of the captain’s chair. His guards were pinned down in a corridor under heavy fire.
Sarah’s hand covered his. She did not offer platitudes, only quiet support.
Updates arrived rapidly.
“We’ve accessed the ship’s controls.”
“We have the bridge.”
“We’ve located the king.”
“We’ve apprehended Lady Cassana.”
Sarah rose from the chair to face him. “It’s over?”
“Almost,” he said. “Harol, see to the king.”
“Already there,” the reply came instantly. Vekele’s lips twitched. The medic was too impatient to wait on orders, which was one of the things Vekele liked best about him.
He continued to issue commands. “Secure the Starshade ship. Place the crew in the brig for now. Escort Lady Cassana and Lord Starshade to our ship. We are overdue for a discussion.”
The guards confirmed their orders.
He moved to leave the bridge. Sarah followed. He stopped and crossed his arms over his chest.
“I’m coming with you,” she said.
“You will not want to see this.” He knew what must be done. Blood would flow.
“Don’t tell me what I want to see. Those people damn near killed us. I’m coming.” Her eyes went dark, the beige skin around her eyes turning gray.
When she mastered her abilities, she would be formidable.
His hand settled on the back of her neck as he brought their foreheads together. Taking a breath, he memorized the moment. The scent of her soap. The puffs of her breath against his skin. The way her hands clutched at the front of his coat.
“Very well but stay back. Soon, this will be over, and I will have nothing to do but lavish you with adoration,” he said.
“You’d better.” Her tone did not invite discussion.
His bossy mate. How he loved her.
With a sigh, he released her from the hold and stood straight.
He had matters to deal with that could not wait. His aunt and the Starshades had much to answer for.
Chapter Nineteen
Sarah
