Gathering Storm (The Salvation of Tempestria Book 2) - Gary Stringer (read e book TXT) 📗

deeply, trying to find the right words. “This is the eve of my final confrontation with Kullos. Our previous battles were part of what I thought was an endless cycle, but that cycle is now broken. Outside interference or not, Time manipulation or not, it doesn’t matter why. It only matters that it is, and I have to be ready. There is one chance to save your world. One. I have to be stronger, faster, more powerful than I have ever been. Heaven’s Surrender will be used. The only question is whose finger will be on the trigger. But saving your world isn’t an abstract concept, anymore, or some obligation for past actions. It’s about the present. It’s about you. I will push myself to my limits and then go still further, because that is the only way I know to keep you alive.”

“So, it’s all about me?”

“Of course,” the shadow warrior insisted. “It’s true that I needed time to sort out my feelings, separate what I feel for you from the pictures in my mind, pictures from the past. But now, I swear, all I see is you. I know our timing is terrible, but I think that just makes it even more important to embrace the short time we have together. You’re amazing, Cat: strong and independent. You speak your mind, you’re beautiful, and you have such a good heart. I know I rub you up the wrong way, sometimes, but every time that happens, I understand you a little better. So why can’t we seize this moment and be together while we can?”

Catriona took his hands in hers and gazed up at him, eyes pleading for understanding.

“Daelen,” she began, “the truth is, I do care about you…”

“I don’t want to push you, Cat, but you did say ‘cards on the table,’ remember?” Daelen said, pointedly.

Cat nodded. “You’re right. I set the rules, and I have to follow them.” Starting afresh, she confessed, “The real truth is, I don’t just care; I love you. You trusted me with a part of your essence, allowed me to see and touch a part of your true self, and I will always cherish that. I am truly flattered, deeply touched by your feelings for me, and that you chose to share them with me, but that doesn’t mean I’m looking to get into any kind of relationship with you. It’s more complicated than that. The time will come when I can explain more, but right now, this is all I can say. I hope you can respect that because I still think it’s important that we keep working together to fight Kullos. I’m sorry, Daelen.”

There were tears in his eyes, but he made an effort to smile. “It’s OK, I understand. Kisses are off-limits. Are hugs still acceptable?”

Cat smiled and embraced him. “Always,” she promised. Breaking the hug, she asked, “Do you want me to leave you alone for a while?”

“No,” Daelen shook his head. “I still want to spend as much time with you as possible, even if it’s just as friends. Shall we go and see what the others are up to?”

Cat agreed and took his arm. As they walked out of the medical wing, she suggested that later on, they could go for some lighter training in his new meadow; something a bit more magic-focused.

“There’s something I’d like to try out. Something I’ve been working on in theory for a few years and I think I’ve figured out the practical side of actually doing it. This world has a better understanding of how energy works, and I’ve applied that same knowledge to magic.”

“Alright, but first, how about dinner? Don’t know about you, but I’m starving.”

“Me, too,” she affirmed. “I used a lot of energy, demolishing your training centre like that.”

*****

A few moments later, they found Mandalee enjoying some friendly, three-way sparring with Jessica and Sara. Forgoing any fancy tricks or magic, they were each just armed with a pair of knives. Currently, they were sheathed for safety, but when Mandalee saw Cat and Daelen, she ran over to show them off.

The retractable blades were small, even cute, no more than an inch long, but Cat knew that in her friend’s hands, they would be deadly. Mandalee now kept them strapped to her wrists. They were attached with a leather thong that would allow her to flick them into her hands so she could open them with the tiniest movement. The knives themselves were not made of metal, she explained. Instead, they were fashioned from grizzly souvenirs that Jessica had brought with her from their homeworld: dragon claws. According to the Chetsuans, their people had learned to their cost that they could cut through any armour.

“That’s what you’ve been doing while we were talking?” Daelen wondered.

“Yeah,” Cat agreed, with a mischievous smile. “I thought you’d be braiding each other’s hair.”

Mandalee matched the smile with one of her own. “We’re doing that later. Didn’t want to leave you out.”

“Aww, thanks. You’re the best.”

“I know,” the assassin nodded. “Anyway, finished with your little heart to heart?”

“Oh, I think we’re good now, yes?” Catriona looked up at Daelen for confirmation.

From his weak smile and nod, she could tell he was still disappointed, which was understandable, but he was putting a brave face on it.

“We’ve mutually agreed that we’re hungry,” he told the others. “You guys want to join us?”

After sharing a look between the three of them, Sara spoke up. “OK, but after that stunt of yours this morning, Jess and I have decided we’re having the rest of the day off.”

“Which means we’re not setting foot in your kitchen, dearie,” Jessica added.

“Come on then, Daelen,” Mandalee grinned, sprinting away, “First one to your kitchen cooks dinner!”

“Don’t you mean ‘last one’?” Daelen called out.

“No, believe me, you don’t want her to cook,” Cat explained with a mischievous smile. “If you like your dinner edible, I suggest you get moving.”

Daelen took off instantly.

Chapter 26

After dinner, the two Chetsuans decided to go into the