Unfortunately, Hazer kept pace. “You must believe me.”
Slowly, Kayluth shook his head, hissing vehemently. “Believe you? You misstake me for a fool.”
“Drakken, you won your freedom eons ago. I respect that. I took this job because my ship needed repairs, my men—my family—were starving as we limped through space. Along comes this male who offers us desperately needed food and currency. In exchange, he asked for our help. It wasn’t until we landed that we learned of his deceit. By then, it was too late. He had paid us and fed us, and I would not renege on our contract.”
During Hazer’s explanation, Tyr had brushed the tears from his cheeks and straightened his clothing. He angled himself as they walked to look at their captor. “Why are you telling uss thiss? If you wanted to help uss, you would kill thesse traitorss and let uss esscape.”
“The contract states we must ensure he will reign. Overthrow his brother or…”
“Or what? Kill Bjorn?” Tyr scoffed. “Highly unlikely.”
“Do not speak of what you do not know, drakeen.”
Tyr bristled and would have spoken, but Kayluth hissed as he laid a warning hand on his brother-by-marriage’s arm.
Kayluth glared at Hazer. “Again I assk, why are you telling uss thiss?”
Hazer’s lips parted, his gaze darting between Kayluth and Tyr before finally settling on Tyr and softening. “There’s something you need to know. My—”
“What are you doing?” Tore screeched, pushing past the guards. “They’ll have found the entrance by now. We have to hurry.”
Hazer growled, the low, menacing reverberation enough to make Tore step back. He rounded on Tore. “Fool, the Drakken are nearly blind in the dark. If they fall, we will take even more time.”
Tyr jolted, and it was all Kayluth could do to keep his own surprise stifled.Blind in the dark?Hardly. Why did Hazer tell Tore…?Dear Dracco… Had Hazer spoken true when he said he wanted to help?
“Really? I had no idea.” Tore appeared contrite in the dim lights of their lanterns. “If you needed more light, you should have told me.” He shouted for the guards to gather around.
Kayluth rolled his eyes at Hazer. The Fenrir smirked, trying to hide his mirth as he rubbed a hand across his mouth. They were both lucky that Tore didn’t notice.
“Let’s go,” Tore demanded, and Hazer gestured for them to continue. With the guards thick around them, their combined lanterns brightening the tunnel, they moved faster, much to Kayluth’s dismay. Slow benefited Orm and Sundrake and whoever else came after them. Slow meant they might catch up.
Manning
“Johan!” Manning shouted, using his sleeve to dry his face. “Johan!”
The Royal Guardsman slipped through the throng surrounding Manning and his family. He knelt on one knee before Manning. “Here I am, my Vidar.”
Manning stared down at the middle-aged soldier. At first glance, Johan looked like every other guardsman. His brown hair was cut military-short, and with his wide, capable shoulders and neatly-pressed uniform, Johan blended in with his fellows. Manning had always known Johan as a well-respected soldier under Ivar’s command, but after Tore had kidnapped him and had him held hostage in the desert, it was Johan who’d led the rescue to save him. Once Manning and his sobroke emerged from isolation following the birth of Reykos and Raisa, Johan declared he would guard Manning personally.
Whenever Manning left his quarters, whether alone or accompanied, Johan followed, remaining silently hidden in the shadows. Occasionally, Manning would peer around, seeking confirmation of his presence, and always Johan was there with a nod or quick wave.
Once assured of Johan’s commitment, Manning brought him inside his home. They put their heads together and developed a series of contingency plans. Of course, Manning hoped they’d never have to use them.
“My children?”
“The guards have taken position outside the Wardmans’ apartment. The building is now in lockdown and no one is allowed in except those who can prove residency.”
“Okay.” Manning breathed out a relieved sigh. “Has anyone told Mama and Pap?”
Johan stood as he shook his head. “They were told of the lockdown, but not why. I thought it might be best coming from you.”
Manning nodded. Johan was right, but Manning’s heart lurched knowing he’d have to tell them. Mama, Pap, and Jules—Brandt’s parents and sister—were more his “family” than his family ever was. “We should go then.”
“Tailyn! Lyurn! Brotherss! What hass happened?”
Everyone spun towards the main entryway, muscles tensing even though the Drakken called out in familiar greeting. With his guards around him, and Johan pushing him backward, Manning couldn’t see the male he assumed was family based on the way the Drakken shouted for his brothers.
“Who’s this?” Manning asked, leaning closer to Johan.
