Rayna's Sacrifice (The Katori Chronicles Book 3) A. Lombardo (best smutty novels txt) 📖

from the outside world. In his mind, he could see the passage Ryker took toward the exit. They were close. They had made great time. When they switch-backed through the last turn, Kai heard the stone shift and the ground shake. The wall behind them closed.

They were a few miles above Albey. “We should stay away from the city. It would not be good if anyone saw you. Let’s move north before we continue west.”

It was a sound plan, and Kai grunted in agreement. Their pace slowed to a brisk walk. For hours they moved in silence. Thankful for the peace and quiet, Kai thought about his vision. What could possibly be changed? Now he would carry the burden of his father’s life. He also thought about Ryker’s secret love for his mother. How different things might have been if Lucca had not interfered.

Disrupting his thoughts, Ryker stopped. “We should make camp here. No fire. Eat the dried meat and cheese from your pack. We will sleep a few hours. It is best if we travel at night. While we eat, you can tell me about your vision.”

Hesitant, Kai lowered his pack. “Maybe you can help me understand what I should do?” Digging for his food, he began to tell Ryker the flashes in his dream, each one vague enough to frustrate even the keenest mind. He noticed Ryker seemed pleased to hear that Mariana would return—it was Iver’s fate that Ryker stewed over.

Ryker rubbed his jaw. “All any of us can do is live our lives and see where it takes us. Trust that Alenga has shown you these images for a reason. You will experience each one. I doubt you will have to choose the order. That is already predetermined.”

“Should I go back for Rayna? Should I stay away from my father? I don’t know what to do. You say I should get on with my life, but how? How can I proceed knowing that I am destined to kill the man who raised me?”

“One day at a time. Tomorrow, we see your men. See where that takes us. Focus on what you know. Then I will take you to Benmar. Your previous vision leads you into the mountain snow following a man. I’d say that is me. You said yourself the dreams will not let up—well, there you go. Easy. Rayna—you can address that when you have real information. Next clue: your mother. I believe Alenga helped me find her cave. She also sent me to help you. Alenga wants us together to find your mother. We are meant to take Mariana to the cave.”

Ryker paused, and Kai let his words settle. The weight of it all lifted. “What of Iver?”

“Well, that is delicate. Did you see yourself stab him? With your own hand?”

Kai was about to nod, but then he remembered the vision. It was his blade in Iver’s chest, but he didn’t see the stabbing itself.

Ryker listened as Kai explained. “See? All you know is that your father gets stabbed by your blade. You only know that you will be there, but not who wields the blade. But either way, the bell may toll for you. When you return to Diu, and you will, you must be ready.”

Ryker’s words were not reassuring. Kai wanted—no, needed—more answers. Hoping he got it right was not enough. Laying on the ground, Kai prayed for a sign, another vision to tell him more. Visions are fickle. When you want one, they won’t come. If they do, they never show you enough. He learned nothing new that night.

◆◆◆

Kai and Ryker strode right into Dresnor’s camp, snuck right by the guards, and plopped down by the campfire. Drew came outside to stir the fire. Their eyes met, and he smiled. “Prince Kai.” Drew hopped over a stump to take Kai’s hand. “Good to see you.”

The enthusiasm in Drew’s tone made him wonder if his friends thought he was never coming back. “Good to see you too.” Kai let go of his friend and looked around. “I see you didn’t return to Diu as I instructed.”

Drew rolled his eyes. “Did you honestly think we would?”

“I guess not,” Kai sighed. “Where is Dresnor?”

“Where is Rayna?” Drew ignored Kai’s question. “She is well, I hope.”

“Rayna is doing better. I came to see Dresnor. I sent you all home to Diu. Did any of you go home?” Kai motioned to the tiny huts.

Before Drew could respond, Dresnor approached. He nodded to Kai. “Prince Kai.” His Kempery-man tapped him on the back and grabbed his arm. “So good to see you well. Redmon went home to send back real news. The rest of us stayed. Tell me, how do you feel? You look great.”

“I feel great. The Katori people are taking good care of us. They are rather quiet but pleasant.” Kai shook his head.

Dresnor leered at Ryker. “I know you. I’ve seen you before. Years ago. You were in Diu with Haygan. I never forget a face. You were also at the battle for Town Hope years ago. Are you taking care of my Prince with these mountain people?”

Ryker nodded. “Yes, he stays with my people. Rayna and Kai are both safe with us. They are responding very well to the treatment. Rayna searches for her parents, who we hope to find living among the Gemidi tribe living on the Mystic Islands. It will take time for the letters we’ve sent to circulate around all the islands. I advised Rayna to let the news settle on them. If they are willing, we will get word back. I will accompany them on their trip to ensure these people will speak with her. You understand.”

The tale slid off Ryker’s tongue as if they’d rehearsed the story. Kai was amazed at how he wove in the details that aligned with their need to travel. His explanation of Rayna’s absence was believable. Although Kai was not sure, he liked to idea of returning home to Diu. But with his