The Traitor A. Lombardo (best thriller novels to read TXT) 📖

Dresnor’s eyes were distraught. “I am not sure what I believe, but I think you should leave before I change my mind. I cannot help you, not after all your lies. Iver is dead, and no matter the role Nola played, you even admit that the knife was in your hand. I read the report after you were imprisoned—you did not deny killing your father. Nola is distraught over her husband's loss; the nation mourns, and you are playing games. No, Kai, I must stick to the facts. Our friendship must not interfere with justice. You best start running. Roark will come by ship to hasten the end of this foolishness, as you say, and defend Diu from a Katori attack. Two days, not a moment more.”

There was nothing left to say. Dresnor had all but drawn a literal line in the sand, and they were on opposite sides. Kai backed away, taking with him all the power the moon, ocean, and wind could offer. His boots splashed in the fading waves. With all his might, he ran down the beach. His chest ached, not from the exertion but the loss of a friend. The one person he thought would help him was now threatening to arrest him.

Kai ran like the wind. Only when he was sure he would go unseen did he shift his form to become his silver dragon. The night sky welcomed him into her realm, unfolding the world for him to fly free. Thin gray clouds streaked across the sky, providing modest cover for his escape.

Having never flown over the southern Diu countryside, Kai was unsure of the markers he should use to ensure his path. Now was not the time to get lost in the dark, his best guess was to follow the coast toward Port Anahita than fly inland toward Henley, all while trying to go unnoticed.

Chapter 15

The Hunted

Iam innocent, Kai reminded himself, watching the coastline morph into the countryside. He tried to convince himself they would all come to know the truth. If only he could figure out how to convince the world. But even if he found Iver’s body, he was unsure it was possible.

Circling over Henley, Kai searched for an army, men who might lay in wait should he consider seeking sanctuary with an old friend. He saw nothing out of the ordinary; no camps or marching men sent to hunt him down. Still, he wondered if this were another mistake. Dresnor had no faith in him. Why would Drew or Robert, Drew’s father, be any different?

Kai yawned. Heavy eyelids weighed on him. He wanted to rest—needed to rest. He shook off the drowsiness and searched for a place to land. Lights from Henley twinkled below. Two main gatehouses, both well-lit stone arches on opposite ends of town, looked heavily guarded. Deep in the northern woods, Kai dropped from the sky with ease. His dragon form disappeared when he released the golden thread. Through the trees, a light flickered as he released the magic back into his stone.

Less than a mile from the town, he used his Beastmaster skills to sense the animals around him. They were at peace; no signs of alarm. The city walls lay between him and safety. The various access points and guard stations were child’s play compared to Diu security, and Kai slipped in undetected without breaking a sweat.

Kai snuck to the manor and gleaned Robert in his study, rifling through a stack of papers on his desk. There had to be a way to reach Robert without entering the estate. Kai considered the risks: getting captured or putting his friend in jeopardy.

Maybe I can call Robert to me? He thought as a yawn stretched his face and brought water to his eyes.

He had never used his mind to call to anyone besides Rayna and Kendra. Would it even work on Robert? After days with little to no sleep and hours of flying, Kai’s strength was waning. Every step took its toll. Lethargic and weak, he stumbled closer to the estate, needing a safe place to rest with someone he could trust.

As Kai had done so many times before, he held onto the light within his soul and pressed it inward. Weakness shook his body; the power did not build as it should. Kai pushed his thoughts toward his friend, and Robert looked up; his head cocked to the side. Confused but not drawn, he went back to reading.

Stars pricked the edges of Kai’s mind, causing him to yawn uncontrollably. His fist clenched his crystal, calling for more power as he pulled at his surroundings. The wild, forced energy struck Kai, putting him on his knees. There was no giving up; he needed help. He knew he was in trouble. From the woodlands around the estate, he drew strength. His head began to pound.

Kai focused on memories of Robert, their friendship. A knowing welled in his soul. Unable to control the magic, he focused on Robert and pushed the pulse with one thought attached—help me, Robert.

A spear of light bolted from Kai’s mind, across the yard, and into Robert. Kai saw papers flutter from Robert’s hands as the man slammed back into his chair. Robert rushed to the window, and their eyes met briefly before, dizzy and weak, Kai collapsed in the darkness.

♦ ♦ ♦

Dawn's pale-yellow light peeked through the windows and woke Kai. Across the room, the sofa had the form of a slumbering man. Propped up on his elbows, Kai realized that he was inside the estate. Robert rolled over and caught Kai’s bleary eyes, “Good, you're awake. You had me worried.”

Dread bubbled in the pit of Kai’s stomach; he sprang to his feet. Lightheaded,