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Aviel chuckled darkly as he unleashed Theo from the wall. “Ah, love. It’s a beautiful thing, isn’t it? He’ll be all right. He’ll freeze the entire planet if it means melting his Kylix.”

No one laughed.

Thunder rolled across Helion as the storm clouds above the city shifted slowly around the hidden structure.

And now they knew what had been waiting inside the storm all along.

* * *

Moargan grabbed his multi-slate, already opening a Luminary command channel. “Mobilize every storm-capable transport in the sector.”

Across the room, Yure layered new coordinates into the network. “I’m on it.”

Helianth caught the keys Aviel tossed across the counter, checking the charge as he turned toward the door.

Aviel jerked his chin toward him. “You drive. I’m taking Theo with me.”

There was no hesitation now, no discussion. Chairs scraped the floor as they pushed away from the island and crossed the kitchen in quick strides.

Ryneth still hadn’t moved.

The bond twisted sharply in his chest.

Where are you?

“Come on, Ryneth.”

He looked up to see Moargan standing by the door. The others were already gone.

Ryneth shook his head. “I can’t leave him. I don’t even know where he is.”

Moargan crossed the few steps between them and gripped his shoulder, giving it a short squeeze. “All the more reason you’re not staying here alone. If Daven’s not here, you’ll come with us. We’ll keep you where we can see you.” He nudged Ryneth toward the door. “We’ll find him. He’s family.”

The bond pulled hard.

A sudden pain tightened low in his chest, sharp enough to steal his breath. Ryneth’s hand lifted instinctively, pressing against his ribs.

It made no sense, but the feeling was unmistakable.

Daven.

Ryneth turned his head toward the storm map still glowing faintly on the white canvas.

Toward the outer ring. Toward where the clouds were breaking.

The pull tightened again.

Moargan opened the door behind him. “Come on. Now.”

This time, Ryneth followed.

The ride to the terminal passed in a blur. Along the way, more Luminary cars joined them as the storm kept raging.

By the time they hit the transport lift, more than fifty Luminary guards surrounded Ryneth.

The glass doors slid open and they stepped inside together. Helianth slammed the ascent control and the lift shot upward through the tower shaft.

For a moment the entire city of Helion spread beneath them through the transparent walls, towers blazing with light while the storm circled high above like a moving ring of black clouds.