Astral by Viola Grace Read Free Book Online Page A

represented though.”
    He laughed. “I am sure you will get used to it.”
    She smiled. “I hope so, or I will be spending long nights alone at home while you go out as the dignitary for Arci.”
    “I have faith in your ability to adapt.”
    She was going to give him a sharp retort, but the blast of a horn and the ringing of bells got their attention.
    The crowd in front of them parted as the parade began and the first of the schoolchildren came by playing instruments and marching proudly past the box where Dina and Zakkar sat with the prefect and his wife.
    As they sat, hand in hand, she smiled at the children and waved to them as they waved to her. She did the same for anyone on the floats that were being driven or pulled past them. Grains and fruit were heavily represented, as were schools and dance studios.
    Dina laughed, clapped and cheered right along with the crowd.
    The moment that the last float was past, the prefect got to his feet and smiled. “Now we celebrate, for tomorrow, we plough.”

    Chapter Nine
    Watching the people of Caros engage in drinking contests was fun, but judging the trivia contests afterward was hilarious.
    Zakkar had too much dignity, but Dina had no such restrictions. She flew to the podium in the town square and read the questions for the drunken trivia contest. By the time she was finished, she was laughing so hard that Zakkar had to retrieve her to save her from joining the slap fight that had started when she had asked a mixed group of men and women who the best-looking avatar was.
    “That was a sneaky question.” He caught her in his arms and flew her away from the mixed-gender melee.
    “It was on the card, I swear. Besides, we both know that you are much prettier than I am.”
    He snorted and they returned to the prefect’s table. There were a lot less shenanigans here and it made for easier conversation.
    After an hour of discussing the details of tilling the soil on a semi-annual basis, Dina got up and wandered off.
    The people of Caros were friendly and most of the adults out for the evening were completely plastered. Dina walked through the people who were under the care of her star and enjoyed the smiles and gentle comments she was getting.
    Her first appearance as an avatar seemed to be a complete success. She was confident of her triumph right until she rounded a corner and the gas bomb exploded at her feet.
    * * * *
    Zakkar sat up straight as something went wrong.
    Arci’s voice in his head was clear. Dina has been taken from my sight. She is alive but not awake.
    Zakkar turned to Dorf. “Was there anyone who objected to the avatars’ presence here?”
    Dorf paled. “A few folk considered it superstitious to invite you.”
    “Who are they?”
    “A small group. I am sure they won’t do anything.”
    He closed his eyes and searched for his mate. “They already have.”
    With his senses extended, he swept for Dina, but with so many people in so small an area, it was going to take him a while to pinpoint her. He hoped that she had that much time.
    * * * *
    Dina had a hangover and she was imbedded in some sort of gel. There were men looking in on her and she had one thought, they were wrecking her gown.
    She struggled in the gel, but it held her fast and all attempts to use Arci’s energy caused a nasty fizzle in her system.
    Since breathing was not necessary, she simply sent herself out of her body and went looking for Zakkar. He would be able to get her out of this mess.
    He was worried and his energy was wreathing around him in a hostile halo. Dorf was barking commands to someone nearby while Zakkar concentrated.
    She stood in front of him. “Arci, I am here. I am just a little powerless at the moment.”
    Red poured into Zakkar’s eyes and she was staring at the gaze of her star in no time. “Where are you, Dina?”
    “Underground and in a thick gel.”
    “Can you lead me there?”
    “Come on.” She tried to take his hand out of reflex, but she passed