Colliding Worlds Trilogy 02 – Implosion by Berinn Rae Read Free Book Online

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bond to nudge them along, which produced beautiful hybrids.” He lifted a hand. “You cannot deny that Draeken treasure all life, regardless of their ability to take flight. Slavery was a Sephian tradition we continued after the war out of necessity.” He held up a clenched fist. “But never have I seen rape condoned. Punishment has always been swift and harsh for such heinous crimes, regardless of race.”
    She laughed, but bit it back when she saw his glower. “Look me in the eye and tell me you believe that Hillas Puftan — the righteous Grand Lord who promoted life and love while he persisted slavery — would treasure his own bastard offspring?”
    Roden pursed his lips.
    “Tell me, Roden. How many children do you think Hillas fathered by raping Sephian slaves? And yet today the Grand Lord has no heir — legitimate or otherwise — to rule when he’s gone. What do you think happened to his younger brother who’d disappeared not long before the Noble War? What do you think happened to him?” Years of hating Draeken bubbled up within her, years of worrying about the moment her lineage was discovered was too much. She threw out her next desperate words for spite. “You’re no different than any other Draeken.”
    Roden’s fists shook slightly as he held himself in place. She sensed the power it was taking him to keep from attacking her. Roden wasn’t Hillas, yet twice she’d accused him of the same crimes. As guilt prickled her conscience, Nalea went to turn away, but Roden lunged forward, grabbing her by the throat, and slammed her back against the wall. She clawed at his forearm, struggling to breathe.
    “Your past has poisoned your mind. Get this straight,” he hissed out. “Yes, I’m a Draeken. And don’t think I wouldn’t kill you myself if it would help save my people.” His grip loosened slightly, but he still held her in place. “But you’re also wrong. I am different. You will see. That you still live is proof enough.”
    “Why?” she asked honestly.
    He pulled his face away from hers while still allowing her no movement. His anger had ebbed, but she could see it still there, simmering just below the surface. He stared at her with a strange intensity. “Because I’m going to take you to Hillas.”
    She belted out a callous laugh. “If he knows the truth about me, he’ll kill me the first chance he gets.”
    His lips twisted upward into a smile. “Not if we kill him first.”
    She jerked, taken aback by his words. “What kind of trick is this?”
    “No trick.”
    She opened her mouth to refute, and then shut it. Watched him as she thought about his words. A moment later, she calmed. “Ah, I see,” she mocked. “You want me there when he dies. Because, if Hillas is killed by a Sephian, no one would suspect it was actually an assassination by one of his own. And, as the most powerful lord next in line for the throne, you’ll graciously step in to lead your hapless people.”
    He shrugged. “Naturally, they need a strong leader.” Then he looked at her hard. “Don’t tell me you haven’t dreamed of killing Hillas.”
    “Every night,” she muttered.
    “Now’s your chance.”
    She continued to watch him. Emotion swirled in those silver eyes, but she couldn’t read him. Finally, as though tired of being near her, he turned away. His wings, covered with dark-colored tribal tattoos, showed her exactly how powerful his lineage was. Blue and green markings lined his wings, detailing his royal heritage. Bold symbols proclaimed the godless logic he followed. Images of bloody battles spoke of victories he’d led. This feudal lord was no minor Draeken to be trifled with. He would be a strong leader, perhaps stronger than Hillas, and that could only make her people’s pursuit of the Draeken all the harder.
    Her next words were soft. “Even with your power, if your people suspect you were behind his death, you’ll be executed.”
    “Leave that to me.” He paused, and