FightingSanity by Viola Grace Read Free Book Online Page B

Thorn Queen’s hands. She gripped the canister tightly and propelled herself across the room in seconds. Her shielding recognized the impact of the darts, but she kept moving, running for her life and for theirs.
    What is going on?
    The frantic energy in his mind was not lost on her. He was frustrated at being unable to help her.
    Oh, the lunatics are running the asylum and they like it. I am about to end that.
    Will you be all right? Pax is on her way.
    I am not sure what that means, but I will be fine if I can just finish what I came to do.
    Then do it quickly.
    She tried not to chuckle as she ran through the halls toward the atmospheric systems. Having a snarky minder in her head was infinitely preferable to being plagued by her own hallucinations.
    The control room was guarded by two hulking beasts and no matter what kind of blinking and rubbing her eyes she engaged in, they were still beasts.
    “Stand aside.”
    One lifted his muzzle and scented the air. “I know you.”
    “You do. Stand aside or I will be forced to injure you.”
    The one who had spoken to her bowed and moved away. The other grew even more fearsome before he lunged at her, his jaws snapping.
    The Swan Queen braced for his impact on her shielding, but it never came. The other male lunged forward and took him down.
    “Do what you came to do, Majesty. Do it. I will hold off those who come as long as I can.” He growled the words before he used his jaws on his opponent.
    To ignore his sacrifice would have been rude, so she sprinted past the men gnashing and bleeding on the ground.
    The door hissed open as she used her mind on the latch. She worked her way into the dim interior and found the rack of canisters rigged to the atmospheric systems. She used her mind to shut off their supply while she removed one of them, putting the sedative in its place.
    She set the purge order in place and verified that there was enough air to replenish the station for the hours that would be required until help could arrive. The sounds of battle were getting closer and her time was up.
    She threw the purge and pumped a neutral gas through the station, watching the levels of the green chemical recede until they were ineffective. Her breath grew shallow as there was less to breathe and a moment before she blacked out, she turned on the gas and replenished the atmosphere.
    Erinii! Wake up.
    I am awake. I am just horizontal.
    Dravi lifted her into his arms and looked down at her, his breather mask distorting his features. You did well.
    You got in here fast.
    It has been two hours since you filled the station with the sedative. Your mouth will be dry and you will be queasy, so just let me carry you.
    There were medical officers treating a series of bloody men and she recognized the one sitting up and grimacing as her protector. She stared at him and suddenly she recognized him.
    “Taffor!”
    Dravi paused and turned so she could see the man more clearly.
    “You know him?”
    “Taffor Danyavic was in my class at college. He had a good career and an excellent family life and then one day, he disappeared. I am guessing that his talent emerged.” Her voice was a hoarse croak but she got her thought across.
    “Did he have children?”
    She nodded. “Three girls and two boys. They are probably on the talent watch list. It will destroy their chances of a good position in life, but if they don’t show signs of power, they should be fine. Will he be all right? He stood between me and the others when it was time.” She sighed and leaned back in his arms, fatigue overwhelming her.
    “Flame is helping him now. I am getting you back to the shuttle. You are shaking.”
    His tone was concerned and he lifted her and rubbed his cheek against the top of her head.
    “I am fine. I think I just need some more natural sleep to restore me. That’s all, just a little sleep.” She yawned and covered her mouth as she snuggled in his embrace.
    * * * *
    Dravi smiled and watched his charge