Chapter 26

"Is that a trick or something?" Kyla asked, gently touching the -thing- with the syringe. Devon clasped his hands together and she disappeared. "No. The past."

"Let's leave that. There's something else I wanted to ask you."

"And what?"

"First of all... why isn't anyone allowed in the hallway where I met Darian?"

"Because of him."

"Yes, but why?"

Devon looked at her blankly. He knew she wouldn't like it, so he chooses his words carefully.

“Darian enjoys seeing beings suffer. Torturing her..."

Kyla flinched. She had guessed something like that.

"Okay, I don't want to know anything about it. Just one more thing and you'll be rid of me too... What is this meeting er 12, Azamir mentioned it and why is there such a fuss about it here?

Kyla collapsed onto her bed, exhausted. She didn't think she could enjoy Devon's presence, and yet she did. Or were Raia's feelings involved again? It was all pretty confusing at the moment anyway. It was all a lot easier when she didn't know that much, still hated Devon and Raia hadn't sneaked into her subconscious yet.

She heard Azamir join her in the room. After taking her to Devon, he was gone again. Kyla turned to him. "Have you made ointments again?"

"Yes, Azamir now large supply."

"Someday you'll have to explain to me how to make which ointment and what it's used for. Maybe then I can make more money with it in my world than before...” Kyla yawned. As so often, Azamir did not respond to such sentences. He knew it was selfish, but he didn't want Kyla to return to her world. Because then he would be alone again and would have to serve Devon again. He snuggled into the bed with Kyla and before long they were sound asleep.

Devon decided he would see Darian at a later date. He still had enough to do with making the final preparations. After all, his –guests- would come tomorrow.

So he devoted himself to his papers, but after a short time he put them aside again. Today's conversation with Kyla caused him difficulties. He had noticed how much she now resembled Raia. And not just because of the length of her hair. Her unconscious memories and the energy he had felt upon returning. Did Kyla know she already possessed some of Raia's powers?

He felt a surprising sadness at the thought of Raia waking up soon. Raia's awakening meant Kyla's death.

Devon called himself back to reality and got on with what he was doing. There wasn't much time left to take the remaining safety precautions.

The whole house seemed to throb with life and Liara excitedly watched the goings-on. Beleth had sent her clothes to choose from. Well, having packed her things, she found herself with the brothers in the garden. The last things should be clarified.

"If we get there today, stay in your assigned room all day. If someone sees you sneaking around, that wouldn't be good.” Xarfai explained and sipped his tea.

"Why? If I found Kyla-"

"You wouldn't even get that far." Beleth interrupted her and added: "Devon has a -watchdog-. You'd be dead before you knew it. One thoughtless step and—”

"And when should I look for her then?"

"Morning. While we're at the meeting. The 12 of us will probably get the most attention, so the aisles should be empty. We've learned that Kyla is said to be staying near Devon's room. We're trying to get you as close as possible, but ultimately we'll have to wait and see."

"And what if I get lost?"

"Then pray his -watchdog- doesn't find you."

Around noon they set off. Liara disguised as Beleth's concubine and personal servant. A legion of 50 creatures followed them and should ensure their safety. Both brothers exchanged worried looks. Given Devon's legendary strength, this was a weak bodyguard that would be gone in a matter of seconds should any trouble arise.