Wednesday, March 27, 2024

Dark Empire Book Four: Revelations - Chapter Four, Scene Six

 

Is it really out day after tomorrow? Woot!

Meanwhile, this bunch...they're trying, but the secrets continue.

* * * * 

Later, close to dawn, Deram propped himself on an elbow and regarded Blythe, who stretched next to him. “Tonight was incredible. There were times, however, when you started to draw away from us.”

She blinked up at him. A kind of torment made her appear waiflike, a lost child instead of a fully grown, desirable woman. Her gaze flicked to Selt. His Nobek sat cross-legged behind Hadlez, who curled at her back.

Reluctance colored Blythe’s voice. “The day I said I’d give Kalquor is almost up. I have to report on the vid I was sent of Browning Copeland.”

“The proper authorities have been warned.”

Her concern relaxed at his non-accusatory tone. “They’ll probably try to discredit the footage. Or me. Meanwhile, I’ll do my damnedest to prove whether or not the empire has kept Copeland secretly imprisoned without benefit of a trial before the Galactic Council.”

Selt smiled. “Of course you will. It’s your job.”

“Are you afraid we’ll hold it against you?” Deram stroked her cheek, marveling at its softness. Marveling at her. He wondered what it would take to earn her complete confidence.

“If it’s true…and my gut tells me it is…I’ll keep on the story. It won’t put us at odds?” Her worried glance darted between them.

She deserved proof she could trust them. They were spies, however, watching her government on the behalf of theirs. How could Deram give her what she needed when his work kept the clan from doing so?

He swallowed and forced a smile. “We understand you have to do what’s expected of you and what you feel is right. We can’t keep you from doing so, so we won’t.”

His gaze met Selt’s, and he saw his torment reflected there.

* * * *

Blythe Nelson is certain Clan Deram is keeping something from her. The clan of spies finds it difficult to stay a step ahead of the wily reporter who’s winning their hearts. What they don’t know is Blythe has a secret of her own. New love can’t survive without trust, and neither side is ready when the truth comes out.

Dramok Ospar, determined to return to the political stage, strikes up a deal with Royal Councilman Oiteil. Unaware he’s dealing with a Dark entity controlling Oiteil, he finds himself fighting for his honor, his relationship with his clan…and his life.

The Kalquorian Empire, already struggling against the Darks infiltrating its highest offices, suffers a new blow when it’s revealed it’s keeping a prisoner from the war against the first Earth: Holy Leader Browning Copeland. The schism between Kalquor and its allies grows deeper, setting the empire against the rest of the galaxy.

As chaos descends on rioting Earther colonies, the Galactic Council of Planets, and Kalquor, a desperate group of humans and Kalquorians race to stop the force behind the turmoil: the Darks. Can they loosen the grip on their worlds the enemy seeks to tighten, or is all lost?

Releasing March 29. Pre-order ebook or buy print now:

Amazon, Amazon UK, Nook, Smashwords, Apple, Kobo, print

 

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