Chapter Twenty-One

  Aisu happily trotted alongside me as we made our way to Rel’s. Though it was closed, Rel was waiting for us outside since I’d let him know we were coming. He was wearing some Syldran bodysuit clothing I had no name for, his arms were crossed over his chest, and he was leaning back against the facade of his building. He glanced over when we drew nearer, his piercing gaze fastening on me. His expression was unreadable, but his dark red glow made it clear he was angry about something.

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  “What’s wrong?” I asked, coming to stand in front of him.

  “Did anyone hurt you on your way here—verbally or otherwise?” Rel asked softly.

  “No…? Everyone was nice to me as usual.” I frowned at him and went to reach out, but without warning he pulled me into a tight embrace, lifting me onto my tiptoes so he could bury his face in my shoulder. “Rel?”

  Dark red and rich sapphire fought for dominance in his glow. I heard his heart racing in his chest as he clutched me. The heat of fury radiated from him. It seemed like an age before he steadied his emotions enough to speak.

  He kept his voice low, his tone murderous, “We have a problem, Elara. Sydney killed a Syldrari last night.”