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“A pity. He is truly spectacular when transformed.” Taliak grinned. “I am surprised they are not here yet. They only had a short job in the city, helping after a vehicular accident this morning.”

  She smiled her thanks at the server who put a plate in front of her. “They are back. I saw Linz earlier. Sort of.”

  The governor laughed. “Excellent. They should be here soon then. A family meal is traditional after the rising night.”

  The door at the far end of the dining hall opened, and the four Guardians swept in, their legs covering the ground with grace and an ease, which Cam currently envied.

  Mordem rushed up to her and kissed her, bending her head back and ravishing her mouth. When he lifted his head, he brushed a few soft kisses across her lips before he took the spot beside her.

  Taliak was grinning. “It seems that you have succeeded where I failed, Mordem.”

  Cam was irritated. “I am neither a game nor a ride at a fair, Governor.”

  Dem snapped out, “Cam. Remember where you are.”

  She winced and gritted her teeth. Her jaw was locked as she ground out, “Apologies, Governor.”

  He looked startled. “No apologies necessary. I apologize for my jest. I have never faced my nephew and his lover over breakfast. I will amend my behaviour.”

  Mordem took her hand and lifted it to his lips. “You are not a toy to play with, Camile. You are well this morning?”

  “I am. Thank you for the flowers. They are lovely.”

  His dark skin darkened even more. “I am glad you liked them. I raided my uncle’s gardens for them.”

  Taliak grinned. “It is my honour that the flowers go to such a radiant, young woman.”

  She smiled slightly, retrieved her hand and ate her breakfast.

  The Guardians were brought their own meals, and their conversation turned to prying locals out of crushed vehicles as well as Comyo cutting the vehicle up for disposal.

  It was interesting to hear how the Guardians used their Gifts, but it was hard to imagine Mordem tearing metal apart with the same hands that had touched her last night.

  She listened to the ambassador, asking the detailed questions, and she kept to her place. She was his Companion, and while he didn’t need her on Namkor, there would be other worlds where she was needed. Mordem would be a treasured memory to trot out when she was stuck playing pretend.

  Her plate was whisked away, and she drank the water slowly, relaxing as the conversations ebbed and flowed around her.

  She really needed a nap, but she didn’t think she would get one. She turned to Dem and whispered, “If you don’t require me this afternoon, Ambassador, perhaps I could go for a walk in the gardens?”

  Dem looked from her to Mordem. “I don’t know if I want you going alone. Guardian Mordem, would you escort my Companion through the gardens? I mean, if you have the time, obviously.”

  Mordem nodded to his uncle and smiled. “I would be delighted.”

  Cam wanted to give Dem a dark look, but instead, she stood and stepped away from the table.

  The Guardian got to his feet and walked over, offering his arm to her. She smiled slightly and took the offered limb. They walked slowly out toward the rear of the mansion.

  When they were clear of the dining room, she said, “You didn’t have to come with me.”

  “I wanted to. Any time I can spend in your presence is time I don’t have to spend with the guys. I do that often enough.” He laughed.

  She grinned and noted that he was matching her exceptionally slow pace.

  “Sorry for the speed.”

  “I apologize for riding you all night. I just couldn’t stop once I started, and you were with me, so I continued on.”

  She sighed. “I am just a little sore.”

  He frowned with concern. “Would you like to rest?”

  “No, I think walking will do me some good.”

  Mordem nodded. “I would like to say, thank you for yesterday evening. You did not hold back, and it is appreciated.”

  Cam blushed. “I did try to. It just seemed to be counterproductive after a while.”

  “So where do you travel next?”

  They left the mansion and slowly crossed the manicured lawn, entering the trees and shrubs of the gardens.

  “We have appointments with the Nyal Imperium courts, negotiating the release of some of the Janial prisoners in exchange for mining rights.”

  “What kind of prisoners?”

  “Aggressive prisoners. The Yemish use the violent to control some of their colonies. They are a useful resource.” She grimaced, her only expression of her true opinion.

  “Why do you travel with him?”

  “He hired me.”

  Mordem faced her and put his hands on her shoulders. “Anyone could have your place, but why do you travel with him?”

  She looked into his silver eyes. “Because I wanted something different, something exciting, something that was mine. I ended up sharing in his adventures, and one day, I hope to get my own.”

  “You keep all that buttoned up inside you? It is a wonder you don’t explode.” He chuckled.

  Camile blushed. “Right. Well, it is just another impulse that I stifle.”

  “You need a place to roam free, Camile. I know you are contracted to him, but is there a way for you to get free?”

  She stroked his cheek and turned to walk toward some of the rose-like flowers. She folded her hands in front of her and held onto herself for dear life.

  “While my life with Dem is his life, it is still more than I had at home. I get to see things, experience things, and I have a place in the world. Here, there is wonder and strangeness and a thousand things to learn, but there isn’t a place for me. I would be on a world full of beings, and I wouldn’t belong.”

  Mordem took a few steps toward her, closing the distance she had created. “I wish I could offer you that place.”

  She chuckled. “You have your duties and I have mine. It was an amazing night, and we have one more before I leave. I understand if you want to seek out someone else, but I would love it if you spent it with me.”

  She was only able to say it because she wasn’t looking at him.

  He put his hands on her shoulders, and he kissed her neck. “There is no other way I would like to spend Gifting Night.”

  She chuckled and leaned her head to one side, giving him a wordless invitation.

  He nibbled at her neck, plucked a flower and stroked it over her cheek, down to the modest vee of her neckline.

  “You need to be in a gown like the one you wore last night. That or Masuo, so that it could make way for me as I went along.”

  She smiled and caught the flower in her hand. “I seem to recall that there is a bench nearby.”

  He chuckled against her skin and escorted her to the carved stone statuary that doubled as a bench. The design was a series of carved waves that made for a surprisingly comfortable resting surface.

  Mordem settled and pulled her against him. Her body followed its impulses, and she soon felt herself falling asleep.

  She fought it for a full three minutes before she had to surrender.

  * * * *

  As soon as he was sure she was out, he pulled her into his lap and settled her against his shoulder.

  “So, you are such a fascinating male that ladies fall asleep at your touch.” Linz flickered into view.

  Mordem scowled. “Shh. She didn’t get any sleep last night.” His face flexed into a smile at the memories that followed his statement.

  “Daymoth just sent me to check on you. You were very distracted this morning,” Linz whispered.

  “Now? He sends you now?”

  “You know how he is. He didn’t want you fucking her in the gardens. You have to get some rest yourself.”

  “I will grab a nap here. This is the best company I could have.” He smiled. Camile was curled up against him, and her breath whispered
through her parted lips. He shifted his suit to expose his chest so he could feel the soft exhalations. His erection was rubbing the back of her thighs, and he relaxed against the corner of the bench.

  Linz grinned. “Well, it seems that you are getting some rest after all. I will let the commander know.”

  Mordem closed his eyes and set his timer. They had five hours before sundown, but he didn’t want his companion to get burned. He extended his Masuo into a cape and covered her with it. The air was cool enough to be comfortable as they sat together and recovered from the night before.

  He couldn’t stop the smile on his face. She had offered him another night. He was not foolish enough to decline that exceedingly generous offer.

  As he settled into sleep, he replayed every sigh, every moan and the clutching of her hands at his body. The memories were a treasure that he planned on expanding as much as she would allow.

  * * * *

  Camile woke with a start, in her own bed. She sat up and looked around, thinking that she had just stayed in. The flower in her hand confirmed that she had indeed been out and about with her Guardian.

  She got out of bed and looked out the wide doors. The sun was fading and a new dress was hanging from the front of the wardrobe.

  She went into the bathroom and started on her hair. Half an hour later, she put on the dress, and from there, she went to work on makeup. Being a woman was tricky. You had to master so many skills just to turn up for pastries and cocktails. Renaissance men have nothing on a lady getting ready for a night out.

  It was a ridiculously inaccurate comparison, but she always smiled as she thought it.

  With her battle gear on, she headed out of her room and went in search of cocktail hour. Her last night on Namkor was going to be fun.

  Chapter Five

  The party was in full swing when she arrived. Dem was in a corner with a handsome man and laughing brightly and flirting madly. He was in his element.

  Cam gave him a nod as she walked toward the buffet where the snacks were being provided. He smiled in return and gave her a small wave.

  They were both on their own today.

  She went for a small plate of treats and looked around for faces she recognized. Taliak was easy to spot, as were the Guardians in their formal gear. That night, everyone was wearing their best.

  Cam consumed her snacks and went for a second round.

  “It seems you have worked up an appetite.” Taliak came up to her and smiled.

  “Dealing with politicians is tiring. You have to keep your energy up.” She winked and took a large bite of her current target—a meat-filled pastry.

  He laughed and inclined his head. “Enjoy yourself, my dear. I am sure that this evening one of the folk assembled here will become one of the Gifted. It is truly a sight to see.”

  She smiled and devastated her plate. When she was done, she picked up a glass of non-alcoholic punch and circulated around the guests.

  Mordem let her run around for a solid five minutes before he sought her out and placed his hand at the small of her back.

  “Are you excited to witness the Gifting?”

  She smiled. “I am just excited for the company.”

  He leaned in, and she leaned up, meeting in a sweet kiss.

  Commander Daymoth sighed. “Are you going to do that all night?”

  Embarrassed, she jerked back.

  Mordem smiled at his commanding officer. “As often as she will let me.”

  Daymoth sighed. “Then enjoy tonight. You know she leaves in the morning.”

  It put a damper on her enthusiasm but only for a moment. She stayed with Mordem until the light covered the hills and grasses once again.

  “Now the energy rises, and having found what it was seeking last night, it targets its chosen, and they receive the Gift.”

  He murmured it for her ears only. He had his arms wrapped around her from the back, and he was holding her lightly as they watched small particles of light lift from the grasses and start zipping about wildly.

  Cam watched the energy rise into what looked like a lightning-bug swarm. When it moved through the crowds, folks extended their arms as if trying to catch just a bit of a Gift. Camile watched the cloud approach, and she leaned back against Mordem as she watched it come.

  The first particle of energy struck her arm, and to her surprise, it stuck. The second stuck as well.

  She heard Mordem mutter in amazement as he released her to the embrace of the particles of light.

  They struck her hard and fast, sticking to her skin through her clothing. Cam tried to brush them off, but they were sticking to her skin, absorbing into her skin.

  She took a step toward Mordem, but he took a step back. More light struck her, and when they had covered her completely, they hummed with power and she started to vibrate. The power riding her skin pulled her upward, hauling her directly into the night air.

  Camile gasped for air as more of the sparkles struck her. They spun her around in the sky, and her body was soon humming with power. It had to come out. She needed to express the urge to flee that she felt in her bones.

  The light was coating her completely, and it lowered her to the ground. She acted on her impulses, and she ran.

  The world slowed around her as she sprinted across the field and through the mountains. The energy that was pressing on her was dizzying. She had to keep running.

  Her skin was cool, and her feet were flying. At one point, she looked down and she could see a lake and startled fish beneath her. She kept running until her body told her she had burned off the worst of the Gift.

  She ran back toward the governor’s mansion, following her own scorched footsteps back to where she had started.

  The partygoers were lined up and watching for her. She aimed for Mordem, and it was only when she was a kilometre away that she realized she didn’t know how to stop.

  Her Guardian seemed to sense her problem, and he beckoned to her in slow motion. Cam ran for him and struck him, still going way too fast. His skin silvered where she touched him and that coloration spread across his body as she thudded into his chest.

  Mordem wrapped his arms around her, let her momentum knock him from his feet, and he tumbled to the ground, rolling with her until they skidded to a stop.

  She gasped, her body tingling and her lungs working hard. Camile pressed against his chest and looked down at him. He glanced at her and whistled sharply.

  She turned her head to watch Linz grab a woman’s shawl, and she looked down to note that her clothing had burned off her skin entirely. She was as naked as the day she was born.

  The fabric wrapped around her, and Mordem stroked her back, murmuring soft noises that made her feel like a baby. She had no idea why he was consoling her until she saw the tears falling onto his metal skin.

  She sniffled and looked up at his face; the silver didn’t make it any less familiar. “I think you can let me go now.”

  He pressed a kiss to her lips; the cool of the metal skin was familiar. “I don’t want to.”

  Taliak was next to them a few moments later, and he whispered, “Take her to the base. Some of the witnesses are angry.”

  Mordem nodded and gathered her against his chest. “Right.”

  Commander Daymoth nodded to them, and Mordem launched them into the air in a tremendous leap.

  Cam’s head spun, and she leaned against Mordem, her hands clutching at the scarf. In two jumps, he had put them next to the Guardian vehicle.

  “We will take a riot runner from here. The others will head out to get the newly Gifted.”

  She nodded and yawned. He set her down for a moment and opened a bulkhead, pulling a vehicle free. Once he was ready, he picked her up again, tucked her in front of him and took off.

  Cam was so tired that not even the cool air could keep her awake.

  Her rumbling belly woke her up. Cam sat up and looked around. She was in a bare, spare roo
m. The pale sheets wrapped around her were the only soft things visible.

  Her stomach growled again. “Right. Okay, okay.”

  She wrapped the sheet around her in a stylish toga and tried the door. It opened easily, and she was able to tiptoe around the silent base in search of food with her stomach growling.

  She walked down boring grey halls until she found the kitchen.

  Cam sat and looked at the wreckage on the counter. She had eaten everything she could identify as food, and her body had demanded more.

  The world outside the windows was lightening, and she sighed and started to clean up after herself. She started to move and ended up with a clean space in six seconds.

  She made some tea and looked around for the ingredients to make some food for the other folks at the base. She managed some biscuits.

  Commander Daymoth was the first to show up as she pulled the biscuits out of the oven.

  “Good morning, Apprentice.”

  She smiled weakly. “Good morning, Commander. Why am I here?”

  “What do you remember?”

  She closed her eyes and thought back. “I remember light and little bits sticking to my skin. They came faster and faster, and then, I had to move.”

  “That is a fair recollection. You have been chosen as one of the Gifted. There hasn’t been an alien among us before, and that is causing a bit of a problem. So, as commander, I normally make the first meal of the day. You and the other two apprentices are going to be treated to an orientation.”

  She held her breath as he started to look through the cupboards with increasing agitation.

  “What happened to it all?”

  She bit her lip and edged out of the kitchen area. “I got hungry.”

  Mordem walked into the kitchen area with only a set of loose trousers on. He looked delightfully rumpled. “She’s a power burner, Daymoth.”

  The commander winced and leaned back against the counter. “Well, fuck. What are we going to do? That was a month’s worth of food.”

  She raised her hand. “If I can get some clothing, I can go out and get some food for today.”