Crucible of Fate

horrible.”
    “Fine,” Logan rumbled out the word. “Assume I’m going to be gentle, then.”
    “The djehus?” I inquired, curling my leg under me and straightening up, taking a breath as Logan sat down beside me.
    “I put them in charge of Ipis,” he explained. “The house of Feran is done; the line is ended.”
    “Did you kill Hakkan Tarek there?”
    “No. Crane named Kabore as your new maahes, and for his first act, he read the charges and then had Taj execute him in the pit.”
    “So Kabore was able with that one act to show everyone that he is not a maahes to be questioned.”
    “Yes, as well as one who follows you and the law.”
    “He’ll be good, don’t you think?”
    “Oh yes, I’m impressed. He’s very capable, loyal, and no one is going to trip him up on protocol or custom or language. Excellent choice.”
    “Thank you.”
    “And by bringing Crane to Sobek in the first place, you built him up, proved to him that he’s capable, and let it be his choice to go home or not. He knows that being beset of his reah is of vital importance, and it’s a huge deal to others since Jin’s a nekhene cat.”
    “Good.”
    “He wants to see you. Can you walk out into the main hall and say good-bye to everyone?”
    “I think so,” I said, reaching for my oldest friend.
    Logan slid an arm around my waist, and with him lifting and me using him for leverage, I got up.
    “I could carry you.”
    “In some alternate universe, I’m sure I might let you.”
    A gentle sound rumbled out of his chest as he helped me out of the room. By the time we reached the hall, I was walking by myself and liking the feel of the marble floor under my bare feet.
    I saw Mikhail and Samani, Koren and Danny, and Kabore, Taj, Rahim, Ebere, and Jamal. It was nice that they all clapped as I came shuffling toward them between Logan and Jin.
    “Knock it off,” I demanded,
    Ebere moved quickly to reach me, and I put an arm around her, leaning her gently into my side.
    “You gave me quite a scare.”
    “It will probably continue to happen.”
    “Please, no.” She sounded tired. “You took years off my life.”
    “Forgive me.”
    “Perhaps,” she agreed. “But there’s so much to tell you.”
    “Let me say good-bye to these nice people first,” I said, lifting my arm for Koren.
    He moved forward and wrapped his arms around my neck gently.
    “You take care,” I said, turning my head to kiss his cheek. “And take care of your sweet little mate too.”
    “I will,” he rumbled. “And you do the same.”
    We parted, and it was good to see him so content.
    Danny stepped forward and offered me his hand. He could not control the trembling. “All the blessings on your house, akhen-aten,” he said, his voice cracking just a little.
    “Thank you.” I smiled, covering our clasped hands with my other for a moment.
    He stepped back and Koren took his hand in his, lifted it to his lips, and kissed his knuckles. It was very sweet and nothing I had ever seen him do before. The adoration and devotion on Koren’s face was good to see. I was pleased and really hoped that he wouldn’t break the beautiful boy’s heart.
    Turning, I saw Crane and Yusuke approaching us.
    “Oh, maahen, you’re gorgeous,” I said sincerely.
    She flushed deeply, dropping Crane’s hand as she moved by the others and walked into my arms.
    “Thank you for keeping my love safe, akhen-aten, and for releasing him now so that he may return home with me and be mated.”
    I squeezed her tight. “Congratulations. Send me an invitation, all right?”
    She nodded into my shoulder.
    Leaning back, I offered my hand to Crane.
    He took it, holding it tight in his as he stared into my eyes. “I said good-bye to Yuri last night. And you’ll come to my mating ceremony, yeah?”
    “I will.”
    “Bring him and the rest of your house, my semel.”
    I sighed, releasing his hand. “Take care of your reah.”
    “Always.”
    “Go.” I tipped my head.
    He took Yusuke’s hand in his, and said his good-byes to the others as Jin stepped in front of me.
    “Thank you again.”
    “I take, I give back,” I said playfully, leaning over and kissing his forehead. “Now get out of my villa.”
    His smile was gorgeous, and when he moved, Logan Church filled my vision.
    “You’ll come for the mating ceremony.” It was a statement; I wasn’t getting out of it even if I wanted to.
    “I will.”
    “And when you do the traipsing around the world you’re planning,