The Soldati Prince (Soldati Hearts 1)

Riley didn't know why he called Khalon's name, but when the world around him spun off its axis, his vision growing dark and his legs giving out from under him, he was relieved and grateful Khalon was there to catch him.

Chapter Six

KHALON FELT the flicker in Riley's soul like a knife to the chest. He'd spun on instinct, seconds before Riley called out his name and just in time to catch Riley before he could hit the ground. Lifting him easily, Khalon hoisted Riley over his shoulder and took off again. Adira and Ezra reappeared alongside him. Word of Riley's presence in the Soldati Realm had spread quicker than anticipated and the demons were out in full force. He needed to get Riley to safety. They were almost there. He could see the village up ahead. As they neared, Rayner shouted at the villagers to get indoors.

Khalon ran through the expansive stone archway marking the entrance to the village and spotted Rayner up ahead, waving him over to an open doorway. Khalon swiftly entered the cottage and was greeted by a family of kit foxlings. The taller of the adult females showed him to a bedroom with a bed tucked inside an alcove.

"Lay him here, Your Majesty. We'll watch over him," she stated, her big brown eyes gentle. "I am Flora and this is my mate Lasa, and our daughter Tinia."

Khalon gave the three female kit foxlings a nod. Riley would be in good hands. He laid Riley on the bed, startled by his sudden reluctance to leave him. His instincts pulled at him, demanding he protect what was his. He shook himself out of the ridiculous sentiment. Riley was not his, nor would he be. The priestess would set all to rights. For now he had to protect Riley, and in turn, his kingdom. He hurried for the door, ordering the kit foxlings to close it behind him.

Outside the wind whipped fiercely, the shrieks of approaching demons intensifying as they drew near in a cloud of putrid fog.

"Take positions!" Khalon shifted instantly into his tiger form and the four of them situated themselves around the small village, the others following his lead when he roared.

White light burst from their open jaws into the sky, spreading over the small village and forming a protective barrier, warding it from the demons. The thin veil of magic sealed within seconds, and the first small wave of demons disintegrated into black smoke upon colliding with the barrier of light.

The remaining storm of demons encircled the translucent dome, unable to see in, but from within the barrier, Khalon could see them clearly. He shifted into his human form and approached the barrier, waving a hand so he could be seen by a select few on the outside, or more specifically, one demon. He stepped up close and fixed his gaze on the empty eyeholes of one particularly repulsive-looking demon. It was a dark demon, a scout. Khalon should have known.

Demons attacked in brute force, driven by the instinct to kill and harvest souls, but occasionally a dark demon could be found among them, leading the others, their intentions far more wicked. Dark demons didn't merely hunt humans for their souls; they had purpose. This one had purpose. To kill Riley and, in turn, weaken Khalon, leaving him and his warriors vulnerable. Without the Soldati to protect the humans, their souls would be ripe for the taking.

As expected the dark demon sensed Khalon's presence, drawn by his power and the light in his soul. It drew as close to the barrier as possible without contact, knowing it would disintegrate into nothingness should it touch the light. Its mouth elongated, hissing and dripping rotten blackness.

Despite Khalon's low growl, he knew the demon could hear him perfectly. "You won't lay one decayed tendril on him, putrid beast. I promise you."

The dark demon hissed and shrieked its annoyance at being unable to claw at Khalon's face.

Rayner stepped up beside Khalon and let out a noise of disgust. "Revolting bastard."

Khalon nodded. He waved a hand so the horrid creatures could no longer see inside. Rayner followed him as he headed back to the small stone cottage where he'd left Riley.

"I admit I hadn't expected one to show up so quickly," Rayner added.

"Have Adira keep an eye on them, that one especially. It's likely he'll call others. Send word to Captain Airaldi. I want him along with three dozen warriors dispatched immediately. Tell him I expect my path to the temple to be cleared by the end of the week."

"It will be done. What of Riley? What do you suppose happened?"

Was that concern Khalon heard in Ray

ner's voice? He was about to reply when Flora came running, her brown eyes filled with fright.

"Your Majesty! Come quickly!"

Khalon broke into a run with Rayner on his heels, an icy chill spreading through him as he entered the cottage. Riley's terrified moans met his ear and he hurried to Riley's bedside, his chest tightening at the fear plaguing his soft features, his brow beaded with sweat. Khalon reached out to wake Riley when Lasa caught his wrist. He arched an eyebrow at the foxling's boldness.

She snatched her hand away as if burned, and when she spoke, her voice was quiet. "Please forgive me, Your Majesty, but I tried to wake him, and when I touched him, I was hurled across the room by a powerful force."

Khalon frowned. He looked down at Riley in the midst of what appeared to be a terrible nightmare. His body twisted and contorted, tears escaping from under his closed lids. "He is of the human world. There is no magic in his soul." He believed Lasa nonetheless, yet he could hardly stand by and do nothing. Whatever Riley was experiencing, it brought Khalon great discomfort.

Bracing himself, Khalon sat on the bed beside Riley. He let out a guttural scream that shook Khalon to his core. Riley was terrified. Khalon called Rayner over.

"Rayner, I need a moment. Please fetch Ezra and escort Flora and her family to the village square for provisions, as well as a show of my gratitude for their wonderful hospitality."

Rayner nodded. With a kind smile, he ushered the foxlings out of the cottage. There was no telling what might happen, and Khalon preferred to keep matters concerning Riley private. When he spoke to Riley, it was in low and soothing tones.

"Riley, listen to my voice. It is your mate. I won't hurt you. It's my touch you will feel." He tentatively eased his hand closer to Riley, taking a deep breath as Ezra appeared. His friend and confidant remained silent as Khalon placed his palm to Riley's heart.

Riley's breaths fell in pants before he released another scream.