Touch of the Fire God [Scions of the Ankh 1] (Siren Publishing Classic) Read Online Free Page B

man who stood there calmly, somehow relaying to her that all would be right.
    The room began to fade, and the confines of an airplane began to twist into the dream.
    “Remember me this time, zenj’a” he called to her. Rene’s eyes flew open with the one name echoing in her mind. Ralabos.
     
    * * * *
     
    She came awake with a start, the name Ralabos silently settling on her lips. She felt warm, sweaty, as if she had had her morning jog.
    “Are you all right, Dr. Selkis?” Jonathan asked, peering at her over his papers.
    If Rene didn’t know any better, she would swear he was smiling. Rene nodded, not sure if she could trust her voice yet. Her throat felt dry and scratchy. She got up on shaky legs, determined to reach the small drink and snack cart without falling flat on her face.
    She’d never been so grateful to attain a small goal as she was right now. Relief flowed through her as she leaned heavily on the metal cart that was wisely bolted to the floor. She reached down for the second shelf on the cart, when the necklace the old woman had given her swung merrily from her neck.
    Rene straightened slowly, taking a deep breath, the bottle of water forgotten for the moment.
    She had put the necklace in her purse; Ralabos had put it around her neck. But Ralabos was a dream. She scolded herself he did not exist. Yet something about the name seemed familiar. Perhaps she had heard the name before? No. A name like that was not common. She’d never heard of it until now. The necklace grew warm on her skin as it settled between her breasts.
    “Are you sure you’re feeling well?” Jonathan’s voice sounded from just behind, spooking her and causing her to yelp.
    What is it with men who move without sound? She looked at Jonathan with what she was sure was a sickly, pathetic smile. “I’m fine, Jonathan, just a bad dream.”
    “Was it?” His eyebrow shot up in challenge.
    Just like that, Rene was irritated. How dare he question her? It was her dream, after all. He had a smug look that she didn’t like.
    “Yes,” she snapped at him. “It’s over now. I just need a moment.” Rene put her hand to her forehead.
    Damn it! She hated being out of control. “I’m sorry, I haven’t been sleeping well. Please just give me a moment.”
    Jonathan bowed his head slightly in deference and went back to his seat. Something about him wasn’t quite right.
    An hour later, with much silence in between, Jonathan told her quietly that they would be landing soon. Rene nodded, grateful to be getting some fresh air soon.
    Jonathan shuffled all of his papers back into his briefcase, and fifteen minutes later the plane landed smoothly in Cairo.
    Rene finally felt something of her old self. Dr. Selkis, woman in control , she chanted to herself.
    Jonathan went before her, of course. His manners were impeccable. He wanted to be able to help her down and probably protect her from assassination, she thought wryly. She still hadn’t gotten that safety comment from her mind.
    As she descended the stairs, something thick seemed to permeate the air. Not smoke or smog or anything that could be seen with the human eye, yet it felt as if something was waiting in the very air itself.
    Rene shook herself mentally. She had to get hold of herself. Ever since she had started having dreams of Ralabos, everything seemed to have a shadow, a purpose, or a double meaning.
    Jonathan reached the concourse first, then reached up to guide her down.
    The moment her black-heeled feet hit the ground, a deafening crack rent the air. Rene could only liken it to a sonic boom. The ground roiled under her feet; she thought she was smack in the middle of an earthquake. In defense, she covered her ears, but it was too late. The sound happened so quickly, she wondered if she had heard it at all. Then the ground rested as if suddenly commanded to do so.
    “Did you hear that? Feel that?” she asked Jonathan, grabbing his arm and digging her nails into his suit