Nine years ago, Cassian witnessed the assassination of his father, which left him to lead the desert clan. Growing up, he had relied on help from those around him; now an adult, Cassian wants to prove his own worth. His first task -- securing the love of his bodyguard, Yashiv. Though the two have been inseparable since Cassian’s childhood, he fears Yashiv won’t let down his walls of propriety. Then Cassian finds a child, the only survivor of the king’s caravan procession. Wen claims to be the bride for Prince Manoel, the ruler of the nearby city, but underlying currents of her story raise Cassian’s suspicions. Cassian and Yashiv must find where Wen belongs, before rival clans, the city’s guards, or Cassian’s own people decide the child’s fate. Can Cassian and Yashiv find out where Wen belongs before her fate is decided by rival clans or Cassian’s own people? And can Cassian show Yashiv he’s now a man, as well as Master of his clan?

Shifting Sand

“You did all you could to aid Wen’s mother. It was in the hands of Gaetan.”


Cassian’s dark hair flopped as he shook his head. “No, we went with the intention of robbing that caravan, Yashiv. If the Orvokki warriors hadn’t been there, it would likely have ended the same way.”


“You’re wrong. We don’t kill the innocent. We never would have harmed the passengers, if they did as instructed.”


A knock on the wall outside drew Yashiv’s gaze away from Cassian’s. Once again, that sensation of ripping shook through Yashiv’s body. “Come in,” he called, getting to his feet, his hand gripping his knife.


The elders entered, Cian in the lead. His weathered face sagged with age and worry. He hobbled up to Cassian, who had stood as well, and reached out his hand to touch Master’s arm. “We are glad you are safe,” he said.


“Thank you, Cian,” Cassian replied. Though he was the Master of the clan, he still paid respect to the elders in all ways.


Chapter 12