Chapter 34

She reached into the body, and her fingers closed around the pulsing stone. Pulling it out she noticed how the pearly-sheened object pulsed with light in her hand. It didn't react to everyone like this.

She gestured to Karo, who'd arrived, hands outstretched. Dara plopped it into her daughter's palms. If they got separated, Karo could use it to bribe for help.

Dara went after the second body's rock as Kobrah exclaimed, "Exactly who the fuck are you? Is your real name even Dara?"

"Mostly. It's short for something." She didn't expand as she dug around for the next power stone and only stood when she clenched it in her fist.

"Why are there drones after you? What did you do to the Rhomanii?"

"What makes you think I did anything?" She wiped her hands on her tattered cloak.

"Those gypsies never get involved in anything unless there's a profit or revenge involved."

No point in lying. "I have something of theirs."

"Pretty big something."

"It was from someone important."