Read Online Star's Storm: Lords of Kassis Book 2 by S. E. Smith - Free Book Online

say that it had
exploded shortly after leaving the popular refueling station. The
unofficial report states the fighter was believed to have been
damaged when a short-haul freighter came in to quickly and struck
it.
    “I’m so sorry, my daughter,” Ajaska murmured
as he ran his hand over the silky, blond strands. “He did not
suffer,” Ajaska reassured her even as his eyes closed as pain swept
through him.
    “NO!” Star’s muffled cry of pain and grief
poured out from the center of her soul.
    Ajaska caught her as she collapsed, sobs
tearing at her tiny body until he feared she would harm herself as
she shook. He picked her up in his arms and turned to enter the
South House, heading toward medical. Star’s wretched sobs echoed as
he moved through the silent corridors. Torak followed, holding
River’s weeping figure protectively against his body. His own face
twisted with grief as he followed his father.
    *.*.*
    Star sat in the chair by the window, staring
out at the gardens with unseeing eyes. It had been a little over a
week since Ajaska told her that Jazin had been killed. She
remembered very little of the first few days. A numbness had
settled around her. She knew what was going on but she was more of
a ghost observing everything from the outside instead of being a
participant. She didn’t remember eating, drinking, or sleeping. She
knew who came and who went but that was all. She didn’t respond to
anyone; not even to River who came daily to spend time with
her.
    “Star, try to drink some of this,” River was
saying as she held a cup out to her. “It is a broth that will help
you keep your strength up.”
    Star fought down the bile that rose at the
smell of the liquid. She turned her head slightly away from the
smell. She heard River’s sigh and the sound of the cup being set
down on the table. In the background, she heard someone knocking on
the outer doors. The knocking became more persistent until River
finally released a muttered oath and stood up to answer it.
    Star heard muffled voices from the other
room before footsteps echoed quietly against the tiled floors. She
didn’t know who had come to visit. She didn’t care. She was
waiting. For what, she didn’t know for sure. Perhaps for the
numbness to wear off. Perhaps for someone to say there was a
mistake and Jazin hadn’t been killed. Perhaps for death so she
couldn’t feel the mind-numbing pain that was eating away at her.
She didn’t know and really didn’t care. She would sit here and
wait.
    “Star,” River called out softly. “Madas is
here to see you.”
    She didn’t respond. She listened as River
explained to Madas that she had been unresponsive since the
sedative the healer gave her wore off after the first day. Madas
asked several questions before asking River if she would mind if
she spoke to Star alone.
    “I need to check on Torak. He has taken this
hard as well,” River was saying. “Please let the guard know before
you leave. I don’t want to leave her alone for too long.”
    “I promise she will not be left alone,”
Madas hissed out softly. “Do not give up hope yet, Lady River.
There are some things that are yet to be revealed.”
    River looked inquisitively at Madas for a
moment before she nodded. “I’ll be back soon, Star,” River said
quietly as she walked over and knelt next to Star’s chair. River
squeezed her friend’s hand tightly. “I love you, little sister.
Never forget that.” River rose and nodded tearfully to Madas before
quietly leaving.
    Madas watched as the slender figure walked
out. What she had to say was for the little warrior’s ears only.
The Gods had sent a message and Madas firmly believed it was time
for the little warrior to prove how fierce she could be. Madas
looked at the still figure sitting in the chair. The light played
with the colors of spun gold in her hair. Her face was still,
almost serene. It was as if she was waiting for something. Perhaps
she was waiting for