Rivers of Orion by Dana Kelly (a court of thorns and roses ebook free .TXT) 📕

don’t mean to be rude,” said the son, and he looked upon Mike with starstruck hope. “You’re… are you…?” He beamed and rested his hands just within his pockets. “If you’re not, I’m sorry, you just look so much like Prince Miguel!”

“I get that a lot,” said Mike, and he smiled kindly.

“I can see why,” said the son. “Well, have a good night!” The father opened their door, and they stepped inside. The son stole one last glance before closing the door.

“Why did you deceive him?” Nimbus quietly asked.

“I’d rather not draw a crowd until I know what’s going on with Orin,” said Mike. “Actually, I have an idea.” He stepped aside, facing the wall as he hunched over his phone, and Nimbus joined him. He entered Orin’s number into the t-net’s phone finder, and they soon heard it ringing from within Orin’s room.

In time, nearby guests emerged to glare at Orin’s door. Muttering, most returned to their rooms, while others lingered with arms crossed. The couple right next door stormed off.

“Good. That should do it,” said Mike.

Nimbus furrowed her brow. “Explain?”

Mike nodded toward the angry couple as they returned with the manager. “Probably drunk or high,” grumbled the manager, and he pounded on the door as he yelled, “Sir! Sir, please open the door!” Shaking his head, he retrieved his master key.

As soon as he unlocked the door, Mike rushed the entrance, blocking the view inside. He offered an embarrassed smile to the manager. “I’m so sorry,” said Mike. “We ran over as soon as I realized.”

Nimbus dashed inside and silenced Orin’s phone.

Addressing the disgruntled guests, Mike held up his hands and cleared his throat. “I’m so sorry, everyone! I hope we can put this behind us.” He smiled awkwardly and nodded before turning swiftly around, closing the door, and locking it.

“Mike Santos, something is wrong with Orin Webb!” said Nimbus. She regarded Mike with dread.

“What’s that around his nose and mouth?” asked Mike.

“I do not know,” said Nimbus. “It is green and powdery, and…” She pinched some of the fungal matter. “I do not know!”

“We should save some of it if we can.” He hurried to the bathroom, dampened a washcloth, and removed the plastic wrap from the paper coffee cups. Walking to Orin’s bedside, he used his keychain to scrape a spore sample into the plastic wrap, and he tied it off. He wiped off Orin’s face with the washcloth and set it on the nightstand.

Orin inhaled deeply, sharply, and he gasped awake. With bloodshot eyes, he sat up and coughed. “Thank God it’s you two,” he wheezed. Wincing, he got to his feet and leaned over the bed. “I’m parched. Can someone please get me something to drink?”

Nimbus steadied him as Mike returned with some water. Between sips, Orin told them about his encounter with Ellylle. “Then she said she didn’t want me interfering, and I blacked out,” said Orin.

“That news she hinted at—I bet that’s why Casey is calling a team meeting,” said Mike. “Do you feel okay to walk?”

“Yeah, I’m fine,” said Orin, and he coughed out the last of Ellylle’s spores. “Let’s go see what she wants.” He donned his orange jacket and put on his boots.

Moments later, Nimbus, Mike, and Orin joined the rest of Casey’s team. “You had me worried for a minute,” said Casey. “Did you pass out?”

“Actually, yes,” said Orin. He and Mike told their comrades what had happened.

“Well, I’m glad you’re okay,” said Casey. She retrieved her datapad and stood awhile in silence as the room quieted down. “I have terrible news.” She wore a pained look. “Everyone who was at Cavern Lake this morning is dead. Mike, Orin, Nimbus… I am so sorry.”

“What?” asked Orin. “What does that mean? Our families were at Cavern Lake this morning! Torsha was at Cavern Lake this morning!”

“Actually, that’s the one bit of good news in all of this. Torsha and Eridani are okay,” said Casey.

“There’s been some mistake,” said Mike, and tears welled in his eyes. “Who told you this?”

Woefully, Casey shook her head. “There’s been no mistake.”

Nimbus trembled. “How… How did it happen?”

Casey activated her datapad and played back Eridani’s message. Bitter tears filled his eyes as Orin learned of Thuraya's murder, and news of Bloodtusk’s death brought little comfort. Eridani related their families’ last moments. “I hope we can reach you in time to help,” she said, and the screen went dark.

“No,” whispered Orin, and grief wracked his body. “Mom and Dad, you can’t be dead, because…” He looked pleadingly at April. “They can’t be dead! You can sense them, right? Can’t you?”

April sniffed and shook her head. “I wish I could. I wish that more than anything.”

Orin fell slowly to his knees, his mouth open in silent agony. He wrapped his arms around his head and crumpled into himself. “I can’t do this anymore,” he sobbed. “What do I do? Tell me what to do!” April knelt beside him and gently rested her hand on his back. “I don’t know what to do.”

Fury and sorrow clashed within Mike’s gaze. Gritting his teeth, his chest shuddered with each woeful breath. “I’ll kill him,” said Mike. “I’ll rip him apart.”

Shona took Mike’s hands into hers and pulled him in close.

“Shona, I…” Mike faltered, and he surrendered to his grief. “Gabi,” he wept. “Oh my god, Gabi, I’m sorry!” His whole body shook. “Mamá… Papá, I’m sorry. I’m sorry.”

Nimbus sat on the bed, shaking her head as she looked away. Over and over again, she wiped tears from her eyes. Cajun sat close and held her sidelong. “I miss my mom too,” he said. “They’re not gone, ya hear? They’re never really gone.” She folded into him, sobbing.

◆◆◆

Orin placed a call. After a moment, Eridani answered. “Hey, Orinoco,” she said. “You got my message?”

He sniffed, and grief surged right back to the surface. “I did.” He pressed away tears and forced a calming breath. Clearing his throat, he stared at the ceiling for a moment as he gathered his thoughts.

“It’s