and soul were completely content. she wanted nothing more than to he with julian in the soil to allow rejuvenation. secretly she was very pleased that julian would care to protect her brother. she loved that about him, his willingness to accept responsibility for her family even though he decried it at every turn.

it took a few minutes to gather enough strength to get up and clothe themselves before moving back through the lava tunnels to the healing chamber. at once, julian was aware syndil had been there; he could smell her particular clean scent. the chamber was filled with aromatic herbs and candles and the rich healing soil so important to their race.

julian opened the earth for desari right above darius's resting place. it beckoned to them, promising them soothing peace and restoration. gratefully, julian accepted what the earth offered. he lay beside his lifemate, one arm circling her, her head resting on his shoulder. she kissed him once, very briefly but tenderly, and at once her heart ceased to beat and the air left her lungs. he lay there holding her to him, astonished that his life had changed so drastically, that he was part of something involving so many others, and that he didn't dislike it as intensely as he made out to all those around him.

once more he set the safeguards, ensuring that no one would disturb darius and that the chamber itself was safe from any who might come seeking them in their time of weakness. once more he waved his hand, and the soil covered him, covered desari, closing over them so that there was no trace of their existence on the surface. several feet below them, darius rested, protected. the last thing julian did before he succumbed to the sleep of the immortal race was to program his body to awaken just before sunset. he had his mortal enemy to hunt, one who would be trapped by the sun for a few precious minutes, giving julian time to locate him.