Free Solar Dare by Tianna Xander, Viola Grace Page A

breastplate, leather trousers and matching boots, and there was a subtle glow to the clothing that drew the eye.
    “Ladies. I greet you on behalf of the Star Guard and ask you to come with us.” The man was cheerful and had a relaxed stance.
    Stellar cleared her throat. “Who are you?” Solar watched him decide how to answer. The column of his throat flexed and his left eye flicked lightly.
    “Captain Denhar of the Star Guard. Above us from left to right are Skdel, Myrgik, Cavon and Lerihk. We have come to help.”
    Solar took a step forward, and Stellar shifted her launcher to aim at Myrgik.
    Solar cleared her throat. “We are well armed and learning to cook. We do not need your help.” He inclined his head.
    “Excellent accomplishments indeed, but I was referring to the radiation that you are putting out. If you do not learn to control it, you will kill more than just your enemies. Your family here is leaking power like a burning star.”
    Solar stepped toward him again. His power was drawing her in. It was a vibration in the air that called to her.
    Stellar called out, “Solar, back away.” Lunar made a small noise, and in an instant, all hell broke loose.
    Solar watched Denhar’s body shift into his dragon shape, and the next moment, she was snatched in a claw. Bands of bone and sinew held her tight, and her breath was squeezed out of her as he launched into the air.
    She observed Stellar taking aim at a dragon and firing, but an exhalation by the incoming beast rendered the explosive useless. Lunar was using a bolt gun, Astral was watching the dragons come in and Celestial had already been snatched and was in the air.
    Solar could feel her body heating in panic, and her containment suit flaked away as Denhar climbed higher and higher.
    The air grew thin, but Solar had no problem breathing, her skin glowed and she remained warm despite years of information from living with humans told her she should have frozen to death.
    How are you enjoying the view? It was Denhar’s voice in her mind.
    It is most peculiar. Now, why did you snatch us?
    I told you. You are dangerous. Three passive species that you and yours have come into contact with have suffered radiation sickness. We have done what we could, but your lack of control is threatening innocents.
    What? We never meant to hurt anyone.
    We are aware. Eiwyn has sent us to help her daughters learn control. We will turn you into Star Guards and give you the benefit of our knowledge and experience with this type of power.
    What will you expect in return?
    She could feel the smile in his voice when he said, That will be up to negotiation.

Chapter Two
    O nce Solar felt the thrill of weightlessness, the next sensation was equally peculiar. Denhar opened a rift and flew into it, his wings extended for a long glide and his skin aglow with power.
    The next thing Solar saw was a new world dotted with bright lights across the landscape.
    Where are we…wait…where are the others? She twisted in his grip and tried to spot her sisters and their transport.
    Each of the Star Guard occupies a different world to make it easier for dispatch purposes. We also give off passive radiation, so it is best not to get too close to each other. The worlds we occupy are mainly unoccupied for that reason.
    Mainly unoccupied?
    There are races that are resistant to our emissions.
    They act as caretakers in our homes.
    Wait, you have someone who cooks for you?
    His laughter rippled through her mind as he lowered them into the atmosphere. Denhar’s wings began to beat as air once again became a factor.
    Where are my sisters?
    They are safe with the Guards. We are sworn to the service of the queen. No harm will come to her daughters. Do you have the same toxic tracking devices as your other siblings?
    Um, I don’t believe so. They tried, but nothing could withstand our biochemistry. They settled for the suits, and I believe that just met an end. Do you have something I can wear when we