up her hand, her eyes flashing. “I am in charge here. Take him away.”
The guards led Darac off, who didn’t resist, despite the fact that he could have easily taken the two smaller guards.
The doctor arrived along with Zac, the head of security. Aline started barking out orders as Koran pulled Mila to one side. “Did you see anyone else? Anyone that was close by as you arrived?”
She glanced up with sympathy. “No, no one. I know Darac couldn’t have done this.”
“Aline does not see it that way.”
“I’m certain if anyone can convince her otherwise, it will be you,” she said coldly, pointing at his cheek. “You have a bit of lipstick on your cheek. I take it that dinner was successful.”
He rubbed at his cheek. That shade of red was very familiar. It had been her sister’s favorite date night lipstick since they were teenagers.
“I need to go speak to Zac.” She turned away, trying to hide her pain. She had no right to be hurt. He wasn’t hers.
“Mila, wait.” Reaching out, he grabbed her arm. “I need to speak to you.”
“I’ve told you everything I know.”
“I have something else to discuss with you.”
“Later. I have a headache and I’ve just lost a friend. Please, let me be.”
Koran silently cursed Aline as he swiped at his cheek again. The pain in Mila’s gaze convinced him that she did hold feelings for him. She had to feel the mate bond as well, although she wouldn’t know what it was.
And now she thought he had been kissing Aline. Well, he had, but not through any desire of his own.
“Mila, you must allow me to explain.” He moved up behind her.
“Must I?” she asked without turning. “I don’t have to do anything you say.”
“You have misunderstood.”
“I’m not sure what you’re talking about.” She gazed down at her dead friend, her breath shuddering. “I need to get out of here.”
“You are upset.”
“Yes, I’m upset!”
“Getting upset will not help your dead friend.” And it was only making him want to hurt someone.
Turning, she glared up at him. “Of course, it won’t, but I am entitled to be upset! My friend is dead and another friend has been accused of killing her.”
Darac was her friend?
“You have not known Darac long.”
“Doesn’t mean he’s not my friend. Please, just go to Darac. Find out what he knows.”
Koran was reluctant to leave her, but he also had a duty to Darac.
“Fine, I will go. But only if you promise that you will go nowhere alone. Stay with Aline.”
She nodded. “Sure, I’ll keep Aline safe.”
That wasn’t what he meant, but she moved away before he could explain.
***
“Explain what happened,” Koran demanded, sitting across from Darac in the holding cell, which was actually just a room without any exterior walls. There was no need for a prison on Zazarn.
“I received a note. It was from Sally, or, at least, I thought it was, asking me to meet her in her quarters. When I got there, the door was ajar, so I walked in.”
“You knew her?”
“She has been preparing our meals. I have spoken to her a few times.”
Koran raised his eyebrows. “Enough to go to her room when summoned?”
“I thought it odd, Koran. But I did wonder if she needed my help. There were times when I noticed bruising on her body. She was very upset when I asked her about it. I thought someone might be hurting her and I told her if she ever needed help then she could come to me.”
Koran frowned. “Do you think she sent that note or that it was a set-up?”
“The body was cold when I arrived. It had been there for hours. I believe it was a set-up. Someone is framing me.”
“Why you?”
Darac shrugged. “Maybe Sally told them what I said to her? They chose me because I am an outsider?”
Koran paced back and forth.
“The investigation should show that she died hours ago.” Darac sat back with a sigh.
“Yes. But I do not know if that is enough to save you. Do you have an