Forbidden Summons Read online

  “Be more specific.”

  Enari snorted. “How you can still move when you are so far along. My doctors ordered me to bed rest for the last one. Noren is strong and healthy, but it was touch and go.” Jade sighed. “I have no idea how many more times I will be able to do this. I might even have complications with the next one. There is a reason I come home for the birthing, aside from having Riveh bring me breakfast in bed. Where is she?” Avvel said softly, “She is bringing the cake.” Riveh appeared as if summoned, her beautiful features once again apparent. Metallic gold waves of hair rippled down her spine. Her hands were occupied with a huge cake decorated with all the glyphs of Rion’s family.

  Jade watched him cut the cake, and finally, it was time for presents. The blade that she had purchased in a nameless, grubby bazaar on the far side of the quadrant was unsheathed with a flourish.

  Rion looked at it with amazement and bowed to thank her and his uncle Diyar.

  “I believe that your aunt Avvel will be able to help you with learning how to use it. She is the blade master in the family, after all.” Diyar smiled at his nephew.

  Jade had asked him once if he minded only having daughters. He had replied that there was nothing in the world he minded less. Having sons was the ordinary for the Asku. She had made him extraordinary.

  As the light faded and the stars came out, Jade looked around at the family she had become part of and then up at the constellation that brought her here.

  In two thousand years, would the Asku still survive, and if so, would another woman find a way through the darkest star to spur them to the next phase of their evolution?

  “I know that face. That is a serious face.” Diyar crouched next to her chair.

  She caressed his cheek and grinned. “I was just thinking about the future, way, way in the future, long after we are dead and dust.”

  “Leave the future to those who have to live in it. Do the best for your children and leave the world brighter than when you entered it.” He kissed her hand.

  “Those are very wise words.” He winked and helped her up to get a slice of cake and kiss the birthday boy. “They should be, you say them often enough.”

  “I am wise as well as devastatingly attractive at all times.”

  “And I am smart enough not to argue.” He kissed her mouth as she giggled, and their daughters surrounded them once again.

  Author’s Note

  This concludes the Darkest Star Saga. It might eventually reform into the Treasures of the Asku, but for now, I will be concentrating on Shifting Crossroads. It is much more fun to write.

  This book felt like I was writing broccoli. I don’t like broccoli. However, I have been reminded that my opinion is subjective. Perhaps I simply don’t like endings…

  Zenina Masters

  http://www.zeninamasters.com

  About the Author

  Zenina Masters was born in Canada and lives in Canada. She has a regular job and does nothing particularly exciting with her life. She enjoys fishing, silence and the ability to pick and choose friends she can trust. Life is too short to watch your back all the time.

  Her writing life is a teeny bit of escapism, she would probably chicken out if confronted by three naked men and looks forward to one day finding out.

  Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Epilogue

  Author’s Note

  About the Author