“Okay, we’ll go through the back and search for footprints or anything else that grabs our attention.”
Allegra followed Dylan as he led the way out the house’s rear door. The bright sunshine had her blinking rapidly before her eyes adjusted to the light.
They moved silently, each step deliberate and cautious as they walked through the overgrown garden. Allegra had to admit she was glad Dylan was by her side. His presence was calming, giving her confidence that they could handle whatever they might find.
She inhaled, and her senses filled with greenery and fresh air. Nothing out of place. “It was hard to see in the dark. It was more a frisson of awareness that someone or something was out here.”
“Can you sense anyone now?”
“No, but I’d like to search by those trees over there.”
Dylan nodded, and they made their way toward the trees. Allegra’s gaze darted to her left, and a wave of familiarity washed over her. She grabbed Dylan’s arm, halting him mid-stride, and pressed her finger to her lips. Inhaling deeply, she tried to identify the scent that had caught her attention while the wind rustled through the leaves.
Allegra stepped forward, following her instincts. As she got closer, she saw something glinting in the sunlight. She crept closer and, to her surprise, spotted a dagger lying on the ground. She bent down to inspect the weapon. Intricate carvings covered the hilt—a silver image of a monster’s head and a coiled serpent. The blade was sharp and deadly. It smelled of iron and copper and stagnant water. It reeked of death.
She breathed deeply, trying to locate the scent of the person who’d left or dropped the dagger.
Dylan’s eyes widened. “That’s no ordinary weapon. It’s made of silver. This can only mean one thing.”
“The council,” Allegra said, her tone ominous. “It’s got to be. They’re getting bolder and aren’t afraid to leave their mark and send a message. They’re trying to scare me or at least send a warning that they mean business.” She swallowed hard, unable to tear her gaze from the serpent and the dangerously sharp blade. Did they have knowledge of the runes? Were they waiting for the right moment to kill her or toying with her as a cat did its prey? “I don’t get a sense of the blade’s owner.”
Dylan nodded grimly. “No, and that’s odd. We need to take care. If they followed you here or arranged someone to trail you, they’ll probably use any means necessary to take you down.”
Allegra clenched her jaw. “I won’t let them. I’ll fight with everything I have. This is my birthright we’re talking about. Val-des-Loups citizens deserve the best—a ruler who will battle for them. One who doesn’t give in to greed.”
Dylan put a hand on her shoulder and squeezed in silent comfort. “You’re strong and capable. But we can’t do this alone. We need allies.”
Allegra, seeing the sense of this, nodded in agreement. “We’re still going to meet Isabella, right? That might be my best bet. Heck, I don’t have many options. If Isabella has connections in Europe, then I say use them.” She wondered how much this might cost and cringed inwardly. Somehow, she’d find the money. It was worth it if it meant saving the land and her people. Somehow, she’d make this work.
Dylan gave her a small smile. “Then let’s go meet her.”
“This is dangerous, Dylan. You don’t have to take on my fight.”
“I want to. At the very least, we’re friends, and that’s what friends do.”
Allegra experienced a sudden sinking sensation in her stomach. Friends, yes. But she wanted more time with Dylan, since he appealed to her on every level. Why did her life have to be in a process of upheaval when she met someone she liked a lot?
Dylan’s phone rang, interrupting her reverie.
“Is everything all right out there? Do I need to call someone?” Esther asked.
“We’re coming inside,” Dylan said. “We’ll explain everything soon.” He hung up and dialed Saber. “Saber, I don’t have Isabella’s number, but we’re running late. We’ll leave home in ten minutes. Can you let Isabella know?”
“Anything wrong?” Saber asked, his tone sharp.
“Someone left a message for us overnight. At least, that’s what we think.”
“Do you need help?” Saber asked.
“They’ve gone. Tracking will be difficult because their scent is weak,” Dylan said.
“I’ll contact Isabella.” Saber hung up.
“Do you recognize the dagger?” Esther asked once they’d explained what they’d seen and found.
“No, although there’s something familiar about it. My father was a collector, and it may be from one of his collections. I donated everything to the local museum. The head housekeeper offered to liaise with the curator for me, and I thought nothing of it.”
“Esther, maybe we shouldn’t leave you alone in the house. You should come with us,” Dylan said.
