“What witness?”
“The witch’s familiar.” Absolis rolled his eyes. “He often bragged about owning a spirit who had been caught by the great wizard, Norbert. We tried locating the spirit ourselves, but we were unsuccessful.”
“But you will be able to find him.” Vilanos smiled. “Seeing as how you’re already blessed with that particular gift.”
“You guys all seem real sure this seein’ ghosts thing is transferable.” Seymour crossed his arms. “Like,reallysure.”
Absolis and Vilanos grinned at exactly the same time.
“Okay, creepy. So. Go to the witch’s place, find a ghost to talk to, and figure out what happened to the missing head? And then I reckon I just bring it back here?” Seymour glanced between Absolis and Vilanos. “That’s it, right?”
“As long as the task is completed to our king’s satisfaction, of course.” Absolis daintily sipped his drink. “His happiness is paramount.”
“Absolutely,” agreed Vilanos.
“And bringing back his consort’s head will make him happy?” Seymour ventured.
“Before you go, are you sure we can’t offer you a drink?” Vilanos asked ever so sweetly. “A quick snack? Maybe you’d like to dance with us?”
“Perhaps he’s only interested in thatotherkind of dance,” Absolis teased, reaching for Vilanos and taking his hand.
Seymour didn’t miss how they’d ignored his question, so he asked again, “Hey. Will bringin’ back ol’ boy’s head make your king happy? Or is this gonna be?—”
“Oh!” Vilanos laughed, gazing adoringly at Absolis. “Definitely the other kind.”
“Most certainly,” teased Absolis, gazing right back as they continued to cackle.
The twins laughed andlaughed, clinking their glasses as if they’d made a hilarious joke.
Well, wait a second—were they actually brothers? Everyone referred to them as twins, but Seymour honestly didn’t know. They gave a weird vibe, especially with the way they laughed and stared at one another, but okay, shit. No. He needed to focus more on what was happening now.
Like Sariel coming around to stand in front of him, his wings out and extended to shield him with a fearless snarl.
Fuck, that was hot.
“He asked you a question,” Sariel barked, his voice deep and rumbling. “I suggest you answer it.”
Vilanos scowled, and his eyes turned solid black.
Absolis was equally annoyed, his gaze darkening as well.
“Watch your tone, angel,” Absolis warned. “You’re inourrealm.”
“And soon enough, you will return to the Terrestrial,” Sariel shot back.
Vilanos rolled his eyes. “Do you really think we care about angering your master?Please. He is nothing to us.”
“That may be, but you still agreed to his terms.” Sariel’s wings flapped, and his halo glowed brighter. “Is your word so easily forgotten?”
Vilanos flashed a nasty little smile. “Our word is everything, angel. While we certainly admire that spine of yours?—”
“We’ll be just as happy to break it,” finished Absolis.
“Threats?” Sariel tilted his head in that curious way of his. “How interesting.”
“By all means, go on and tell your master all about it,” Vilanos sneered. “We don’t?—”
“I will speak to Q. I believe he would be much more interested.” Sariel’s wings twitched again. “Not only in hearing of your idle threats after promising safe passage, but the details of your deal with Mr. Heiss.”
