The world was a straight line: a populated road connected the cities. I couldn’t imagine anything different.
“There are no remnants of the battlefields,” Seraphim continued. “Everywhere victory was claimed, the Empty appeared in the wake of the bloodshed and swept them away.”
Shifting to face her, I tried to read her to no avail. “What’s your story?”
“I’m surprised you didn’t recognize my name.” Seraphim tugged on her braid. “The Cynthus royal family is famed for their locks, after all.”
I choked on my wine. The lord of Cynthus had cast his daughter out decades ago—since her exile, none had seen her nor spoken of her.
“No wonder I couldn’t place your face,” I said. “I assumed you’d died ages ago.”
“Most have forgotten me.” She picked idly at her coat. “But you understand how invisibility is an asset.”
“Your father went to great lengths to keep the scandal obscured. What did you do?”
“That is a story for another time.” Seraphim’s eyes flashed. “For now, I’ll tell you where I disappeared to.” She leaned in, anticipating my curiosity.
“Duath nun?”
“Dammit.” She frowned. “You were supposed to humor me.”
“How else would you have found the supposed Source?” I gestured with my glass, sloshing some wine. “How did you get past the border?”
“My brother helped me. He’ll be our man on the inside when we get there.”
“Lord Phaedrus himself?” I asked. “This’ll be easier than I thought.”
“Not so fast. He needs the full approval of all the border lords. His vote is only one of five.” She paused. “But he can arrange the meeting.”
“And you trust him?”
“Completely.”
Seraphim leaned against the wall, watching the stars flicker in the sky. Beneath the low glare of the lanterns, she looked somber and calm. Not the kind of calm I expected from someone contented, but rather someone. . .
Who’d lost so much they’d grown from grief into acceptance.
Or maybe I was reading too much into a simple expression.
Draining her glass, Seraphim pointed it at me. “Eleos read you like a book when he spoke with you by the ship’s overlook. ‘She’s scared. But I don’t think it’s the danger she fears.’”
“Ha.” I chuckled bitterly. “Maybe he knows me better than myself.” I groaned. “Could you tell him to stop that?”
“Eleos is exceedingly polite and proper. He tries very hard not to pry.”
“Sure he does.”
“With everyone else, at least. Maybe he finds you irresistibly interesting.” She leaned toward me, smirking.
“What?” I asked. “I’m an open book, and not very interesting to boot.”
“Suit yourself.” Seraphim stood, brushing off her coat. “I’m glad to have you on board. With any luck, we’ll make it to Cynthus alive, and I can pay you the rest of what you’re owed.”
“Here’s to living.” I raised my glass.
“That’s the spirit.” She nodded and slipped through the door.
Sighing, I quietly finished my drink. In the unlikely chance we survived, I could return to Ikaria and resume the endless task of paying off my debt.
