I roused from my daze when Eleos gently set me down in the square centered by an old willow. The place where Seraphim had wanted us to regroup.
“Shit.” I cursed, eyes adjusting to the darkness. We were late.
A man paced the far side of the square with an agitated gait. Noticing us, he turned on his heel and ran over.
I didn’t recognize him at first. A tall man with silken black waves stood before me, his tanned skin marred by a scar across his cheek. A scowl twisted his mouth, but I focused instead on his strong jaw and the hints of stubble that remained after a fresh trim. The sleeves of his black coat were rolled up, revealing defined forearms criss-crossed with scars.
Was thatSeth? Bathed and newly dressed, I hardly recognized him. Had he always been that attractive under the grime?
“Finally,” Seth folded his arms, scarlet eyes glowing with exasperation. “You’re late. I thought you weredead.” His eyes traced over my arms and studied my new gown. His scowl vanished. “You certainly look like it. What happened?”
“Aethra was attacked,” Eleos said coldly. “Is the inn safe?”
“By who?”
“We don’t know. A nobleman wearing a mask.”
“Great.” Seth spread his arms. “Your leader hasn’t returned, either. Percy ran out looking for you guys, and told me to wait here in case you returned.”
Eleos ran a hand over his eyes. “Do you know where he went?”
“It’sPercy. He doesn’t know where he went.”
Eleos made a sound of distress. “Gods, you’re right.” He shook his head. “But Aethra’s injured. I need to get her to safety.”
“I’ll search for them,” Seth walked around us. “If enemies lurk in the city, Percy’s an easy target.”
“Wait,” I called. “We’ll go with you. None of us should be alone.” I took a step after him and flinched. “But, can we take a horse?”
Without missing a beat, Seth spun on his heel and swept me into his arms. Gasping in surprise, I locked my hands around his neck as he marched down the street, heading for the stables.
Seeing him up close confirmed my suspicion: Seth was undeniably attractive, when he didn’t wear the caked-on mud and tattered rags of a deranged murderer. The stylish collar of his jacket framed his prominent collarbone and sharp jaw quiet nicely. . .
Eleos jogged to catch up with him. “What are you doing?”
“She’s injured,” Seth said matter-of-factly. “Making her limp is cruel and a waste of time.” His brow furrowed. “Tell me about this attack.”
“I didn’t get a good look at him,” I explained. “He dressed like a noble, wore a mask. He said he wanted me alive, but I didn’t get the impression the same extended to the rest of you.”
“Aren’t we doing the entire world a service?” Seth scoffed. “Who would want to stop us?”
I looked down, remembering the nobleman’s words. Why did he want me alive and no one else?
A towering, muddy hound sat patiently outside the stable doors; his tail wagged furiously when he noticed us. Seth set me down gently beside Whisper and hurried inside. Unsteady on my feet, I gratefully leaned on Eleos when he offered his arm.
“Are you sure you won’t stay here?” He asked.
“If he finds me, I won’t be able to defend myself.”
Eleos sighed. “You’re right.”
The stable doors flew open, and Seth led two mares out. “Nobles.” He spat, handing the reins of the red mare to Eleos. “Why is italwaysnobles?”
“I take it you have a history with them?” Eleos asked, helping me onto the horse’s back.
“Who doesn’t? They trod over the people for leisure every day.” Seth swung himself into his saddle. “And still, they haven’t had their fill of pain.” Clicking his heels into the horses’ flanks, he rode north. Whisper rose and followed him.
Sitting behind me, Eleos flicked the reins, and our mare followed. “If he thinks nobles are bad,” he muttered, “he’s clearly not dealt with the clergy.”
