I took a moment to look around the large library, watching little hints of life twirl through the air. Beams of light and shadow twisted across the floor and up the walls. Giggles rang out from the younger groups. The scent of various herbs filtered in the space as Alchemists practiced their spells. Everywhere you looked were tufts of fur from Shifters still getting a handle on their magic, dried leaves from the greenhouse, broken pencils and small puddles of paint.
A sense ofhomeswirled in my chest, pricking the backs of my eyes. It was rare that I felt moments like this, but sometimes…sometimes hope would leak through and cloud out the rest of the bad.
My gaze drifted over to the door, where Tessa leaned against the frame. She jerked her chin at me. “Time to go,” she mouthed.
I nodded, then saw Devora move behind her. Her eyes roamed over the space, a look of wonder on her features. The corner of her mouth tilted up slightly as she watched Zephrya’s group painting on the floor. I saw a flicker of that same emotion she had back at the Noctus Vigil.
I crossed to the two of them. “Ready?” I asked, and they both followed me out the door and down two floors until we reached the workshop.
The others were already there. Arowyn lounged on the couch next to the entrance, Everett and Kieran cleaned the weapons near the target practice area, and Silas and Milo were in the back with their Alchemist Grimoires perched on a work table.
“Well, I heard last night was aragingsuccess,” Arowyn said as Devora, Tessa, and I entered. “Someone very wise must’ve convinced you to let Devora help.”
“I’ll be sure to thank them when I see them, darling,” I purred back to her.
“She was amazing,” Everett admitted, returning several daggers to their cases.
Beside me, Devora blushed. “Tonight will be the true test,though.”
“What is tonight?” Kieran asked.
Devora licked her lips. “Scarven invited me to agathering.Something more intimate, he said. He requested I come.”
Arowyn snorted, and I shot her a look. “What?” She shrugged. “We all know what that means. There’s going to be a lot of food, a lot of women, and a lot of men whipping their?—”
“Children, Arowyn,” Silas chided, jerking his chin toward Milo.
“For Fates’ sake,” Milo muttered.
Arowyn smirked. “I was going to say ‘dice.’ You know. Gambling.”
I curved my fingers around the edge of my desk, and the wood groaned beneath my hold. I knew what kind of party this was. What kind ofgatheringsKane Scarven liked to host. And the idea of Devora being there, unprotected and vulnerable to Scarven’s whims, made my dragon half rise to the surface. If he hurt her, if he triedanything?—
I gritted my teeth. There was nothing I could do. That was the whole point.
Kieran raised an eyebrow at Devora. “I’m impressed. Perhaps this will not be a lost cause after all.”
Devora chuckled. “Thanks, I think.”
“Hey, coming from Kieran, that’s about as high of a praise as you’ll get,” Tessa cut in.
“Alright, so whatisthe plan for this evening?” Kieran asked, rubbing his hands together.
I brandished an arm toward him, trying to act normal and not like a raging Shifter. “By all means. You’re the man with the plans, Kieran.”
Myplan would be to lock Devora up in that tower where Scarven and his slimy paws could never reach her again. Or better yet, claw off every piece of his body that touched hers last night.
Which was why I left the planning to Kieran.
“We have to assume Scarven will have eyes on Devora at all times from now on,” Kieran was saying. “He has proven that those he considers his possession must be treated as such.”
Devora rolled her eyes at the word “possession,” but nodded anyway. “Which is why Silas warded this place to be untraceable, right, Silas?” she asked the older Alchemist.
He shoved his glasses up his nose. “Yes. If Scarven did, in fact, have spies tailing you last night, my spell will make them believe they followed you back to the inn the Mysthelm contingency is staying at.”
“So you need to leave from there tonight, Devora,” I said. “Preferably in one of the carriages Mysthelm is using. Or in one thatlookslike theirs,” I added, glancing at Everett.
He held his hands in the air. “I’m good, but I’m notthatgood. I can’t hold an illusion like that from this distance. I’d have to be closer.”
