Later that night, I sit with my legs crossed on one of the massive cushions inside the conversation pit in Vera’s studio. A steaming pot of tea is on the low marble table in front of me. I’m cupping a warm clay mug between my gloved hands. A thick wool blanket is wrapped tightly around me and yet, it’s not enough.
No matter what I do, I can’t get warm.
The entrance door swings open. Vera’s back. Finally. I don’t wait for her to remove her coat or shoes.
“Did you know that some Ezkai don’t survive the Cleansing?”
My question startles her. She doesn’t expect anyone to be awake at this hour.
“What? What are you talking about?”
“There are only ten of us left after tonight,” I say grimly.
Her eyes widen, lips parting. So, she really has no idea what goes down during the Cleansing.
“I had no idea. I swear. If I had, I would have told you.”
I nod, pursing my lips. I’m not sure I believe her. Daegel knows about it, which means Caligos knows about it. How comeVera, with all her might and power, doesn’t, when she has Taaslord Noire on her side?
I don’t voice my concerns, of course.
Instead, I accuse. “When were you going to tell me that Caligos assassinated the late General, huh? I haven’t heard anyone change the reason of death.”
Vera sighs. “Noire told me. It’s not public knowledge and won’t be. His spies found out about a week ago, after the autopsy and some other procedures were concluded. I have not told you, because I don’t know if I trust you yet with…”
She trails off but I know exactly what she means. She can’t trust me not to run off to Daegel and spill her secrets. I shake my head, too exhausted to muster even an ember of anger at her words.
Vera removes her coat and shoes in silence, which is disturbed by a knock on the door. We exchange a look because it’s awfully late for visitors.
When Vera opens the door, Jax’s frame pops up in the doorway. He lifts two brown paper bags and grins at us. “Good evening, ladies.”
I roll my eyes. That guy again.
Vera doesn’t let him in. “I don’t remember inviting you over.”
“Ah, I thought that after that little heist at the Nobleman Uringi’s place, we’re friends,” he says, glancing over his shoulder. “I brought some food from my favorite place. I thought you girls might want some comfort after tonight’s event.”
Jax bats his eyelashes, all innocent and cute. Vera clicks her tongue. With a sigh, she moves out of the doorway and gestures for him to come in. Happily, he does.
“You better have some grilled zucchini with honey chili sauce for me in there,” Vera says.
Jax walks over to the dining table as if he’s right at home.
“Oh, don’t worry! I have all kinds of grilled veggie dishes. I even got my chef friend to grill some freshly caught octopus for Phoenix. Do you know how hard it is to get fish or meat here in Ekios?” He unpacks the bags and sets the paper boxes on the table. “Actually, I got every single item on the menu because I wasn’t sure what you’ll like most. I hope you’re both starving. I know I am.”
I glare at him, but my stomach growls, betraying me.
A slow, victorious smile grows on his face and he sits down at the table.
“You better not try to poison Phoenix,” Vera says as she takes a seat.
“I’d never. She’s our most precious asset.”
I join them at the dining table. Jax is serious, it’s a whole damn feast. Vera packs her plate with an assortment of grilled vegetables and a seven-bean stew of some sort. Jax’s plate is full of veggies and grilled sweet potato waffles.
“I’m not an asset. I’m a human,” I mumble.
“While you’re here, care to share anything useful about your master?” Vera asks, casually.
