“Oh…” I take in the man slowly, scanning for weapons. Two daggers. A blade hidden in their sleeve. “Any food?”
He reaches out, sliding a gold coin across the table to me. “Give that to Alastor for me.”
I pluck it from the table, studying the coin in my palm. I have never seen a gold coin in Khalessor before, and I wonder if it is of incredibly high value.
“What’s your name?” My curiosity gets the best of me.
“Zev,” he replies calmly.
“It’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” I nod, turning to walk away.
“Yours?” Zev calls out.
“Rae.” I smile warmly.
Zev doesn’t reply, turning his attention elsewhere. I take the coin to Alastor and slide it across the bar for him to take. “The man in the corner told me to give this to you,” I say vaguely, hoping he will fill in the cracks for me.
Alastor takes the coin. “That’s a Shadow Weaver.”
“What is that?” Confusion fills me. “Like an assassin?”
“They can provide any service you want,” Alastor replies. “They only accept payment in secrets, though.”
My brows lower. Payment via secrets? I suppose Zev sold the information in return or used it to blackmail people. If Zev gave Alastor a gold coin, did that mean he sold a secret to the Shadow Weaver?
“Interesting…” I glance back at Zev.
“I recommend steering clear of any Shadow Weaver you come across.” Alastor notices my gaze. “Best not to get involved in the web of secrets.”
“Of course.” I nod, giving him a reassuring smile as I step away from the bar. Making my way around the tavern, I stop at the tables playing Mystic Runes. The men usually guzzle their drinks quickly during rounds of the game.
“Another round?” I walk up to one of the tables.
“You’re cheatin’!” Kieran yells as he takes his eighth drink of the night, slamming down his cards.
“It’s not my fault you’re useless at this game, Kieran,” Stanik replies, leaning back in his chair. His pale blonde hair is messy, his sleeves rolled up lazily as he holds his cards close.
“Raelys?” Stanik takes notice of me.
“Hello, Stanik,” I greet him warmly.
Stanik stands quickly from his seat, tossing his cards on the table and clutching my shoulders tightly. “I need your help,” he says with hushed urgency.
I recoil from his sudden closeness. “With what?”
He releases me, stepping back and running his fingers through his hair as he paces around the tavern. Stanik’s skin flushes momentarily as he opens and closes his mouth a few times.
“I—you see…” He stumbles over his words. “There is a lady who has caught my eye. Lady Aurelia.”
My brows raise from his sudden admission. Before I can reply, Kieran bellows out a loud laugh, slamming his fist on the table a few times as he clutches his side. Stanik shoves Kieran, who nearly falls from his seat.
“Shut it, you bastard.” He returns his attention to me. “She won’t speak to me.”
“She’s very shy,” I tell him. “She likely also believes that your rank is above hers and is trying to be polite in her role.”
“I’ve seen her with you a few times. Is she your friend? Can you ask her?” Stanik requests.
The things Aurelia endured at the hands of her father are difficult for me to stomach. She’s only just learning what freedom feels like. I would hate for her to feel obliged to settle down so quickly.
