“Well…” I pause to contemplate things. “She has a sister, Violet, who is twelve. They can never be separated. They have no parents, and Aurelia is her sole caretaker.”
Stanik nods. “I understand.”
“I’ll think about it,” I reply, not fully turning down his request, but not fully accepting either. “Give me a couple of days.” I know Aurelia wouldn’t be confident enough to speak up for her needs, so I will on her behalf.
“Of course.” Stanik returns to his seat at the table. “Thank you, Raelys.”
“It’s nothing.” I smile. “Now, another round of ale?”
“Yes.”
I take their empty cups to the bar so Alastor can refill them. Making a quick round to drop them off, I wipe down a nearby sticky table with a rag, straighten out some tables, and gather up the scattered tankards left behind by the night’s more rowdy patrons. The scent of spilled ale mixes with faint traces of perfume and sweat from the evening’s festivities, a smell I’ve actually become quite fond of.
“There she is.” I hear a voice behind me.
Turning, I see Sebastian. “Hello,” I greet him, and can’t help the smile that spreads across my face.
“Hello, darling.” Sebastian’s arm circles my waist, pulling me out of the line of fire as a stone sails across the room, hitting the wall beside us. Someone lost a game of Mystic Runes.
“Were you traveling?” I ask, taking note of his thick cloak and layered clothing. Bits of snow are stuck in his hair, slowly melting from the heat.
Sebastian lets out a sigh. “Yes, and it was more difficult than imagined. A snowstorm caused us to delay our return for about four days,” he explains. “That’s not why I sought you out, though.”
“It’s alright to admit that you missed me.” I shamelesslyflirt, knowing it will get a rise from him, practicing Kaia’s advice.
“I missed you dearly.” Sebastian beams, his touch still lingering on my waist. “How have you been?”
I frown. “I must say, I’m not a fan of this cold.”
He chuckles. “I can imagine, considering you’re used to the South.” Sebastian leans in close, whispering into my ear, “Have you considered my offer?”
Sebastian is growing bolder. Gottfried truly wants me separated from Wrath. Based on my mother’s journal, I believe that there is no ill will between them. I still don’t trust anyone in the North, especially the nobles.
“Sebastian?” I fawn, placing a gentle hand on his chest.
“What is it?” His brows lower, a gloved hand covering mine. Concern fills his features as he steps closer to me. “What’s wrong?”
“You wouldn’t happen to know anything about Noctalis, would you?” I give him a petulant look.
“It’s tomorrow night,” he replies.
It’s now or never. I must gain entry into this party to see if my blackmail of Lord Cerian was successful. Second, I need to find Duke Alec Wulfstan of Salasyr so I may learn of Lydia’s whereabouts. Third, I think it would make Wrath covetous to see me with another man, and I find that highly entertaining.
“That’s a shame.” I pout my bottom lip. “I’m not invited. I do love a good party.”
“Nonsense. You’re coming with me,” he says without hesitation.
“Are you sure? It won’t hurt your rank to be seen with a human?” I pretend to waver, but this is precisely what I want.
“I don’t care what anyone thinks.” Sebastian gives me a confident smile. “I’ll fetch you tomorrow evening.” I’m aboutto speak when Sebastian’s eye catches on someone behind me. “Is that a Shadow Weaver?”
I follow his gaze until I reach Zev. “It is,” I reply simply, waiting to gauge his reaction.
“Goddess above,” Sebastian swears under his breath.
“Have you worked with one?”
Sebastian shakes his head. “Never. I suggest you don’t either.”
