“This seems like one of the weaker parts of this plan.”
“It’s working out fine so far,” I snark back.
“Debatable.”
I roll my eyes, rise from my crouch, and set off at a casual pace, keeping my posture loose and plastering a smile on my face as we get closer. Just another person in search of a good time.
But as we near the end of the lineup, a shadow darts from a side alley, snatching my arm and dragging me into the darkness.
My body reacts without thought. Heart pounding in my chest, I twist free from the hold and lunge at my shadowy assailant.
But Xan beats me to it.
With a rabid growl, the figure is slammed into the wall—an invisible force pinning them against the stone. It’s only then that the light hits their face, and the tension rushes out of me with a rough exhale.
“Kash, what in Notos’s name are you doing?” I hiss, moving toward where Xan still has the nymphai restrained.
“Darling,” Kash drawls, although his voice is somewhat strained. “Care to put an end to…whatever the fuck is going on right now?”
A flicker of amusement flits through me, and I make a show of considering his words, crossing my arms and tapping a finger on my chin before relenting. “It’s okay, Xan. He’s a friend.”
Xan must hesitate, because Kash remains pinned to the wall a heartbeat longer. But he visibly relaxes a moment later, straightening as his hand rubs at his throat, eyes darting around the space surrounding us. When his search comes up empty, his aqua gaze lands on me, sparkling with amusement. “I normally charge a small fortune for that kind of action.”
“Add it to my tab,” I say with a roll of my eyes.
“If only you actually had one.” Kash sighs dramatically before his expression sobers. “Lark is here. I’m going to take you around the back.”
I nod and follow him down the alley, arching a brow over my shoulder when the back of my neck prickles with awareness I assume is from the palpable tension rolling off Xan in waves.
We reach the back of the building just as Calliope slips through the door, a bundle of clothing in her arms. Like Kash did a moment ago, she scans the alley before turning back to me with a questioning look.
“Pendant,” I say, holding out my hand in silent command.
The charmed necklace lands in my palm a moment later, and Xan reappears. In the darkness, his silver eyes shine like they’re reflecting the light of the moon. His hair shimmers despite the buildup of dirt, and I thank the gods its full shine must be dimmed by its currently unkempt state.
“Can you control that?” I ask.
“Control what?” Confusion lines his hushed response.
I frown and wave my hand at him while my mind tries to puzzle it out. Can someone’s magic be so powerful it’s visible on the outside? Even when bound with a nulling collar?
“You’re glowing.”
He glances down at his hands, and we both watch as his shine dims. His eyes flick back up to mine, and they no longer glow like they did a moment ago. “Better?”
I shrug, and he turns a narrowed gaze toward the others. Calliope passes the bundle of clothing to Xan after an assessing look. Without hesitation, he strips out of his torn clothes.
I avert my eyes, facing Calliope as she takes my hands in hers.
“It’s best you waste no more time. Your chances are better if you head straight for the dock now. Kash will take you to where a friend of mine is waiting nearby. He’ll be able to get you safely to the ship.”
There’s a strange distance to the tone of her voice that sets me on edge. “Have you seen something?”
“Many paths spread out before you, but I’m not sure which one you will follow. Even if I were, it’s best not to interfere with what fate has planned.”
I bite my lip and give her a quick nod. As much as her words unsettle me, my options are limited. I need to finish what I’ve started.
“Thank you, Calliope. I’ll come see you soon.”
