“That your brother is Kennen Winters?”
“He’s not a murderer.” My lips pressed together.
“Of that, I have no idea.”
Silence sat like a stone. Noble seemed willing to let it gather moss.
But he hadn’t said no yet. “Will you help me?”
“Help you prove your brother innocent? Or help you avoid any more brushes with the locals?” He motioned to my dress.
“Help prove my brother’s innocence. You have to understand.” That pernicious spark of hope lit again. I leaned forward. “Kennen could never have done something like that. He wouldn’t hurt a soul. And he doesn’t possess the skill to destroy a mage’s magical veins. Dark magic is beyond him.”
“An illegal artifact, a stolen heirloom—there are ways beyond skill to accomplish such a task.” He began wrapping the wire around a spindle, as if I were an insignificant gnat and he too full of ennui to even swat me. “Why not hire an inquisitor? Or an investigator to clear your brother? They are much cheaper, I assure you.”
His detachment prodded my anger—made me feel something other than soul-deep despair.
“All funds are going to a negotiant to help in court.” And wasn’t that a pity. I had smelled the belladonna gin on the man from the doorway of his office. But Ferris had assured me of his law credentials, and I’d stayed quiet for once. Ferris wanted to help Kennen too. I just hoped it had been the wisest use of our remaining funds. “And Lord Seventh of Frostwood pointed out that if anyone could help, it would be you. The payment of favors—”
“I repeat that an inquisitor or investigator would be much cheaper. Ineveryway.” He touched the wrapped spindle and the wire glowed red. “What type of favors do you think I might ask?”
“I don’t know,” I murmured. The wire turned silver again. Two different types of magic, and he showed no effort for it. He could ask for anything. That had become clear the moment Seventh reluctantly repeated the terms of Noble’s agreements.
But I had little choice—my brother was going to hang for crimes he didn’t commit. Law enforcement wanted to calm the public, not investigate. They needed someone punished for the three heinous crimes. Quickly. The trial would be a spectacle—enough of a sham to assuage the public that justice was being served. And Kennen—young, stupid, darling Kennen—would be executed.
The mob would be delighted to burn a sacrifice to feel “safe” again.
I needed Noble, yet Seventh had been insistent that I be very sure of my willingness to sell my soul before asking the man for help.No onecould get around Noble’s required vows, he’d said. No matter who they were, orwhatthey were.
“I won’t murder or hurt anyone. I won’t touch dark magic.”
A glimpse of something like amusement passed through his eyes before disappearing. Thefeelof him grew larger. “Be assured that if I asked it of you, you would.”
The terror on my face must have been satisfactory, because he relaxed back into his chair. His eyes scanned me for ten tense beats of my heart. He gave a slight tilt of his head. “I doubt such actions will be necessary, but don’t think of setting terms. There are onlymyterms. Do you understand?”
A thread of tension uncoiled from my gut even as his statement about my future debt tied twelve new ones.Someonewas going to help me. “And you will gain my brother’s release?”
He brushed a lock of jet hair from his forehead. “If I take your case and he’s innocent, yes. If he’s not, no, and you will still owe me the favors.”
Outrage rose in me, despite the fear. “How do I know you will be fair in determining his innocence? Better for you to simply proclaim his guilt and collect.”
He shrugged, as if we were discussing the evening’s menu. “That is a possibility. However, much as I’m sure ‘Seventh’ toldyou, I am my reputation. I doubt many would avail themselves of my services if I did that to my…clients.”
His lids dropped halfway over his eyes, and I shivered. Frostwood had said I could trust Noble with the job. That he was as bound by the vow as those he chained.
“If I take your case, you will not argue with my tactics. You will help me when I require it. You will do exactly as I say throughout.EverythingI say.”
His gaze raked over me. Heat and ice skittered through me, battling between his words and the look in his eyes. My heart beat faster than I preferred.
“Marietta Winters, the question then becomes, doyouaccept?”
Chapter 2
MARIETTA
He had sent me home without allowing me to answer, his parting words echoing in my mind.
“I don’t take cases like yours without probing further. You will essentially be mine once this task is complete. Do not make this deal lightly. There is no going back, once accepted. Give your answer to my messenger at noon, and I will give you mine at dark.”
