“That, I haven’t been able to figure out quite yet.” Hush’s brows pinched together, “Though, based on the rumors I’m hearing, I’m positive that there is a text involved.”
“Like a book?” I asked.
“More like a journal,” Hush replied, trailing her finger along one of the swords on the table. “Is there anything of significance like that in the fae territory?” she asked Liam.
His expression pinched as he thought. “I mean, yes. There are lots of historical and precious texts in the Dahl family archives. As I’m sure the Shaws and the Ahlstroms have in their territories.”
Hush hummed in thought. “We need to find out what Ilia has.”
“You can’t do that for us?” I asked Hush. “I mean, you’re literally part of Ilia’s guard.”
“Yes, but to maintain my cover of complete loyalty to the old male,” Hush spat with irritation. “I must continue to run his errands and serve in my unit as expected. My time is not entirely my own, regardless of my proximity.”
“What ifwego snooping?” Audrey asked, her hazel eyes on the ground. All three of us stared at her in confusion.
I pointed to myself, just to make my question clear as I asked, “We, as in, you wantusto go to the siren territory?”
“We can’t let Ilia pressure the fae and nereid governments to close the gates.” Audrey was shaking her head, and I caught an undercurrent of panic in her voice. “I haven’t even found my actual family, yet. We need more time. The knowledge of me defeating the solvyrn is probably just lighting a fire under Ilia to close the gates for good.” Audrey stopped pacing and looked at Liam and me. “We could go, maybe cause a distraction, andhopefully one of us could look around and see if we can find whatever Ilia has on everyone else.”
“Your presence in Lydhavn will be a spectacle,” Hush said. “I doubt you will be able to snoop sufficiently.”
“My presence will always be a spectacle,” Audrey said, flitting her gaze over to me. “Butbothof us would be even more so.” I immediately picked up on her train of thought.
“I’m sorry.” I lifted a palm at her. “Are you about to suggest using me as bait, with you, so someone else could look around?”
“Yes.” Audrey blinked at me before turning to Liam. “Perhaps you could sneak away while Van and I create a distraction.”
“Just existing in the Shaw estate will be a distraction enough, I’m sure,” Hush scoffed as she studied me behind her facial coverings.
“When we were teens…Caelena had an interest in me.” Liam scrubbed his jaw in thought. “Perhaps I could fuel that again and use it to get her to show me around. Sneak me off, maybe even persuade her to share what she knows if I act like I’m on her side.”
Hush’s eyebrows jumped at his suggestion. “That’s not an entirely bad idea, fae. No one takes the Shaw cousin that seriously.” She waved a dismissive hand in the air. “She’s a pretty face who often flies under the radar. I doubt Ilia would be worried about her pulling you into a dark corner.”
Audrey’s hands were balled into fists, and her mouth was in a firm line, as if she was clenching her jaw.
“When do we do this?” Audrey asked through clenched teeth. All three of us gave her confused looks, but I assumed I was the only one who picked up on how much she absolutely loathed the idea of Liam getting close and personal with another woman. Even if it was for the greater good.
“Bandthral is in a week. Very few outsiders join, but it would make sense for the halfling who wants to step into the role of the Chosen One destined to unite the realms to make an appearance, in an attempt to make peace with Ilia—not that he’d ever consider it.”
“What is Bandthral?” I asked.
“Our seasonal mating ritual,” Hush replied.
My brain immediately translated that to an orgy. I had way too many questions floating to the front of my brain; I didn’t even know where to start. Instead of pressing for every single detail I could gain from Hush about a “mating ritual,” I decided to let it pass, because I seemed to be the only one in the warehouse spiraling about those particular words.
“I may or may not be stationed during the ritual,” Hush added, “However, we obviously cannot act like we know each other if we are in the same room. I will be Ilia’s loyal pet, and you will have never heard of me. The next time we communicate will have to be after you visit the Shaw estate.”
“Understood,” Audrey confirmed. “Thank you for helping us.”
Hush shook her head before walking backward toward the warehouse exit, “I’m not just doing this for you. This is for the good of all Hyvenmerians.”
“Of course,” Audrey replied. “Regardless, your help is appreciated.”
“I know.” With that, Hush disappeared into the shadows.
“He’s been texting you?” Audrey asked me later that evening.
Liam was here again. He had just popped popcorn and brought us each our own bowls and plopped his massive body onthe floor. Audrey and I each took an end of our couch, and Liam sat with his back against Audrey’s side.
