“How in the fucking Stars did you live here for so long?” Jax’s face twists in disgust, her nose wrinkling.
“Oppressive ruler, starvation, dead parents, deathly forest keeping us in. Not much of a choice,” I deadpan, and for once, she looks almost apologetic.
“Where’s Rubi?” Therion bites, voice tight.
But that’s when I see her?—
Two guards flank her.
One guard with a bald head and protruding belly, his face red from too much ale, pushes back her hood to reveal her beautiful face and unkempt hair.
“Haven’t seen you before,” his words curl in a suggestive tone, and I feel Therion’s breath tighten in response.
“I’m certain I haven’t seen you either,” Rubi flirts, biting her bottom lip. “Surely I’d remember fine men such as yourselves.”
Beside me, I notice Kael unsheathe a small dagger from his hip, the blade barely the length of my hand, but still long enough to gut a man where he stands.
The other guard, a broad man with hair a dull brown, and sunken eyes, pushes her cloak over her shoulder, his eyes lingering on the swell of her breasts over her bodice. “You a whore?” he asks, blunt and entitled.
My fists clench at my sides, and my mouth twists in hatred.
No, Duskae. It’s too risky for you. Nothing will happen to her—I won’t let it.Kael’s voice soothes down the tether, and I notice his clenched jaw, his coiled muscles ready for violence in a heartbeat. I nod. He’s right. It’s too risky now that all of Virellin knows the Lightborne walks their streets.
Rubi giggles as if she’s flattered. “Me? A whore? Of course not, though I bet you wish I was,” she jests, batting his arm, and squeezing it with warmth.
My blade would be buried in his neck by now. She’s playing this dangerous little game expertly.
Dull Hair looks annoyed at her answer, grunting in response, and spitting on the ground. “Why is a woman of such fine reputeout at such an hour, then?” He presses closer to her, closing the distance.
But Rubi doesn’t baulk. She plots.
“I’m testing out a new product,” she answers smoothly, not breaking his gaze.
Bald Head seems interested in that. “Which is?”
Her plan locks into place. “I’m a distiller.” She reaches into the pockets of her skirts, pulling out her flask. “I’ve distilled a wonderful product. It’s called brask. Customers complained of a slightly acidic note in earlier distillations, so I’ve refined my product. Tonight, I’m testing it on the brave protectors of Dravara,” she flatters, looking up from under her curtain of lashes.
“Give it ‘ere,” Dull Hair grunts skeptically, and she passes over the flask.
He takes a long pull on it, swishing the brask in and out of his cheeks.
Before he’s even swallowed, he passes it to Bald Head who throws the flask back, taking a quick nip of the liquor. He swallows loudly, and begins to nod. “Certainly a distinct and unique taste,” he comments, clearing his throat at the fiery trail brask leaves in its wake.
“Very unique. That’s what makes my product so highly sought after,” she adds, selling the lie.
Bald Head nods, looking convinced. “Star blessings on the new business venture, miss,” he says, bidding her farewell. He takes a couple of steps, but something gives him pause. His eyes flare a dim shade of red and I know what he’s doing. He’s a fucking Bloodbond and he’s sensing magic.
He hasn’t sensed us yet.
But he will.
In less than a heartbeat.
Dull Hair moves to walk with his friend, and I see Rubi exhale in relief, but I notice the way her fingers tremble, barely keeping her performance in play. But he whips back. “Got a licence for that product?”
Fuck.
Kael and Therion are already moving.
