In its distraction, I ran toward it and yanked my sword from its chest. A squelching noise rent the air as blood poured out in a macabre waterfall. I wasted no time swinging for its exposed flesh. My sword reverberated with every tear of thick skin and corded muscle. Dreki scales scattered like lethal leaves around us.
I swung my blade once more. The animal’s head landed with a thump on the ground, spattering blood across my boots. I moved before its body followed.
The front door hung limply as I raced into the burning orphanage. I yelled for the child while smoke filled my lungs. If I used much more magic without replenishing, I would be worthless. I crawled along the floor, blindly searching for the stairs, and what little oxygen, was left. The child stood shaking crouched at the landing and I heaved a sigh of relief.
I grabbed him and bolted back toward the front door, doing my best to shield his small body.
I crossed the threshold just as beams collapsed in a spray of sparks and ash. Stone bit my knees as we fell to the ground outside. All I knew was burning lungs and watering eyes. Someone grabbed the little boy and carried him to safety.
Blinded by a crowd of auras, I searched for Kaida until a black figure caught my attention. I squinted to make out its form. It appeared humanoid but with limbs longer than they should be. Dread dripped down my spine, paralyzing me. Its gaze locked with mine as it cocked its head. Inky pools of black studied me. Slowly, it retreated into an alley as I rasped a breath. Kaida sat at my side, nudging me with her nose. I wrapped my arm around her and she helped me to my feet.
My mind raced. Terror and confusion fought for dominance within me. What was that creature in the crowd? Why had wolvin been transformed into dreki? Blood dripped down my arm as the questions lingered, unanswered.
Chapter Six
THE GENERAL
My shadows shrouded me, blurring my movements. My connection point with one of Nolan’s own wasn’t a far walk. My departure from King Nolan’s Keep was a simple affair, especially at this hour. I strode through cobbled streets into the more decrepit side of Maripol.
Finn’s new defector would be waiting for me, if she’d followed his instructions. Her arrival at the location of our meeting was a test in itself. I had yet to meet the girl, but Finn had scouted her weeks prior. She had been easy to turn. I knew Finn could handle this, but I wanted eyes on all of the people we’d recruited, especially defectors. I needed to make sure they were truly on our side now.
Howls cut through the night. The wolvins’ escape from the king’s castle was the least of my worries. I grinned. They would make for a welcomed distraction during this meeting. The building ahead sat abandoned and in disrepair; my men knew well how to construct a ward of illusion.
The tingle of the ward washed across my skin when I crossed the threshold. A few low-burning candles illuminated the entryway, casting dancing shadows from the disrupted flames.
I walked down a small hallway that led into an open space. Covered windows prevented curious eyes. The girl was already at the table, her fidgeting fingers the only tell of her anxiety. She tensed at my approach.
“Who are you? Where is Finn?” Confusion and wariness evident in her tone.
“You can call me General.”
Surprise crossed her face briefly. Her eyes darted around, clearly uncertain about what to do next. She pushed back her chair, readying to stand.
“You can stay seated. No need for deference.” She glanced around, still unsure, then slowly returned to her seat. I observed her every move, my shadows curling around her, scenting for any hint of Nolan’s magic. My metal affinity hovered right below the surface, ready to weaponize at any moment.
Shadows flared around the room cloaking us deeper in secrecy. “I make sure every moving part of the rebellion is in working order, Delah. After this meeting, we likely won’t meet again.”
She flinched at my address. Or my shadows. I couldn’t tell. She needed to know with whom she dealt with, but I also needed her relaxed enough to report and retain information. Too much fear would hinder her recall and impact our time. I needed to make this quick.
“You’ve been in contact with Finn. He apologizes for his absence. Were you able to get the information?” I pulled out a chair across from the girl. She was much younger than I expected. But Finn assured me she could be trusted. She had already provided vital information related to the drekis.
“Y-yes.” She tried hard to master her trepidation. I didn’t have the patience to coddle her. I assessed her, observing her subtle tells, her furtive glances. With my shadows so active, I knew the runes on my neck would attract her attention. Igrowled at her direct perusal. She would likely buckle under any interrogation by Nolan, so we would not disclose any more information than necessary for both of our sakes. And she would need training. I motioned for her to continue.
“They are experimenting with new strains of Glint to see how magic is affected. There are rumors that stolen magic is being used to feed something. They are just rumors though, no one has seen anything. King Nolan’s second, Maelic, has me checking out Glint houses. I am testing elixirs on some of the addicts to see if it impacts the rate of magic siphoned.”
She worried her bottom lip as I drummed my fingers on the table’s worn surface.
“I’m also now on track to become a Vestal Anchor.”
My head jerked up. We both knew what that would mean. “Do they normally conscript elixists? Can’t your sister in the Scourge pull some strings?” Finn had mentioned Delah lived with an elite spy, another bonus to having her on our side. If Delah had been recruited, then our time would be cut short. Maybe I should have her feel out other elixists that would be open to defecting.
Delah shook her head. “Ruin is a delicate situation.”
Ruin?Interesting…
“But do you think she could be flipped? If she knew what you knew?” I remained still, keeping my eagerness contained.
“Her hatred runs deep. I would have to tread carefully. But I will try.”
