“It’s quite remarkable, really,” Wynter said. “They can never stop siphoning entirely because of their addiction, but the way they do it means allowing themselves to be stronger or weaker depending on who needs the ellixen more. It’s almost selfless, if you think about it.” Seeing Viri’s expression, she added, somewhat carefully, “They’re not like other reapers, V. I’m not saying they haven’t made mistakes, or that I condone what they’ve donein the past—we both know how they became what they are, and how steep the cost was. All I’m saying is…it sounds like they’ve been trying hard to make up for their choices. And that’s admirable, if you ask me.”
Unsure how to respond, Viri swallowed and looked away from her friend’s probing eyes. Part of her agreed with Wynter—itwasadmirable that the reapers were going against their ellixen-motivated natures and choosing a redemptive path instead of more violence. But on the other hand, no one had forced them to become what they were. At one point in time, they’dchosento take innocent lives, and while it was commendable that they were trying to make amends, the hunter in Viri couldn’t forgive their crimes so easily. She could work with them, even trust them to a degree, but that was where she had to draw a line.
“I know this is hard for you, especially after what happened to your parents,” Wynter said quietly. “But just…maybe try to keep an open mind. Something tells me there’s a lot more going on here than we know.Especiallywith Reeve.”
“Reeve can keep his secrets,” Viri said, wishing she meant it. “I’ll be glad when all this is over and I never have to see him again.” She wished she meant that, too.
Unfortunately, Wynter saw right through her lies, judging by the amusement lighting her features. But all she said was, “If the way he stares at you when you’re not looking is any indication, I doubt he feels the same.”
Viri couldn’t help glancing back in Reeve’s direction, finding him still engrossed with whatever Jonas was saying. But as if he felt her gaze, he looked up and met her eyes, arching a brow in question. She hurriedly turned away, willing the heat from her cheeks at having been caught.
“Seven years is a long time,” Wynter went on, a smirk teasing her lips, “and you know what they say about absence and the fondness of hearts. As much as I love being one half of your star-crossed comets, I think your real Orion might just be—”
“Oh, look, it’s time to go!” Viri said loudly, causing Wynter to snicker but effectively keeping her from finishing her sentence. “Is everyone ready?”
Reeve and Jonas approached the workbench as Viri pocketed the alchemy vials, both confirming they were all set.
“I’m a little concerned about the flirting part of this plan,” Jonas said, removing his glasses to polish them nervously on his vest. “Walnut gets jealous when he sees me with other men.”
Viri had to bite her cheek to keep from reacting to that, and an ill-timed look at Reeve showed he was doing the same, his eyes bright with mirth as they locked with hers, which only deepened her urge to laugh. But just as quickly, her humor dissolved, turning bitter. She wished things were simpler, that she and Reeve could laugh together as they once had. But that wasn’t possible anymore. He was a reaper, and she was a hunter. They couldn’t be what they once were—or anything else.
Allies for now. Enemies forever.
That was the way it was. The way it had to be.
“Don’t worry,” Wynter said to Jonas, patting his shoulder, “after I introduce you to Galen and get you both settled with lunch, I’ll take Walnut on a nice, long stroll around the market district. He’ll never know.”
Jonas still looked torn, but he sighed and told Viri and Reeve, “I’ll keep Galen away for as long as possible, but don’t linger in the Magistratus’s office if you can help it.”
Viri was acutely aware that she and Reeve would be riskingcapture with every passing second, but they weren’t the only ones the plan might endanger. In a place as busy as the market district, it would be difficult for any roaming hunters to sense Jonas or see his darkened veins—especially since Sage had siphoned most of his stolen ellixen last night—but it wasn’t impossible. The Hunters’ Guild was small compared to the Nox, but what they lacked in numbers they made up for in skills, one of which was constant vigilance. Jonas might be able to blend into the crowd, but he’d still need to stay on his guard.
“We’ll be quick, in and out,” Viri promised him. “And then you can come back here and bury yourself in books.”
Her words had the effect she’d been hoping for, replacing his nerves with excitement. “I can’t wait. Wynnie’s already said she’ll teach me some more runes. We’re going to have the best time researching the comets.”
Viri looked at her friend and mouthed,Wynnie?—to which Wynter just coughed and shook her head as if to say she didn’t have the heart to tell the unnaturally sweet reaper what nickname to call her. Ornotcall her.
Eyeing them all, Reeve spoke up to say, “We only have a small window while the Magistratus is with the High Council, so we need to make the most of it.” With a devious grin, he finished, “Let’s go break some laws.”
21
The first part of their plan went as well as it could, starting with them leaving the lab and heading along the undercity tunnel back to the nearest wayportal. The thoroughfare was much busier than it had been in the early hours of the morning, the lunch rush surging in both directions, but Viri was grateful for it, since it lessened the risk of any passing Nox or hunters spotting or sensing them in the crowd. Wynter could walk freely, and Jonas could, too, as long as he didn’t cross paths with anyone bearing a hunter’s mark, but both Viri and Reeve were fugitives with targets on their backs. As difficult as it was, Viri resisted the urge to keep looking over her shoulder all the way to the magestone arch, knowing it would only draw attention.
Once they reached the wayportal, Wynter led the way into it. Per their plan, they didn’t head directly to the Summit, instead arriving through the same arch Viri and Reeve had used for their stopover in the market district last night. The inner-mountain alleyway was the opposite of dark and lifeless now, bustling with sights and sounds and smells. It was even busier than the undercity tunnel, enough that the four of them had to scramble to theside of the wayportal to keep from being trampled as hordes of people came and left through the shimmering arch.
“Here’s where we part ways,” Wynter said, drawing Viri into a deep hug. “Hopefully the next time I see you, you’ll have kicked your brother’s ass and we can celebrate you saving the city.”
“No pressure,” Viri said dryly.
“I’m having shirts made while you’re gone,” Wynter said, straight-faced.“Viridia Solace: Savior of Aravell.”
“Do that, and I’ll make some of my own:Wynter Starling: Ex-Best Friend.”
Wynter laughed, but her humor faded as she hugged Viri again, whispering into her ear, “I know I said it earlier, but I’m saying it again. Love you, V. Please be careful.”
Viri squeezed her friend just as tightly. “I’ll be back before you know it.” She nudged Wynter in the direction of the wayportal. “Now go help Jonas flirt up a storm.”
Jonas took that as his cue to step closer to Viri, removing Walnut from his pocket and holding him out. “Walnut wants to wish you luck.”
