“Nothing,” Reagan said at last, a grin tugging at his lips. “I like the shirt.”
“If that’s really it, why do you two look like I’ve been rolling in the mud?” I asked, squinting.
“It’s just . . . The shirt you’re wearing,” Reagan began hesitantly, “is mine.”
I lowered my fork and knife onto my plate before glancing down at the shirt.
“That can’t be. I asked my room for this shirt. What would your shirt be doing in my closet?”
Gwinifer chuckled, lifting her clasped hands to her mouth as if to suppress a laugh. “Oh, I have ideas.”
I gave her a warning glare. “Keep them to yourself.”
Reagan glanced at Cerridwen and then back at me, with a look of someone brewing something in his mind.
“Should I change?” I asked when the silence stretched uncomfortably.
“No, you can wear it,” Reagan said casually, stirring the food on his plate. “It was probably put in your closet by mistake.”
Despite his attempt to downplay it, the questioning looks around the table didn’t pass me unnoticed.
My cheeks flushed as I realised what they might be thinking.Did they assume Reagan had undressed in my room at some point? Did they even know we kissed?The thought made me want to sink into my chair.
“Did Aisling respond to the terms you gave her?” Reagan asked.
Finn inclined his head. “She agreed. Vaelon will be part of the new trade. We’ll have the first order by early next week.”
“If the weather cooperates,” Gwin chimed in.
It seemed the agreements with the two estates had paid off. Mountheim’s stores would hold for the coming months, even with the blight still gnawing at the fields.
“Did you ask her about our wards?” Reagan asked.
“Why would she know anything about our wards?” Cerridwen cut in, her brow furrowed.
“Aisling knows a lot about warding,” Reagan explained. “I thought she might have some insight into why ours are failing.”
Gwinifer spoke next. “She said there’s likely interference in the area, but it could be caused by any number of things. She would come to take a look if we asked.”
Reagan hummed, the sound carrying a clear note of reluctance. It probably wasn’t ideal to have anyone aware of their security measures.
“Speaking of,” Barracus cut in, “Wicklow, care to report what transpired at the border today?” He glanced at Reagan. “Heil sent a message.”
Gwinifer tipped her head, swallowing the last of her bite. “Wraiths. Seven of them. Spotted at the Blackened Peaks, but we couldn’t tell where they came from.”
Barracus turned to Reagan again. “We’ve already increased patrols along that border. It’s a barren stretch, with few posts between there and the city. Most of the surrounding areas arepopulated, far more interesting for a wandering Wraith to feed on.”
“Then why would they be there?” Cerridwen asked, her piercing stare locking onto Barracus. “Why would Wraiths fly over barren lands just to venture north?”
“Exactly,” Crow murmured, leaning back in his chair. “Why would they?”
CHAPTER 19
On the following day, it happened again.
“They reported another horde approaching the Blackened Peaks an hour ago,” Gwinifer said while she leaned over a map on top of the dining table.
“How many?” Cerridwen asked, concern lacing her tone.
