“Very well. I’ll keep completed Valtrues, plus the top-ranking Defenders at the barrier at all times. Including when I’m in the Court. Mellcom and Jeremiah can take post there every day so we can guarantee there won’t be any run-ins. Those below the top Defenders will work with you and Sevryn. Work for you?”
Creed nods once.
“So glad you two got that settled. Now, let’s find these—”
My words cut off as my eye catches on the shoe sticking out behind a bush twenty or so feet away.
Doren bobs his head as my gaze flicks to him.
“Well, looks like we found them.”
Creed calls me down as I jog forward. There’s literally nothing for him to worry about. It isn’t like they’re about to rise from the dead and attack me.
My feet slam to a stop the second my eyes land on the two bodies laid almost ceremoniously beside one another. My brow scrunches in confusion as I peek back at Creed.
“Something isn’t right.”
“Nothing about this is right. We just found two murdered Attendants,” Sevryn snarks, but I shake my head and focus back on the two men.
They’re…
“They shouldn’t look like this,” I murmur as Creed finally reaches my side.
“No. They shouldn’t,” he grunts as he kneels and hovers his hand above them.
If I didn’t know any better, I’d tell you they were just laid here.
It’s been weeks since they were killed. By this point, I expected to see decay, insects crawling through their decomposing skin, and a wretched smell that should’ve made Gladian puke.
“Riven,” Creed says, nodding for me to squat beside him. When I do, he lowers his voice. “Do you sense that?”
I stretch my hand out beside his.
A small itch starts at the back of my throat, and no matter how much I try, I can’t stop the giggle that works its way through my lips.
I throw my head back, laughing so hard I fall straight to my ass. The confused, concerned, and a touch disgusted glares being shot my way from Doren, Sevryn, and Gladian make me chuckle harder.
Oh, little burden…you magnificent, confusing creature, what did you unknowingly do?
“What the actual fuck is going on?” Gladian asks.
No one answers him as my mirth fades out and I wipe the stray tears from my eyes.
This is truly glorious.
“Well, Amick most certainly has his proof now,” I say as I shove myself up and wipe my hands on my pants. “Harriseen’s little stab wounds are still perfectly visible.”
“Don’t be an idiot, Riven. This creates a whole new set of issues,” Creed growls. His eyes also tell me to shut the hell up.
“Are either of you going to explain?”
“No,” Creed and I say, and Gladian rolls his eyes.
“I’m going to take the bodies to the healing villas. Sevryn and Doren, go to the house with Riven andwaitfor me there.”
I don’t miss his emphasis.
“Will do, brother. Gladdy, this was a blast. Hope you fall on a sword on your way home.” I blow him a kiss as my power surrounds me.
