Page 82 of Shadowborne: Reckoning

I couldn’t panic every time a woman looked at Ruin. Of course they would. He was handsome. And very charming.

But all I could see when I looked at him was a deadly serpent.

I couldn’t decide if it was better to have him under our eyes so we could watch for the havoc he wreaked, or far, far away where I’d never have to watch him destroy anyone again.

When a shadow appeared at my left shoulder, I assumed it was Donavyn coming to check on me. I thanked the servant who handed me a fresh cup.

“I’m fine,” I said quietly, nodding to the servant and turning back. “I only—”

It was Hanson’s dark, piercing gaze hovering close enough that I could feel the heat from his body, though he was careful not to touch me.

“Oh.” The little sound broke from me before I could catch it. I cleared my throat as something in his expression warmed.

“Good evening, Lady Brennan,” he purred.

I nodded once. “Good evening, Lord Hanson.”

“You look beautiful this evening.”

“Thank you.” I ducked my head and stepped aside to head back to the circle of nobles. Hanson didn’t touch me, but he stepped into my path quickly, keeping his chin low and his voice below the noise of the ball around us.

“I will only delay you a moment,” he said hurriedly. “There is not much time left. I need your commitment, or… well, let me be as clear as I can,” he said, with a pointed glance to meet my eyes. “If I don’t have your cooperation within days, I will be left with no choice but to move ahead with… the allies with whom I am currently aligned.”

I stiffened. “Move ahead with what?”

He stared at me, slowly shaking his head. “Do men truly share their secrets with you simply because you ask? I have told you what I can—more than I should have already. So, perhaps that is your power? Whatever it is, just know: My proposal remains. And your assistance and presence is desired. Greatly.” His eyes trailed down from my face to my body, then back up. “Please give me your decision before the end of the Festival.”

Then he turned on his heel and walked out without a backwards glance.

I was so stunned, I just stood there watching him leave. When I finally came back to my senses, Donavyn was at my side.

“Are you well, my love?” he murmured, taking my hand and brushing my knuckles with a kiss, as if he were merely inviting me to dance.

I followed him out onto the dance floor, but spoke to him in the bond, my head spinning.

‘Donavyn… we’re running out of time.’

And even though he didn’t respond, I felt the weight of conviction, determination, and fear settle on him as he swept me across the floor.

26. The Tenth Day

~ BREN ~

From that moment on, the sense of pressure overhead, and an ever-ticking clock rolling down to failure, grew stronger and louder with every passing hour. But, as if God heard our prayers—or perhaps, the devil did—everything changed on the tenth day of the Festival.

I was sitting at a quiet lunch with Grace, only two other bleary-eyed nobles in attendance. I was dressed in leathers because Donavyn had already gone ahead to harness Akhane and Kgosi, who were agitated and needed to fly, but refused to leave the castle grounds without us.

I only made an appearance at the lunch on the small chance Hanson showed. But it seemed like he’d been avoiding me since laying down his gauntlet.

I would have left without eating if Grace hadn’t been there. I wanted to stay with her in case the men appeared, but my heel bounced anxiously under the table. The dragons weren’t the only ones who felt tense. I needed to get out as well.

Then, just as she finished and we made our farewells, heavy boot steps rang on the marble floor and we both turned to find Donavyn, his expression somber, but his eyes bright, striding towards me.

I felt him in the bond, humming with anticipation.

‘What’s going on—?’

“My Lady Brennan, Lady Grace,” he said formally, nodding to Grace beyond me before fixing his gaze on mine. “I fear our duties call with unexpected urgency. I do apologize for taking you from your friend. But we must go. Now.”