Page 96 of Reaper Said Mine

Theryki folds her hands. “Of course, Lord Gnash. I appreciate your seriousness.”

“You appreciate my station.”

“One does not exclude the other.”

“No,” he says. “But one often hides behind the other.”

Her smile remains perfect, but I think she hates him a little.

Gobold shoves back from the table. “If this drags any longer, the Combine will make the next move for us.”

“Then I suggest you stop helping them,” Wilcox says.

He turns on her. “You enjoyed that line too much.”

“Not nearly enough.”

Skahar stands with theatrical slowness, leaning on his cane. “If all of you are finished bleeding dignity on the floor, Lord Gnash has other fires to tend.”

Gobold grumbles something in Vakutan that does not sound diplomatic. Theryki glides out with her aides arranged behind her like decorative knives. Wilcox pauses near me before leaving, her expression unreadable.

“You have a talent for dangerous timing,” she says.

“I’ve heard worse.”

“I am sure you have.” Her gaze flicks toward Gnash, then back to me. “Be careful which truths you give people for free. Some of them will sharpen those truths and throw them back.”

“I know.”

She studies me for another second. “I believe you do.”

Then she leaves.

The chamber empties slowly, shedding voices, scents, and threat until only Gnash, Skahar, two guards, and I remain. The quiet that follows feels less like peace than the moment after an airlock seals and everyone waits to learn whether pressure will hold.

Skahar limps toward the door. “I will review the revised clauses.”

Gnash does not look away from me. “You will rest.”

“I am ancient, not decorative.”

“You will rest while reviewing.”

“Compromise,” Skahar says with approval. As he passes me, he lowers his voice just enough that Gnash can still hear because Reaper subtlety is occasionally a theatrical art. “Good work, little flame. She has bitten Theryki. That one will remember the teeth.”

“I’m not sure that was wise,” I say.

“Wisdom is often praised by cowards who survived because someone else was brave.”

Then he leaves, cane tapping against the deck.

Gnash waits until the door seals behind him. “You should not have challenged Theryki that openly.”

“I know.”

He steps closer. “She will not forgive it.”

“I know that too.”