“Hmm?”
“Through here.” Vicer nodded toward a slight, dark-haired girl with brilliant blue eyes. “This is Ameri. She’ll take you to the narminoi. She’ll charge you for it, though.”
Ameri nodded at me.
I still carried the hunter’s purse. I hadn’t even counted how many coins he had, but hopefully it would be enough.
I had much more to learn, and if my plan was going to have the best chance of success, I needed to know the truth. Not just a few tidbits. All of it.
Dear L,
The man I have sent you is the best at what he does. Do try not to scream too loudly when the spell takes.
My sources tell me the woman you were traveling with stoked more passion than they’d seen from you for years. I find myself intrigued by the kind of woman who could distract you from your brooding.
Her power must be impressive for you to be able to get into the city. Describe that power for me, please.
Emara sends her regards. And also wishes to know about this woman you refuse to discuss.
In the meantime, try not to get killed. I’d hate to have to plan your funeral when I’m already so busy.
Your older, wiser brother,
C
“Lorian?”
I pulled my attention away from the letter and swept my gaze over the men standing in the cramped room. I knew who my brother’s sources were, and their expressions ranged from guilty—Marth, to belligerent—Rythos, to grave—Galon. Cavis was staring out the window.
It was no use telling them not to message my brother about Prisca. If I told them not to advise him about something we encountered on the road, or a plan I created without his approval, all of them would take that information to their graves. And yet, when it came to gossiping about women in my life…
I shook my head at them and scrawled my reply.
Dear C,
No, the girl did not stoke more passion in me than anything else has in years. But your interest is noted. Tell your wife I don’t need her meddling in my life. Although, the moment she’s ready to leave you for me, I’ll be waiting.
Our mutual friend has been spotted in Thobirea. I have various thoughts about the subject, but will wait for yours.
Your younger, stronger, and infinitely better-looking brother,
L
Raucous laughter sounded from outside our door as a group of men walked past. The inn we were staying in was more comfortable than anything we’d used while traveling, but still noisy, and I missed the comforts of my room. Missed my own space.
The wildcat would say I missed having time to brood.
That kiss…her body had melted for me. There was something incredibly arousing about a woman who loathed and wanted me in equal measure. I couldn’t help but imagine what that passion would be like in bed.
“Lorian?” Rythos gave me a knowing look. I ignored it.
“Has our contact arrived?”
“He’s downstairs. I have to ask… Are you sure this will work?”
“No,” I growled. “But I am sure that this is our only chance. Our families are relying on us to get into the castle. This is the closest we’ve been to such an opportunity in years.”
Rythos nodded, his gaze flicking to the vials we’d collected on our travels—from both the stone hags and the fae at the Gromalian border. The vials waited, ready to be used—the most valuable items any of us owned in this moment.
“Do you think Prisca is on a ship already?” Cavis asked. It was rare for him to care about anything other than his wife and baby, and I turned my head. He was staring down at the street below us, eyebrows lowered.
“Her brother would have insisted,” Rythos said.
I just shook my head. No one could drag that little wildcat on to a ship if she didn’t want to go. But if there was one thing she did have, it was a healthy sense of self-preservation. She wasn’t a fool, and she wanted to stay alive.
Even when she wasn’t here, she was distracting me.
Rolling to my feet, I glanced at Galon. He nodded, his own gaze thoughtful as he picked up the vial.
“Bring him up here,” I said, and Rythos strode out the door.
Soon, we’d be in the castle, ready to complete our task and finally return home.
A few minutes later, the door opened, and the fae pushed his heavy cloak off his head, revealing his pointed ears. It was dangerous for him to be here, so close to the city, but all of us were in agreement about this plan.
The fae bowed his head in greeting. “Are you sure about this?”
“Yes.”
He didn’t bother asking me again, just held out his hand for the first vial. Galon handed it over, his gaze still on each precious drop.