Page 126 of Forsaken Secrets

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Jaiel

Lynk and I crowded into the carriage outside the Harlsteds, then waited in line at the manor house for what felt like forever. He was an irritatingly quiet man, and I missed the happy spark of Liam.

"Are you ready, old man?" I asked, winking at Lynk and hoping he'd respond with something more than a stony glare, as we pulled up to the front.

He just shook his head, then stepped out, holding his hand out for me to grab as planned.

I smiled and rested my palm on his.

He'd dressed up, and I had to admit I was impressed.

The butler held out his hand, and I slipped off my cloak to pass it to him, hoping Lynk would follow suit. "Lord Jaiel Kierstall," I said in my most haughty voice.

The butler gasped, and I widened my smile, making sure that silver canine was in view.

Eyes sparkling, he bowed. "I see. Well, please follow me sirs."

He ushered us towards the ballroom entrance and paused at the top of the stairs leading to a large room. Lyphos lights glinted off gems and glass everywhere. People dressed in vibrant gowns and suits swirled inside, like eddies in a tidepool, and I couldn't help smiling. This was familiar. I could relax here.

I adjusted my hair once more to make sure my ear was visible, then shifted my weight to one hip as the butler announced us.

When people's attention turned our way, I winked and drank in all the attention. Saints, it felt good to play the game again.

At least here people weren't immune to my charisma. Damn Kaiya and the monster hunter.

We wandered through the crowds and were stopped every few seconds by another person wanting to introduce themselves.

Lynk waved as he slipped off to find answers from the guards, and a warm woman with vibrant red hair slipped to my side and wrapped her arms around my neck. I carefully removed them, but smiled to remove the sting. "My lady, you must be parched. Here, let me grab you a drink to wet those luscious lips." I slid my fingers from her cheek to her neck, enjoying the merry sound my rings made as they tapped each other.

She giggled, cheeks rosy and hands all aflutter.

I turned her towards the drink tables and motioned to a server. "This woman is quite thirsty, sir. Could you help her?"

The lady, now fully drunk on charisma, followed him to the table, tittering and flirting with him the whole way. I hoped some fresh liquid would help dissipate the effects a bit.

Wouldn't want her making too many mistakes …

Now, to get some answers.

I ran my tongue along my teeth and surveyed the room, zeroing in on a group of women near one edge. All were dressed in opulent jewel-toned gowns covered with glittering gems, and they stood with backs straight and noses lifted in the air.

Now those were the ladies I needed to speak with.

I slipped through the throng of cheerful people until I reached the women.

"Excuse me, my lord, but these ladies do not wish to be bothered this evening," a tall man in a burgundy coat said. He was the tallest man I had ever seen, and I had met a lot of people.

Breathing deeply, I let his scent mingle in my nose, then I leaned in and smiled, letting the breath out slowly.

His eyes remained clear. What? Gods. How did this keep happening to me?

It had to be relics interfering! But how?

"They are just such lovely women. I'd hoped to dance with them." I motioned towards the couples dancing at the center of the room. "Perhaps you would entertain a round instead?"

His jaw tensed. "N --"

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