Page 33 of Lich's Mate

I shift awkwardly in my seat. “I’m sorry for your loss.”

“Then make them all pay like you said you would.”

Our eyes meet and I nod, frowning. “I will.”

Meera finishes her drink, clumsily setting down the glass. “This is delicious. Thank you.”

I nod curtly, my thoughts focused on the many ways I can torture Gorran and his lackeys.

She clears her throat and stands up. “If that’s all…”

I look up. “Yes. Thank you for sharing what you’ve endured. I understand talking about it must have been difficult. I appreciate your openness.”

Pushing my chair back, I stand up and look into her eyes once more, as if drawn to them.

“We’ll work together against Gorran, I promise. I don’t make promises easily and I don’t take them lightly. We have a shared interest, and I vow to be a reliable and capable ally.”

“Thank you. I believe you,” she says, a small smile on her face. She’s no longer pale and tired-looking. Instead, her skin looks almost radiant and rosy.

“I have manners to attend to.” I excuse myself and walk away but stop at the door. “You have the freedom to go anywhere in the mansion. You can take a tour of the gardens if that will please you. I also have an extensive library. Feel free to lose yourself amidst the treasures of knowledge stored there.”

Her grateful expression tugs at hidden emotions deep within me and quickly I look away from her.

I leave Meera to spend her time as she wishes, retreating to my private study. I feel a new drive to take down Gorran. Not only because he’s an annoying, cocky bastard with far too much wealth now, but because he hurt Meera.

Wait. What?

I shake my head and grab a quill and parchment. I spend the next hour sending cryptic notes to my network of spies and scouts. We need to get together and compare information.

It’s time to come up with a strategy and leave no gaps that will allow that useless slave trader to escape.

A warm breeze wafts into my study from the open window and I relax for a minute. Memories of my previous interactions with Gorran play out in my mind.

The first time I saw him, I thought he was nothing more than an arrogant and spoiled newly rich brat. He seemed to enjoy boasting of his immense wealth, which annoyed any nobles with even just a dash of sensibility.

Once I heard of his possible link to slave trading, I began seeing him in a new light. I saw the fucker for what he really is—a vile opportunist without a shred of dignity.

I haven’t had the opportunity to openly confront him yet. It’s better that way. He mustn’t see me coming. The element of surprise will be to my advantage.

I’ll make sure his greed and arrogance are his downfall. No matter what it takes.

I walk to the faux wooden perch in the corner of the room. A pair of karasu sit quietly, patiently waiting for my instructions. I pet one of them across its head and wing.

“He’ll burn in the flames of his own making,” I mumble to myself before returning to my desk. I write another note, addressed to one of my most trusted allies, Vrask.

After sending the note with one of the birds, I write my final letter. This one is meant for Vex, a capable and intimidating spy well worth the money I’ve spent on him over the years.

I watch the karasu as they fly towards their destinations, small black specks in the red, darkening sky.

Down below, I spot Meera. She’s alone, walking through the eastern garden. She stops to smell the flowers and caress their thick leaves. The red glow of the setting sun casts an eerie light on her, making her seem like a wandering spirit lost in its tragic memories.

I can’t make out her expression from where I’m standing, but I do hear a faint and harmonious humming. She’s taken a liking to the garden, and I feel a sense of pride at how luscious it is, filled with exotic plants.

Seeing her so relaxed for the first time reignites my desire to get my hands around Gorran’s filthy neck. I ache to make the night echo with his screams of pain and desperate pleas for mercy.

Oh, how delicious it will be.

A triumphant smile plays on my lips, and anticipation makes my heart race faster.

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