Page 64 of Lich's Mate

“I never stopped preparing for him. Even when I thought he was gone for good, I know he’s a lazy fuck, but gods, is he petty.”

“That’s good,” Vex says. “As long as you have a plan, that’s all we can ask for.”

If she’s not somewhere watching me on the grounds, Meera is up in her bed, sleeping peacefully.

She already thinks we’ve won.

How do I tell her all of our efforts were callously undermined, and that somehow, Gorran has stayed two steps ahead of me?

I turn to face Vex, not showing my anger, but instead offering a look of quiet determination.

“We’ll get him,” I say. “This is only a minor setback.”

Vex nods.

“He might have been prepared for us, but I think we riled him.”

I feel my brow cock in response.

“And how do you know that?”

Vex hardens his stance, speaking with confidence rather than fear.

He doesn’t know how enraged I still am.

He doesn’t know how terrified I am.

“Well, since your attack, Gorran has been increasing security, but it’s spreading him thin,” Vex says.

I smile, taking every bit of affirmation I can get.

“It’s only a matter of time before he comes, then,” I say, leaning against the tallest tree in my yard, which remains steadfast and healthy despite the seasonal changes.

Vex nods.

“You may go,” I say, dismissing him while studying the tree I’m leaning against.

This tree has weathered some of the worst storms in Ikoth, yet it has grown more healthy than any other tree here.

I long for that same vitality and perseverance.

“Keep the faith,” he says. “Any update I have, I’ll be sending your way. So stay alert.”

A wry grin crosses his face.

“And don’t have too much fun. I’d hate to interrupt anything again.”

He walks away from me, and I shake my head in disbelief.

How the fuck did he know?

I wonder if perhaps he can magically see through his karasu and was watching everything, before realizing he was probably just messing with me.

But the thought of letting down my defenses with Meera, even for a moment, is revolting to me.

That’s how Gorran’s forces can infiltrate my home, ruining everything.

After all, if they know about what happened in the slave auction in New Solas, then there’s a good chance they know about her, too. And if the slaves they reacquired told them anything, they also know the best way to get to me is through her.

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