Page 26 of Lich's Mate

Having finished rolling up the map, he considers tucking it in his cloak pocket. But thinking better of it, he instead removes the cloak from his body, discarding it casually on the floor.

“I’m sure there are better cloaks I can purchase,” he says offhandedly. “That one’s just served its purpose.”

He grips the map in his hand tightly.

“Well, seeing the fire that burns in you, and how much you probably hate Gorran’s slave trade, I thought we might have a bit of a shared purpose.”

At this point, I’m tired of asking questions. I just give him a look, clarifying that he should continue talking.

“Like I said, I don’t give a shit about humans or slaves,” he says. “But Gorran sure does. And I figure that if we fucked over a few too many of his slave caravans, he might see everything he’s built crumble around him.”

He stands up.

“And that would be pretty funny.”

We walk to the bar counter. The barkeep is still polishing glasses and countertops. The demon coughs.

“Not here to cause any trouble, are you?” the barkeeper asks, perking a brow.

Gorran just chuckles.

“I’ll have a glass of the usual,” Gorran says. “And get the lady whatever she wants.”

Sighing, the barkeeper finishes cleaning the glass, proceeding toward the tap.

“I’m Kavian by the way,” he says.

I try to remember what drinks you can order in New Solas, hoping I won’t order something that will accidentally poison me.

“You don’t have to tell me your name. In fact, you can walk out the door if you want to. Wouldn’t be too offended if you did.”

The bartender places the glass in front of Kavian and then looks at me expectantly.

I look at the door one more time, pondering how I’d even survive in this city on my own, with no wings to speak of.

“I’m Meera,” I offer, going against my better judgment. “And I’ll have a glass of your strongest stuff.”

10

KAVIAN

Ifind myself glancing at the human woman often as we walk to the harbor. Of course, I must keep an eye on her in this busy area—she could easily be separated from me in the crowd. Not only would that mean I wasted ipia and nodals on her, but she could tip off Gorran about my plans.

“Stay close,” I bark at her and pull her closer to me, somewhat surprised at the delicate feel of her skin and wrist.

Meera defiantly tries to pull herself out of my grip but she’s too weak. I laugh at the feeble attempt and get pinned by her glare. Yet, she says nothing.

Clever creature. Making a scene will attract the wrong kind of attention.

We approach the boat on which I’ve secured a place for us. This one is in much better condition than the one I took here and promises to offer a more comfortable journey.

She stares at the crew as we walk past them, seemingly fascinated by what they’re doing.

“Have you not traveled on a vessel like this before?” I ask the question before I can consider why I’m even interested.

“Not this big, no.” Her attention is drawn away by the shrill and annoying caw of mynahs flying overhead.

Growing weary of the atmosphere, I grab her wrist again. “Come.”

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