Page 74 of Of Glass and of Gold

“I wouldn’t expect anything less from us.” With fluid grace, he extended his hand before him, allowing me to lead the way.

Chol and I had skulked between buildings, staying out of sight from anyone wandering the streets. We’d leapfrog past each other as we advanced, an unspoken game of who could get the farthest in one go. I couldn’t help but admire his smooth stealth and precision. It encouraged me to try harder, to silence my movements as effectively as he had.

We snuck into the shadowed alcove we’d met last time, waiting several moments before confirming no one followed. Pressed against each other, arm to arm, I felt myself leaning into him. I could have sworn he did, too, and my heart picked up its pace.

“Do you want to scope out the bank or stay here?” Was his question cryptic? What would happen if we stayed in the shadows, continuing to break down the distance between us? Heat flared in my belly, but singed my cheeks. Suddenly, I needed the breath of the ocean to cool down.

“Bank.”

He only nodded before transforming into part of the night itself, moving with efficiency and elegance toward the ravine. I followed. We perched in the same place where we had discovered the cloaked ship, with a view of the sprawling beach below and the empty docks and fishing stalls. Or at least, perceivably empty.

My attention immediately snagged on two bodies prowling along the beach. Light glowed like a beacon. I questioned if someone carried a lantern with pure white fire somehow. Chol muttered his question over what it could be, our focus glued on the display.

The uninterrupted moon and starlight shone over the two people, helping me discern their features. Women. One around my age, the other much olde—Evenita. And with her, Alaina.

“I know them,” I said out loud, quickly checking the surroundings for any other visitors.

“You do?”

When I confirmed they were alone, I broke from our hideout, climbing back up the slope. Chol kept up behind me, but I didn’t explain. Through the market stall, then to the boardwalk that brought us to the beach, I ran to catch up with them.

“What are you two doing here?” I asked, nearly breathless by the time I got close.

“STAY BACK!” Alaina said, whirling her glowing hand at me.

I found myself taking a step back when I didn’t want to, some other force controlling my movements.

“Alaina, dear, this is our friend,” Evenita said, placing her hand on Alaina’s raised arm and lowering it gently.

The grip over my muscles relinquished, returning control to me again. Having my body work against me did not feel enjoyable. Powerless. A feeling with which I was already well acquainted without force. I flexed my hands, ensuring they moved when I bade them, but any relief became quickly replaced with pain in my chest, my heart straining.

Would Evenita or Alaina say my name in front of Chol? Telling him meant invoking another level of trust, trust that it couldn’t be used against me or my family. There was no such clarity on that matter, which meant I couldn’t have him find out—not yet.

Alaina threw a confused glance at Evenita, the old woman signaling something discreetly between them. “We have moldy bread thanks to her.”

Understanding shone in the shadows of Alaina’s eyes, and Evenita turned to face me, giving the slightest bow of her head. She’d keep my secret.

I peered over my shoulder, sensing the formidable masculine wall behind me. Chol had his sword drawn, moonlight glinting off the long, freshly sharpened blade.

“Put that away,” I essentially snarled. To his credit, he did so without hesitation or doubt, another notch in our rope of trust. Though, I knew if he sensed danger, the fact that his blade was sheathed wouldn’t save anyone.

“What are you two doing here? It’s not safe by the harbor at night,” I said.

Lapping waves hummed in the distance, a hopeful barrier against any unwanted listeners.

“Trying to piece together what happened to Raf,” Alaina said, once again focusing her white glow over the beach as she resumed her stride. “Where was his body found? Might save us some time if we know where to look.”

“Reports say around here,” Chol said, his deep voice breaking through the rolling ocean sounds.

Alaina continued with whatever quest she was on, but Evenita remained planted, that radiant smile beaming toward us. “Thank you. For letting us know about Rafael. About his remains.”

I nodded, working down the lump in my throat. I wished I could have given them different news.

“I’m sorry for your loss,” Chol said.

I couldn’t resist sparing him a glance. It warmed my chest hearing him express condolences to these strangers he only knew through me. More evidence that his caring heart truly was just that.

“Very kind of you. I know we all have had experience with losses.” With her hands clasped behind her back, standing so casually, her words pierced truer than the dagger at my side would. “Neither of you should worry—I’m very good at keeping secrets.” She shared a knowing smile between us, then resumed her pace following Alaina.

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