Page 75 of Winterfall Destiny

"That's what we're thinking," says Ethan. "Gabriella won't wait for a fight amongst shipping containers. She likes grand gestures. Attention. Infamy."

"Yes. Gabriella knows the First could kill her—if she thinks she's going down anyway, we'll be her swan song," Ash replies.

"Then we need to listen out for any events planned," I say. "Find out where this place is in my vision."

"Oh, we'll find out," Ash replies. "Gabriella wouldn't want us to miss her big goodbye. She probably wants us as the star attraction."

Ethan taps his fingers against his glass. "I won't be joining you. The First might make an appearance. In fact, I guarantee the thing will want to watch."

Isn't Ethan interested in helping? Surely the threat from Gabriella means something to him?

"But you came with us to gather information," I reply.

"Yeah. More about dragon networks. If there's anything about Confederacy links on the USB or paperwork, let me know."

Ash straightens. "What happened to helping with Gabriella?"

"That's Dorian's thing," he says.

"'Dorian's thing'?" I echo.

With a sigh, Ethan rests his huge forearms on the table and leans across to us. "Yes, I want her dealt with, but your group have ample power, especially now. I'm focusing on the bastard Oskar who sanctioned horrors against kids. Against me." He pauses. "And I'm protecting my daughter."

I try not to, but can't help looking at the black scales, and how he needs to hide his dragon eyes behind contacts. Ash shifts uncomfortably. I understand his crusade against dragons isn't only on Ash's behalf, but worry how far these people are willing to go.

Ethan's disrupting a key shifter society—for the better—but what about others? The secretive Tigris society that Zeke originated from? And then what next—Ethan taking down wolves as revenge for the attack on his sister?

"But Dorian will help?" asks Ash.

Ethan chuckles. "Why? He isn't easy to work with, and you have someone more powerful in your ranks now."

"And Dorian's single-minded and bloodthirsty," I reply. "He wants Gabriella, and to show the Confederacy he can take down one organisation before coming for another."

"I never said he won't help. Dorian follows his own plans, especially if something threatens his family." He rubs his chin. "As long as Eloise and Mia are safe, the guy can do what he wants without my interference. Zeke feels the same."

"But not without Eloise's," I say, remembering the woman who lost her temper with Dorian for sneaking away and came to retrieve him.

Ethan shakes his head and drinks. "Eloise does influence Dorian's actions, but she can only go so far. The guy lives by his own laws and morals."

"Mmm," I reply. "Like killing Andrei that time?"

Irritation flares when Ethan chuckles again. "Dorian logic. Everything worked out. Well, mostly. I'd argue Andrei did more damage to himself recently than Dorian inflicted.”

My jaw sets tight as I almost retort to this guy I shouldn't argue with.

"How long are we staying here?" interrupts Ash and looks around.

"We can leave now." Ethan pushes back his stool and takes a slow look around the bar.

I stand too. "Did you see anybody or anything you waited for?"

"Nah. I just wanted a drink. We both have what we came for. Let's go."

29

MAEVE

Ethan drives me and Ash to a bus stop close to the edge of the suburb, enough of a walk from the rental house that we won't lead people following Ethan directly to our door. We're living in a livelier part of the area, which helps as we can blend into evening visitors while we walk from the drop off spot to the house.

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