Page 42 of Their War

Stepping back before Callum could get his hands on him, he said, “I can see now that the signature is indeed not your own. A shame, really, because it's such a work of art. I'd like to meet the fae responsible for it. It's one of the best glamors I've ever encountered.”

“You and me both. Except I'd like the creator to break it.”

“Is that what you folk need from me? To break this glamor?” he asked, a hand going to his chin in consideration as he looked me up and down. “If so, I'm sorry to say I won't be of much service.”

“That's not what we're needing. We need your assistance in another matter but we are wondering what it will cost us and if we can trust you?” I murmured, not taking my eyes off the Puca in front of me.

“Well, the cost depends on the work involved. As for whether or not you can trust me, that is for you to decide. However, I am willing to enter into a fae deal if secrecy is what you require?”

“A fae deal?”

“A deal between fae that is unbreakable, bound by magic. If either party fails to fulfill their end, Avalonia ensures they will regret it, stripping the guilty party's magic until they are left completely without,” Arryn explained.

“Why would you enter into such a deal so easily?” I questioned him.

“Something tells me this assignment will be one of my greatest accomplishments. Besides, I'm simply entering into a vow of secrecy. I'm not agreeing to take the job yet. I can still walk away, both of us sure that neither would speak of this moment.”

Not waiting for the guys, I held out my hand as if to shake the Puca's hand. “Okay. I'll take the deal.”

“No, you won't. I'll take it,” Callum said, shoving me back. He sliced his hand as the Puca did the same, clasping each other's forearms as I felt the magic snap into place, binding us to the fae deal of secrecy.

“What is your name?” I asked, just realizing he hadn't told us that.

“Ah. A name, such a tricky thing. For these purposes, you may call me Loki.”

“Obviously that's not your name, but okay. Loki, we require your assistance with a jailbreak,” I told him.

“Intriguing.” He smiled broadly. “Who are we breaking out? Did one of your friends get a little too drunk and now needs help getting out of the clinker?”

“It's a little more than that,” I warned him. “We're needing help with getting into the dungeons. We need to rescue Master Jude.”

For the first time, Loki looked as if he had been rocked by this information. His smile fell, eyes widening in shock. “That's nigh on impossible, lass. Even with my help, it's too dangerous,” he started.

I cut him off, having figured him out already. “Oh, but think of it now. The bragging rights you'll have afterward. You'll have successfully taken part in the one and only escape from the Queen's own dungeons. After this, you’ll be able to charge anything you want. Everyone would love to have such an accomplished Puca to help them.”

“True. True. That all sounds well and good, but if I do help you, it won't be cheap. This is risky. I'll need to ensure it's worth my while.”

“What's your price?” I asked him, hoping against hope that it was a price we could pay.

“A favor.”

“Absolutely not!” Arryn exclaimed.

“What's wrong with that?” I asked. I mean, I wasn't on board with it yet, but it seemed harmless enough.

“An open favor is a fae deal. You'll be bound to complete the favor, no matter what it is, at risk of losing your magic if you don’t comply,” Arryn explained to me.

“I'll pay it,” Lennox stepped forward.

“Nah, uh, uh,” Loki said, eyeing me. “It will need to be with you, Rhowyn, Chosen of Avalonia.”

“That's not going to happen,” Callum growled out, his hand going to the sword at his hip.

“It's my price. If you want my help, she'll need to owe me a favor.”

“What kind of favor?” I asked.

“One that I haven't decided upon yet. It'll be handy to have one from the future Queen.” Willing to do anything to save my grandfather, I opened my mouth, preparing to agree to the deal, but Brannoc swooped in. He changed from Raven to man fluidly, appearing in front of me and sending Loki stumbling back from him.

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