Page 15 of Queen of Wrath

It sure had seemed as if he might’ve recognized me for an instant, but I’d been able to run off before he could get too close. I had to be more careful next full Lunair.

“It's not good enough!” The furious words poured from Jax's office, dragging my thoughts back to the present. “If you don't find someone by the end of the week, consider your job null and void!”

I swear, this guy’s moods are as fragile as a porcelain teacup.

My heart quickened in my chest.

I would have preferred to avoid him completely, but I had no choice in the matter. I had a mission to see through. Not only did I have appearances to keep up, but I also had to ensure I became his go-to person, earn his trust, and discover all his secrets.

I stood before his office door, staring down at the handle as if it were made of snakes. But then, anger began to boil in my stomach.

On the other side of this door was the person who had destroyed my entire life, and I’d be damned if I allowed a single part of me to hesitate facing him—and making sure he got what he deserved!

Akil had warned me about allowing my anger to take over, but what did he expect?

I sucked in a deep breath and held it, slapping on my calm and collected face before opening the door. “Good morning, sir.”

The honorific felt like a bee sting against my tongue. The last thing I wanted to do was show this monster any semblance of respect.

“Thank Lunaira you’re here! I've gone through fifty different Potionist candidates today, and each one has been worse than the last. Please tell me you have some leads.” His eyes burned into me with a desperation, which I found kind of delicious.

I’d never been the sort who enjoyed watching someone else suffer, but seeing him in any amount of anguish sure had its appeal. “I'm getting very close. You needn't worry about me, I take my job very seriously.”

That was a lie. I was nowhere near close to finding the talent he was looking for.

And if he had already turned away fifty other Potionists, then something told me he wasn’t just looking for good ones, he was holding out for a miracle…

“Damn it,” was all he blurted before lowering his attention back to the file before him on the desk, completely dismissing me.

The boiling in my stomach now blazed with fire and brimstone. “Is there anything else I can do for you in the meantime?”

His head remained down, but he glanced up at me through his long lashes.

I waited for him to respond, but no words left his lips.

His eyes then moved up and down the length of my body, all but undressing me. “Did you have something in mind, Miss Mirth?”

He really is a pig!

“Not at all. I'll be back very soon with a promising prospect.” I gave him a wiry smile and nodded before leaving his office. I couldn't get out of there fast enough.

There was practically air between my feet and the floor, I moved so quickly. It was either that or I would have lunged over his desk and stabbed him through the eye with that stupid gold pen of his.

Stay focused. The sooner I can find his next protege, the sooner I can get back to my mission.

Istood outside of his office, looking to my left.

There was nothing of note except for a small janitorial closet.

I hadn't even given it a second of thought until now…now that I knew about the basement. I mashed my lips together, stifling down the frustration tightening my throat.

If I don't find a miracle for Jax soon, he'll fire me before I get a chance to do any more exploring.

I turned on my heel toward the direction of the entrance.

The question is, where am I supposed to find a talent that Jax hasn't already been introduced to? I'm sure all of Theskin has been picked clean of Potionists already… I guess that means I have to explore my options elsewhere.

Imade my way to the next closest city, which was Andor. Like its neighbor, it was one of the wealthiest cities in the land, its inhabitants just as unfriendly, but unlike Theskin, it was quiet and not so business-oriented.

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