Page 22 of The Veil of Blood and Magic

Jagger blinks, smiling before releasing me. I take a step back, my pulse thrumming as I head toward the doors ofThe Garden of Flame.

I pause before the thickly built guard posted at the door, flashing him a wink.

“Tev,” I say in a sweet greeting. “It’s been too long.”

“Nice to see you again,” Tev says, dragging two fingers down an enchantment on the door. “They with you?” he asks, nodding behind me to Jagger and Zev.

“For the night at least,” I say, glancing behind me. “Maybe longer if they’re lucky.”

Tev laughs, a brutish sound that is both comforting and terrifying. He’s worked for Sirius for decades. Nothing gets by him, and thanks to his centaur blood, he’s incredibly strong with keen senses that almost match mine.

Thankfully for me, he’s as openminded as Sirius, never judging me for being a succubus. I love him and this establishment all the more for it. It’s nice to know there is one safe haven out here still out of the Collector’s reach. Sirius is just that powerful to keep it hidden.

“Ah,” Tev says after studying the two behind me. “But will they behave, Livana?”

“Livana,” Jagger says my name with a hint of surprise. “Livana,” he says again, like he’s testing it on his tongue, and the way he almost sings it has warm shivers bursting along my skin.

I glance over my shoulder, but find Zev furrowing his brow, like something just occurred him.

“What?” I ask. “You shocked I actually have a name other thanSuccubus?” I mock his rough, deep tenor, applying a scowl on my face for good measure.

Zev grunts, motioning for me to move along.

I shake my head, offering my wrist to Tev who gently flicks the tip of a quill over my skin. A zap of magic sizzles over the spot, which now displays an intricate design of circles and flowers, all interloping with each other inTheGarden of Flame’ssignature design.

Jagger doesn’t hesitate to hold out his wrist.

Zev does.

Because of course he does.

“It wears off once you leave the tavern,” Tev explains at Zev’s hesitance. “It’s a binding magical contract.” He nods toward the now opened doors. “In there, we have no enemies, regardless of past blood feuds, interspecies conflict, or historical wrongs. I don’t care if you spot your Matched fucking a pixie in the corner, you don’t attack. In there,everyoneis here for the same thing—escape, freedom, and a scrap of safety on this fucked up continent. Break that rule, and we’ll know. And trust me, you don’t want to find out what happens if you don’t follow the rules.”

“I don’t have a Matched,” Zev says low and lethal, but at least he gives Tev his arm.

“Shocker,” Tev says as I lead the way inside. “Try and have some fun.”

“I’m not sure this one knows how,” I say, motioning behind me.

“If anyone can show him,” Tev calls after us, “it’s you.”

I laugh, winking at him again before heading deeper into the tavern. Zev rolls his eyes, killing the momentary joy.

“Be quick,” he says into my ear.

“Nothing about this will be quick.” I turn and face him, shaking my head. “I haven’t run off…” I remind him. “Besides, I think you need a drink more than me.”

Chapter 6

Livana

Music pulses loud and intense the deeper we go intoThe Garden of Flame, sweeping, sharp notes that blend with thrumming beats. The tavern is expansive, ten times the size ofThe Red Lion, but it’s packed with all manner of creatures, some dancing on the wide dance floor, others crowding the large black marble square bar in the center of the tavern.

I spot a few creatures from the four families of old—a full-blood Fae, which is rare, and more shifters. Naturally, there are more of them left since they were more prone to support one of their own kind for the throne. They may support him, but in here, they’re merely customers.

There are some mortals too—I can smell them easily among the crowds of patrons—select persons Sirius deemed safe to allow them entry. I wonder if one of them would be willing to share a few mouthfuls of blood, even though those types of mortals are rare. But if they’re here, that gives me hope. Because, yes, I could easily order a ration of blood from the bar, but animal isn’t what I need right now. If I want to be at my strongest, I need rushing blood from a living vein. And I preferpowerful beings if it’s an option, but they’re often more wary than mortals.

“Where is your supplier?” Zev asks into my ear to be heard over the music and the crowd.

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