Page 6 of Chains of Blood and Darkness

I dabbed my lips. “But it’s me. Tell me.” I didn’t have to use compulsion on her. She was always eager to spill Simon’s secrets.

Emily dipped her small fork into the oyster shell and delicately pulled out the meat. She swallowed and then asked, “You want to know about the magical objects Simon plans to auction?”

“Please…Do tell,” I said as a waiter drifted in to refill my glass with Chosen Blood, then drifted away again.

She looked around nervously, as if she was afraid someone was listening. “I’m really not supposed to tell, but he has a few objects you may want.”

I looked at her over the rim of my wine glass. “Go on.”

She licked her lips. “There’s the Lumina Pendant, which glows in the presence of magic.”

I flashed her an unimpressed look.

When I didn’t respond, she tried again. “He also has the Chroniker’s Hourglass. It can manipulate smallpockets of time. You can use it to go into the future or past.”

That definitely sounded useful, but I had no intention of telling Emily. She would go blab to Simon and the bastard would up the price. Once again, I played coy.

“There’s also the Vespers Ring.” She clasped my hand. “You can walk in the shadows unseen.”

I rolled my eyes. “Emily. I can already do that.”

She bit her lip. “Oh! There’s also the Codex of Eldritch Lore. Simon says it’s a rare and ancient tome containing spells and rituals lost to time, written by a coven of witches who vanished under mysterious circumstances. According to him, the book’s pages are said to shift and change, revealing their secrets only to those deemed worthy.” She was practically reciting the words like a rehearsed sales pitch. Simon had definitely ordered her to find out what I was looking for.

I had heard of the Codex of Eldritch Lore. It could prove useful too. I took another drink from my goblet, but again said nothing.

Her shoulders slumped, as if she was disappointed not to get the response from me she wanted.

“There’s also the Eclipsing Mirror. That’s a handheld mirror framed in moonstone with the ability to reveal the true nature of anyone or anything reflected in its surface. You can also use it as a portal to a pocket dimension for brief escapes or clandestine meetings.”

Something else that might prove useful…very useful…but I didn’t even smile.

I leaned back in my chair, the silverware clinking softly against fine china as I set down my fork. The rich aroma ofrare steak lingered in the air, a poor substitute for what I truly craved. My voice was low, barely above a whisper, as I asked, “What about the Moirai's Mirror? Has it shown up yet?”

My fingers idly traced the stem of a crystal wine glass filled with a deep red liquid. I had possessed the mirror earlier, but it was stolen from me. The artifact could reveal half-truths of the future, but never the whole picture. It had been invaluable in helping me protect my sister when those mangy wolves had foolishly put a contract on her to get to me.

I suppressed a snarl, not wanting to disturb the quiet atmosphere of the dining room. Simon swore he didn't take it, but I suspected a witch might be involved—possibly even his witch, Marsha. My eyes narrowed as I considered the possibilities, the candlelight casting flickering shadows across my face.

She reached out, her hand shaking, and took a sip of her wine. It seemed to give her courage. “There’s one last thing. I heard Simon has a young girl, most likely a virgin. A real fighter.” She gave me a devious smile and laughed softly. “Apparently, she’s already given Frances a bloody nose.”

I cocked my eyebrow. “Really? A heavyweight boxing virgin? Now that sounds intriguing.”

Frances was like the madam of Simon’s girls and kept them in line. She was very strict with them, and sometimes I wondered if it was her or Simon that punished the girls when punishment was due. I scanned the dining room to see Frances herself waltzing in as if on cue, wearing a scowl as ifshe had just downed a whole bottle of buttermilk that only added to her surliness. I could see why. She had a fat lip.

She whispered something to Simon, and he slammed his glass of red wine down on the table, spilling its contents onto the white tablecloth.

Something was up.

Was the virgin giving Simon trouble? Fascinating. And I hadn’t been fascinated by a woman in a long, long time. Maybe she could be a pleasant distraction from everything that was falling down around my ears.

Yes, I’d definitely buy her. I could use a little fun.

Chapter Four

Serenity

Marsha and the older woman, who I had discovered was named Frances, had dressed me in a stupid, long white gown and had put my hair up in a loose bun. I looked like a fucking princess.

Marsha cast her gaze over me. “Cleaned up, she’s beautiful. Watch her. I need to check the other merchandise.”

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