Page 220 of Storm of Secrets and Sorrow

Turning back, he expected to see a scholar, or maybe even Theon. He did not expect to be face-to-face with Tristyn Blackheart.

“Heir St. Orcas,” Tristyn greeted.

“Blackheart,” he replied, keeping Kat tucked behind him.

“The Solstice service starts soon,” Tristyn said, sliding a hand into the pocket of his pants. He was in a suit and tie like every male in attendance would be, a long black coat draped over his arm.

“It does. I was going to find Theon,” Axel said. “He’s down in the Pantheon archives.”

“He’s not,” Tristyn said. “Or he’s not anymore. They were down there until about a half hour ago.”

“Damnit,” Axel muttered.

“I don’t believe I’ve had the pleasure of meeting the lovely Fae that has the realm in such a fuss,” Tristyn said, taking a step and peering around Axel.

Axel studied him for a moment. He was always flirty and roguish with Tessa, but he also seemed to want something from her like everyone else did. He’d never seen the male interact with the Fae. Then again, the elusive Tristyn Blackheart was rarely seen by anyone until recently.

With a tight smile, Axel finally stepped aside so he could place his hand on Kat’s lower back. “Katya, Tristyn Blackheart. Tristyn, this is Katya, claimed and in service to the Arius Kingdom.”

The smile playing on Tristyn’s lips almost seemed to be one of amusement. “It’s a pleasure, Katya,” he said.

“The pleasure is mine,” she replied clearly with her head bowed and eyes down.

“Do you have a book tucked under your arm?”

Kat glanced at Axel, but Tristyn had already reached out, snatching the book. He seemed to still for the briefest of moments before he leafed through the pages.

“Where did you come by such a book?” Tristyn asked.

“What’s it matter to you?” Axel cut in.

“These types of books are used often in my line of work.”

“You work with Marks at a tech company?” Axel asked doubtfully.

Tristyn was still looking through the book as he answered, “I rarely work with the technology these days. But I know how…valuable these types of books are, so I am curious as to how a Fae came across one?”

“It was a gift,” Axel said, holding out his hand.

Tristyn looked up, a brow arching. “From you to her?”

“Let’s go with that.”

That amusement was back, and he handed the book to Axel. “I am quite proficient with Marks like this should you ever need anything.”

“I’ll be sure and let Theon know that.”

Tristyn huffed a laugh. “I can only interfere so much with your brother, but to clarify, I offer the aid to Katya. Although, I suppose that now includes you by default.”

Reaching into the pocket of his jacket, Tristyn pulled out a business card. Then he slid it into the book Axel still held.

“I would, however, be mindful of who lays eyes on such a book,” Tristyn added. “I suggest keeping it well hidden.” He stepped around them, then paused. “Fire and shadows. What a perfect balance.”

Then he was sauntering out of the stairwell, whistling a random song as he went.

“He is…odd,” Kat remarked, staring after him.

“Every time I interact with him, I am left wondering what just happened,” Axel replied, turning to her. He glanced at his watch and muttered a curse before saying, “You should put these back on.”

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