Page 52 of A Kiss of Flame

Levian’s stomach knotted at the mention of Merlin. She forced a half-smile. “You have something that once belonged to my father,” she told him flatly.

Something in Vane’s polished persona cracked. His entire energy seemed to darken, and his expression grew more serious.“I see,” he said, taking a moment before asking, “Is that who sent you?”

Levian considered her response, her instincts warning her to be cautious. She could sense Vane was not someone to underestimate, even without her father’s warning. She thought to tell him no for a moment but thought better of it. “Yes,” she replied, hoping the implication of her father’s involvement would pressure Vane further.

After he gazed into her eyes for so long, Levian grew deeply uncomfortable and had to force herself not to shudder and look away. “Interesting,” he drawled eventually.

A petite half-fae woman with cropped jet-black hair, wearing a chic black suit, appeared at Vane’s side, whispering in his ear. Thankfully, it drew his attention, and Levian was given a reprieve. She had no clue if her plan would work. She wasn’t entirely sure shewantedher plan to work.

Levian couldn’t pinpoint precisely what troubled her about Vane beyond his obvious personality flaws. There was an eerie shift in the magick around him.

Vane listened intently to his assistant, nodding and grumbling in response. He let out an irritated sigh before his gaze shot back to Levian. “No,” he replied coolly. “There’s been a change of plans.”

The woman’s striking oval eyes, dark against her fair complexion, also turned to Levian. Her expression was nearly as severe as her cheekbones.

“Come with us,” Vane told Levian before turning and strolling away from the crowd. His assistant moved to stand behind her. It had not been a question.

Levian hesitated. She hadn’t come defenseless, but there was no backup or Barith with a flaming sword to shield her if things went south. She’d have to stay vigilant and clever, and hope luck remained on her side if she was to pull this whole thing off.

“Take a seat,” Vane offered, motioning to one of the chairs in front of his desk. His study was spacious, lined with shelves full of books and relics. A large desk dominated the room, neatly arranged except for a few chosen items. Levian sat, her eyes flicking to Vane as he moved to the bar table at the side of the room. His assistant stood at the side of the desk, glaring down at her.

Given her company, Levian decided to play up her bitchier side, hoping it would help her gain more ground. She stared back at the woman before asking haughtily, “Can’t your assistant wait outside?”

The woman’s cheek twitched, her dark eyes narrowing with contempt, but Vane laughed. “Tsuki will stay,” he replied. “And I’d be careful calling her my assistant.”

“Apologies,” Levian said dryly, her eyes briefly meeting Tsuki’s irritated gaze. Based on Vane’s tone and Tsuki’s own irritated, frigid demeanor, she was clearly not to be trifled with. Lovely.

“How is Merlin?” Vane asked as he handed Levian a glass of dark liquor that smelled faintly of licorice and sugar. There was no affection in his tone, just a sarcastic edge.

Levian forced a smile. “Getting old,” she replied, taking the glass.

Vane’s lip curled slightly as he lingered before her. “He was always old,” he replied, with a touch of contempt. He sipped his drink, contemplating her. “Then why has he sent you?”

“I told you,” Levian said coolly.

He shook his head, adding a sigh for effect. “You see—I don’t quite believe you,” he said, his casual tone carrying a sharp edge.The eerie energy Levian had sensed from Vane in the gallery grew even more pronounced.

Tsuki kept her eyes locked on Levian, and Levian could feel the weight of being outnumbered. Neither Vane nor Tsuki were mages, but they were both half-fae, and fae-blooded creatures could wield a certain amount of magick. She’d heard Barith’s voice of warning in her head, critiquing and grumbling over every choice she’d made thus far, but she’d been determined. She had to admit it had been reckless to do this alone, but she’d at least texted Carvatticus to let him know what she was up to before she’d snuck in.

Levian kept calm. Although she was outnumbered, that didn’t mean she was outmatched. “You think I would go to all this trouble for any other reason?” she asked sarcastically. “Your collection isn’t that impressive.”

Vane smirked and looked down at her. “Levian Myrddin,” he said, his voice laced with irritation. “You’re just as much of a brat as you were when you were five.”

A shock shot up Levian’s spine. Vane smiled at her response before he downed the rest of his drink, setting his empty glass on his desk with athud. “I don’t expect you to remember me,” he said, leaning casually back against the wood. “But I’m surprised Merlin didn’t mention that you once bounced on my knee before sending you here.”

Levian agreed. Merlin had conveniently left out that little bit of trivia. She set her untouched drink and purse next to a flashy fae silver tray on the table beside her. “Perhaps he didn’t think it relevant,” she quipped dryly, crossing her legs.

Vane sneered, looking her up and down. “You look a lot like your mother,” he grumbled with disdain. Levian tensed, her gaze hardening. He continued without care, “You look a lot likehim,too.”

“I amtheirdaughter,” she replied sharply with disdain. “That is how it usually works.”

Vane grunted before pressing on. “So you’re merely here to bargain for Merlin’s ring?” He looked her over again, his eyes cold.

Levian perked up at the mention of the ring but kept her reply smooth. “I am.”

He stood and sauntered to look out the tall windows along the edge of the room. The sky above was cloudy, and a light mist had begun to fall. “Disappointing,” he declared with a grumble.

Levian huffed. She wasn’t sure why he would be disappointed, but she didn’t care either. “Does this mean you don’t have it or won’t discuss it?” she asked with irritation.

---