Page 368 of Heat of the Everflame

“What was that about?” Luther whispered from behind me. The intoxicating heat of him washed over me, and though my posture stiffened in stubborn protest, my treacherous neck arched as his lips grazed the shell of my ear. “Did you always add your blood?”

I gave the tiniest shake of my head.

“Another hunch?”

I let out a short, noncommittal hum.

His knuckles trailed the length of my spine, setting my skin shivering and yet fiery hot.

My jaw tightened. “You’re distracting me.”

“You’reignoringme.”

I didn’t answer.

“Very well then,” he murmured. “If that’s how you want to play this.”

His fingers tenderly combed through my hair and brushed it away from my neck. Even my obstinate defiance couldn’t stop my eyes from fluttering at the tingle of pleasure that skittered over my scalp.

“I don’t mind fighting for your attention.” A gasp flew from my lips as he suddenly fisted my hair, forcing my face to his. “You’ve always been my favorite opponent.”

My traitor of a body refused to pull away, trapped in the hold of his pale blue gaze. “You fight dirty,” I hissed.

Luther smirked. “For you, my love, I’ll sink toanylow.”

I scowled at the blissful feeling swirling in my chest. First my body, now my heart. If my temper was a commander, its army was dropping like flies.

“Doriel’s invited us to join them for dinner,” he said. His eyes dropped to my lips, and my mouth went dry. Another soldier down. “Is that what you want to do?”

Yeswas the only smart answer. I needed to explain my decision to Doriel to let the mortals go. I needed to probe them for more information about the other Crowns. I needed to make some allies and recruit more people to join my war.

“No,” I breathed.

“Thank the Blessed Kindred.” He abruptly grabbed my hand and tugged me away.

“You’ll tell me if it works?” I called out to the Sophos woman, who was applying my poultice to the final patient.

But I didn’t catch her answer as Luther dragged me from the building and set off into the city.

Chapter

Seventy

“Where are we going?”

“I arranged a private dinner, but it isn’t ready yet,” Luther said. “Doriel found our horse and had our bags sent to Teller’s room so we can clean up.”

“How did you know I’d say no to dinner with Doriel?”

“Because I know my Queen.”

I frowned, unsure whether to swoon or be insulted.

We met up with Teller, who led us to a tall, corkscrew-shaped glass building, my dark mood temporarily forgotten as I gawked at the gravity-defying design. Inside the foyer, mortals and Descended sat on scattered couches, pouring drinks and discussing the day’s dramatic events.

Teller explained that most buildings in the city were communal, with residents assigned to ensure a diverse mix. Sophos citizens were expected to embrace a love of curiosity not just in their research, but also in their private time. To encourage this, each quarter within the city held nightly events featuring music, theater, and food where neighbors could mingle and learn something new.

I hated to admit it, but this place was beginning to grow on me.

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