Page 73 of A Hunter for Luna

"Who do you suggest?" I asked as I poured a cup of the fragrant tea and offered it to Benedetto.

His big hands dwarfed the delicate cup as he sipped the herbal brew.

"Calia Fokaides, Naran Olar, Witse Dagovy, and Feridun Yesil," Sofia listed, lifting a well-manicured finger with each name. "They're all influential in their own circles. If you can convince them, you should get clues as to your quarry’s location."

She accepted her cup of tea from me. “However. I applaud your determination and your care for your brother, Lord d’Alvarez,but have you considered what you’ll do when you find the location of this tower?”

“Force him to cure Francesco. Or kill him.”

“Then you might want to accept the training you’ve thus far avoided.” Sofia answered mildly.

Her plan was sound. The pieces started to come together in my mind. Benedetto's single-minded focus on revenge was clouding his judgement. But with the right approach, and Sofia's contacts, we might finally make some real progress.

And if I were with him, my magic would eat the sorcerer’s spells, giving Benedetto a real chance.

I sipped the hot tea, letting the plan solidify. Benedetto might’ve been driven by vengeance, but I had other priorities. The sooner we found Moonshifter, the sooner we could focus on what really mattered. Starting a family and securing our future. One way or another, I was determined to make it happen.

Benedetto turned to Sofia, a trace of mockery in his tone. "Why didn't you suggest Soulrider?"

Sofia gave him a half smile. "The fact you ask that means you have no concept just how dangerous Sorcerers are. You've been hunting Moonshifter for how long and you're foolish enough to suggest deceiving Soulrider?"

"Why not?" Benedetto challenged.

Sofia leaned forward, an unsettling expression crossing her face. For a moment she became cold as a statue, and her quiet voice a bell tolling doom. "Benedetto. Moonshifter has allowed you to hunt him this long because he finds it funny, if you want my guess. Use that. You might kill him because he's overconfident.But don't presume others are like him. Soulrider will exact payment from you and no trickery or stealth will keep it from being collected."

I squirmed in my seat, unsettled by this cold, hard side of Sofia I'd never seen before in all our years together. Then just as suddenly, she leaned back and sipped her tea, the familiar nurturing governess once more.

Pip chose that moment to hop onto my lap with a disgruntled chirp. He nuzzled against me, clearly displeased at being left out of the plan. I stroked his smooth head soothingly. "You'll have to stay home this time, Pip. We don't want any unnecessary distractions."

It wasn’t just about distractions. Pip’s jealousy could complicate things if we were trying to charm people who might be suspicious of our intentions.

Pip let out a soft, pitiful whine but didn't fight my decision. He curled up on my lap, sulking but resigned.

Sofia chuckled, giving the drake a fond look. "He'll get over it. He pouts when he's not the center of attention. And he would be, if the other mages saw him. Rather than your questions."

I sighed, my thoughts whirling. Between Benedetto's obsession, the dangers Sofia warned of, and now this cryptic plan our father had for Rose, the walls were closing in. I had to protect my sister, no matter what it took. Even if it meant keeping secrets from my own husband.

I glanced at Benedetto, noting the determined set of his jaw, the fire in his eyes. He was a man on a mission, single-minded in his pursuit. Part of me admired that drive. But another part feared where it might lead us. Would my magic really prevail in thelair of a Sorcerer? Sofia had never spoken before with such grim warning.

Vivaldo would pay for threatening Rose, even by the proxy of a friend. Perhaps the threat of our father had been a lie to spur me to action. I'd do whatever I must to keep her safe, even if it meant walking into the dragon's den itself. With my magic and Benedetto’s wit as our only armor.

I squared my shoulders, resolved. One way or another, I would find a path through this tangled web.

No matter the cost.

The scent of lemons enveloped me as we approached the mage Calia's villa. I inhaled deeply, letting the bright citrus notes mingle with the salty sea breeze. The house was a vision of white marble and climbing ivy against the azure sky, the gardens even better kept than the Imperial palace’s.

Calia stood on the steps, her shoulder length dark hair rippling in the wind. She was sturdily built, wearing clothing better suited to gardening than to visitors. "Benedetto d'Alvarez. And his lovely wife." Her voice was like honey, rich and smooth. "To what do I owe the pleasure of a visit from an imperial scion?"

I stepped forward, my smile practiced and perfect. "We've heard much about your abilities, Lady Calia. Benedetto has been considering developing his gift, and we thought we'd seek your counsel."

Calia's eyebrow arched, skepticism flickering across her face. Her full lips pursed. "Training your gift, Lord d’Alvarez? I never took you for the type. Self-discipline and drunken brawls don't go hand in hand."

Benedetto's smile was self-deprecating. He was playing his part well. "Perhaps it's time I stopped running from it."

I watched Calia's reaction. A flicker of curiosity crossed her face, mixed with sadness.

Sad didn’t fit. What had prompted it?

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