Page 91 of The Storm of the Empire

If that was true, this fae had a hand in many deaths, including the one we thought Kol had suffered. Yet something in Luka’s voice told me this fae’s influence still had a hold over him. Like he was someone to be feared—or worse, respected.

“So he will recognize you if we go in?”

“Yes,” he said, still unable to look away. “But we can use it.”

Once the male, Kalon, and his priest companions went inside the temple, Luka stood from his crouch. “Come on.” He made to leave the trees.

“Wait!” I hissed. “What is the plan?”

“We go in and act like we are there to worship and see what we can figure out.”

“And if you’re recognized? Who do we say I am?” He hadn’t thought this through.

“If they recognize me, keep your distance and continue to be a worshipper. If they don’t know we are connected, you’ll be fine.”

I had a sick feeling he was wrong, but what choice did we have? We were here to find some answers.

Luka stepped out of the tree line. “Just keep to yourself and observe. If we are separated, meet me back where we landed.”

I sent up a prayer to the Goddess as we crossed onto temple ground and tried to look like I was supposed to be there.

Luka went through the entrance, to the temple first, leaving me to drift in after him. He went off to the left, moving with purpose, and I wondered if he was looking for a set of robes he could appropriate to blend in better. I walked straight to the central statue of the Goddess and lit a candle as I would in any temple, allowing Luka time to find robes and become the priest in his repertoire.

The male Luka knew spoke in hushed tones with the two priests near the entrance. I hoped Luka was ready to perform because he was going to be recognized in this small temple. I just had to have faith he could Luka his way out of it.

But when he re-emerged from the side room he’d been in, he hadn’t found robes. He remained dressed in his leathers and stepped right out into the temple like he hadn’t a care. He walked with purpose and bowed his head to the male like an old friend.

“Kalon. It’s good to see you,” he said reverently.

“It’s been some time.” Kalon’s gristly voice came clear as day to my dragon ears

“That it has, sir. I trust you are well.” Luka straightened, nodding in greeting to the other priests and looking as easy as any male with his friends. He’d had more fear of the storms here than the murderer before him.

“Very well. To what do I owe the pleasure? Are you here with a shipment?” Kalon glanced around, like he was trying to remember something.

“We delivered the eggs a few days ago. I’m sure you got them,” he said as easily as he said good morning.

My blood ran cold.

“Right…but you did not leave with the ship?”

“No, we’re waiting for the next. We have time to spare. I hope you don’t mind. It thought I would see the work you are doing up here.” Luka looked him right in the eyes, not an ounce of fear.

Kalon leered at him, not responding for a long moment. “Not at all.” He sounded too nice. Too pleased with Luka. It turned my stomach. He hesitated, then turned back to Luka. “‘You know, if you want to change your scenery, there is always a place for you here.”

“Is there?” Luka didn’t act surprised.

“Yes. I’d love to steal a fae like you away. I’ve seen how hard you work, and I’m sure you are destined for greater things.”

“Greater things?” Luka asked with interest, and it made me shudder.

“Indeed. There are many opportunities within the cause for the right fae.”

“That sounds interesting. How long is the offer good for?” Luka leaned in, dropping his voice. Did he not want me to hear?

“Indefinitely. I could use you, and I can assure you this will be a lot more exciting than waiting around on ships and in temples, going where you’re told. You have the brains for it. Come find me when you decide you want more.”

“I will do that.”

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