Page 62 of A City of Hearts and Feathers

Zoe put the folio into her satchel bag and out of sight. "What is it?"

"I don't know, but I'll feel safer once we get back to the Order." Kahil wouldn't lie to her, and he didn't want to freak her out either.

Zoe didn't question him, her fingers only tightened around his. "My bags are packed. Let's grab them and go back to your place."

"Hmm, I like the idea of you in my place," Kahil said, trying to lighten the sudden tenseness.

Zoe only rolled her eyes at him. "I agreed to go and stay at the Order for the library."

Kahil brought her in for a quick kiss. "You keep telling yourself that."

CHAPTER THIRTY

Arslan found them as soon as they stepped into the main chapel of the Order. Zoe had her clothing bag in one hand and her book restoring kit and bag of folios in the other. She didn't like leaving the bookstore. It felt like a retreat somehow. She didn't complain though, not after dealing with Lydia. The Order had more than just Kahil to ensure that she was protected.

"Zoe, my darling, I have been waiting for you," Arslan greeted. He gestured to Kahil. "Take her luggage away. Zoe is coming with me to the library."

"Did you two plan this ahead?" Kahil asked, taking Zoe's bag.

Zoe patted his arm. "No, but great minds think alike. I was actually hoping you would have a spare study desk in the library that I can use to put the codex together."

"You found the final piece?" Arslan said, face lighting up. "That's excellent news. Yes, of course we can find room for you. Kahil can keep himself busy."

"Can he?" the man in question said.

Zoe rose up on tiptoes and kissed his cheek. "Find me later." Kahil grumbled but didn't bother to try and stop them.

Arslan took her kit to carry for her and led her through an office at the back of the chapel.

"No going behind the statue of Anubis this time?" Zoe asked, making Arslan laugh.

"Kahil wanted to be dramatic. The truth is there are many ways in and out of the cisterns." Arslan opened a door at the back of the small office and flicked a switch. Lanterns flickered on, illuminating a staircase leading down.

"Can I ask why put so much underground?" Zoe said as she followed him.

"Istanbul has never been the most politically stable of cities. I wanted to ensure that if the top of the Order was destroyed, the true treasures would be kept safe," Arslan replied. "And we have more room to spread out down here."

"How long have you lived here?" she asked him.

Arslan smiled at her over his shoulder. "Too long."

Zoe took the hint and didn't press him for more details. They entered the main cistern from the opposite side than she had last time. She was glad Arslan was with her, or she would have been hopelessly lost in moments. Other Order members looked at her curiously, but none approached her.

"Why are they staring at me?" she whispered.

"You are the new Kartal. They can't help but be curious. Not only are you going to be the one to deal with the famous Sais Codex, but they also know Kahil is sweet on you."

Zoe's neck burned hot. "How do they know that? And why would they care?"

"The gossip in this city is ridiculous. They know about how overprotective Kahil has been with you as well. He's always kept to himself and been very private about any casual affairs he's had," Arslan explained, leading her through another archway and wooden boardwalk. The pillars in this section of the cisternswere carved with Medusa faces and shedu to ward off evil spirits. "He's in love with you, and that shocks them."

"He's what?" Zoe's foot snagged on a carpet, and she had to grab a wooden railing to stop herself from falling.

Arslan laughed. "You are surprised to hear it? I thought it was obvious."

"He hasn't said anything like that."

Arslan's golden eyes glittered with mischief. "Not to you. He'll build up the courage eventually. It's nothing to be worried about. He's doing the polite thing and letting you come to your own conclusions. Ah, here we are. Welcome to the library, or the Underworld, as we refer to it."

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