Page 41 of A City of Hearts and Feathers

"Your father was far better at magic than he let anyone believe," he said as Zoe showed him the bundle.

"I can't open it here. I'll get muck all over it," she replied, clutching the book closer.

"And every supernatural creature in the vicinity will feel its presence," Kahil added. He looked at the chewed-up earth around the tree's base where the roots had resettled. "I can't wait to tell Arslan about this."

Zoe was looking forwardto getting home, washing up, and then unwrapping the treasure that Oman had left her. That idea went out the window as soon as Kahil opened the shop's door and found a black envelope with her name on it.

"Fuck," he whispered and bent to pick it up.

"What is it?" Zoe asked.

"Trouble. It would seem that the other side is trying to beat Lydia to you," he said, passing the envelope to her.

Zoe opened it and took out a card. It was an invitation for that night to a club called theDionysianwith an address in Ortaköy. On the back was written in silver ink:

Zoe,

Looking forward to making your acquaintance. Bring Aurelio with you,

Akamos

Zoe held the card up to Kahil. "I don't even know who Aurelio is?"

"It's me. Akamos is being a dick," he replied with a roll of his eyes.

"Okay, but I still don't know whybaba'sold chess buddy would want to meet with me, especially at a night club."

"He's not just Oman's chess buddy," Kahil said, trying not to laugh as he read the note. "He's the leader of the dark ones here in Istanbul."

Zoe swore. Of course he was. "Anything else I should know?"

"Probably a lot of things." Kahil passed her back the invite. "The most important thing is that you are going to need a dress."

Zoe really didn't want to go clubbing, but she knew they didn't have a choice. She doubted the dark would play stupid games like Lydia's followers. "I'll call Azi."

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Kahil left Zoe to get ready after Emre had dropped off a dress provided by his sister. He had been on his way to a night study group and had teased Zoe about clubbing mid-week.

When Zoe had disappeared into the bathroom, Emre had given Kahil the eye and said sternly, "Protect her in that fucking viper pit. She's too sweet for what she's walking into."

"Nothing will happen to her. I don't like it either, but you know this is about as polite as Akamos is going to get," Kahil had replied, crossing his arms.

"I know. Just look out for her." Emre had smiled slyly at him. "She likes you, you know?"

"And what makes you think that?" Kahil had said, warmth spreading through him.

"I can tell. Also, she told Azi she's crushing on you. Maybe the night won't suck so bad if you make it into a date. That is, if you can remember how to be charming?"

"Are you trying to play matchmaker, kid?"

Emre had shrugged. "I want Zoe to be happy. For some unknown reason she likes your grumpy ass, so maybe youshould think about taking the risk. She might be able to put a smile on your face."

Emre had headed out, leaving Kahil even more nervous about the night ahead. He could be charming; he was sure of it. It had just been a while like everything else.

The bathroom wasn't big enough for both of them to get ready, and he wanted to pick up some more weapons before they headed out to the club, so Kahil went home.

The Order's apartments were busy with members returning from a job in Alexandria. He smiled and nodded at a few but hurried up to his own apartment without stopping to chat. It wasn't like he didn't have good relationships with them all; he just didn't really have friends.

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