Page 48 of A Vow of Wrath and Ruin

“Thank you,” Caiden said.

“I live to serve, my Lord.” She bowed her head in reverence to him, and his mouth went dry at the sight of her.

“I’ll meet you tomorrow afternoon in the archives then.”

“See you tomorrow.” She escorted them out of her chambers, back down the twisting staircases, and through the variousstudies. The smell of old books and leather made Caiden feel at ease.

A breath slipped between his lips as he and Roderick entered the crowded square.

“Somebody has a crush,” Roderick said, elbowing his friend in the ribs.

“She’s very pretty, but I meant what I said. We need to focus on the Wells, and then I can think about romance.”

Roderick clicked his tongue. “There is always time for romance. Even in battle.”

“Not all of us are honey tongues.”

“I don’t even need that gift. I’m attractive without it.” He puffed out his buff chest.

“Yeah, yeah, we all know you’re the most handsome of the group.” Caiden rolled his eyes at his friend. It was true, though. Anywhere they went, lustful eyes fell on Roderick. Between his height, masculine jaw, and piercing green eyes, it was hard to look away from him.

The capital city buzzed with energy as citizens went about their day, working and caring for children, oblivious to the evil lurking outside their doors.

“I’m scared, Roderick,” Caiden said as they turned down a cobblestone street lined with brightly colored townhomes.

Roderick let out an audible sigh. “I know what you mean. I am afraid, too. Afraid I’ll never get to marry Amolie. Afraid there will be no home for our children. Or no children at all if we can’t stop what’s coming.”

“Let’s hope Ora finds something. Let’s hope Aelia and Tharan can find something as well.”

They stopped in front of a townhome painted a bright shade of pink with blue shutters. Roderick bought this place long ago when he was a bachelor. It was where he and Amolie met in secret before they came out as a couple.

“Ah, home sweet home,” Roderick said, turning the key in the lock.

“Like you don’t have another house in the Stormlands.”

“Well, you know what I mean.” He pushed open the door, and the smell of butter and roasted garlic filled their senses.

“Trinity, that smells good,” Caiden said, unhooking his cloak and handing it to Roderick.

“Caiden!” Amolie came bounding from the kitchen, wooden spoon in hand, curls spilling over a hastily tied handkerchief. “I’m so happy you could join us. Lucius has been regaling me with tales of his secret missions while we waited for you.” She gave him a warm smile and pulled him in for a hug. The smell of sage was still detectable on her skin under a medley of savory scents.

Roderick and Caiden exchanged knowing glances. Lucius never regaled. He only stated the facts and the facts alone. But sure enough, as they entered the kitchen, they found the wraith, wine in hand, leaning against the butcher’s block, his normally quaffed hair disheveled.

“Someone is having a good time,” Caiden said, pouring himself a glass.

“The world will end soon, and I can’t stop it. My shadows can’t stop it. So why not drink?”

“I don’t think I’ve ever seen you drink before, Lucius. How many have you had?” Roderick asked, chopping up a carrot for Amolie.

“This is my first time. Can you believe it?” He held up his glass.

“He’s only had the one,” Amolie whispered to Roderick.

Caiden rolled his eyes. “Why don’t you sit down? We’re about to eat.”

Lucius sipped his drink and slumped into a chair at the nearby table.

“I have to go on a mission tomorrow. I got a lead on Gideon and Erissa and want to check it out myself. My men do not know them like I do,” he hiccupped.

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