Page 103 of Mostly Shattered

“It’s over.” Mortimer turns to Chester, his jaw tight. “The engagement is off.”

Chester’s face turns a deeper shade of red, and his fists clench so tightly that his knuckles turn white. He shakes violently, teetering on the edge of a full-blown tantrum. “This is ridiculous. You will be hearing from the tribunal.”

It’s all bluster. There is no way the tribunal would go against a wizard. From what I know of them, half the tribunal is probably made up of wizards.

“Perhaps you should see yourself out,” Astrid states calmly. “Give my regards to your parents.”

Chester doesn’t move to leave. Mortimer’s hand clamps down on his shoulder, pulling him back with surprising force.

“Good day, Chester,” Mortimer says, his voice low but sharp. He leads him forcibly to the elevator. “This matter is settled. Tell your father I expect the paperwork for that other thing we talked about in the next few days.”

Chester seems to deflate, his anger turning to a simmering frustration. “If you think we’re still making that deal?—”

The elevator closes and cuts off his threat.

I can’t say I’m surprised that Mortimer would have made some kind of side deal connected to all of this. At this point, I honestly don’t care what itwas. I’m not engaged to a creep. This day is looking up.

“That was unpleasant.” Astrid takes a drink and rubs her temple.

Zephronis comes toward me.

“Thank you.” I reach to take his hand. I can’t begin to convey how grateful I am for his unexpected support against marrying Chester.

“The alliance could not happen now.” He turns my palm to study the lines. Then, balling my fist, he taps it lightly before letting go. His eyes glow as he looks at the amulet. “I was not sure you would survive. I am glad to see you prevailed.”

“I’m just glad it’s over.” I give a nervous laugh. “I’m ready for some peace and quiet.”

The wizard looks at me with pity.

I want to ask about it, but Mortimer demands suddenly, “What are you doing here?”

We all turn to him in surprise.

Elder Leviathan appears gingerly, carrying a small satchel in both hands. The necromancer is in a dark, floor-length cloak with openings for two black sleeves. The last time I saw him was at my birthday party. He gave me a creepy ring shaped like an eyeball. Apparently, they’re the underworld’s version of a spy cam. I have it wrapped in a washcloth and shoved deep in a drawer where there is no chance of him spying on me. If it were anyone else,I’d have declined it, but when an elder from the Sacred Delegation gives a present, the recipient should know better than to refuse.

“Was that you in the elevator before?” Mortimer asks.

“Yes, apologies for the distraction. It’s best to sneak up on the restless, and I wanted to pick this one up before it recovered from the energy drain.” Leviathan answers with a small lift of his satchel. “Sorry for the intrusion. This one won’t be giving you any more trouble.”

I move toward him. “Is that…?”

“One vengeful spirit,” Leviathan answers. He looks at the elevator. “Mortimer, if you wouldn’t mind?”

“Of course,” Mortimer calls up the elevator for the necromancer.

“Conrad?” Anthony asks, pushing from the couch. “I want to see him.”

“Anthony don’t strain yourself,” Astrid orders. She waves at Leviathan to bring the satchel forward.

The necromancer carries the bag and sets it on the table beside my presents. Gingerly, he opens it and reaches inside. A red glow flashes and reflects off his face as he lifts a large, round crystal. Streaks of red dart around inside it, bouncing off the walls of the prison. I stare into the crystal’s depths and get aglimpse of Conrad’s face. It’s like a reflection, temporarily flashing against the circular edge.

The elevator dings and Mortimer rushes over to hold the door open.

“That’s enough.” Astrid motions for Leviathan to put my brother back in the bag. “Please get it out of here.”

Guilt fills me to see him like this, but I don’t know what else we can do with him. At least he can’t hurt anyone.

“Oh, Conrad,” Anthony whispers with a shake of his head.

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