Page 4 of Wilds of Wonder
“I’m not offering you a drink,” I snapped. “Because you’re not staying.”
“But we have to talk.” Leoni grabbed my hands, and I shushed her, sending a glance behind me to my husband.
I never should’ve gotten involved with them, never should’ve helped them and the princess of the sky court on their little mission.
We’d met at the sky court castle a few months ago, I’d mistaken the princess as a commoner. I hadn’t told her my secret hobby, of course. But I had told her a lot about my passion for hunting and collecting historical objects. Then I’d gone and saved her life along with Leoni’s and Driscoll’s.
It had all been so stupid, put me on their radar, and now they were here. Jeopardizing everything.
I felt for the ring in my pocket again, wishing I’d had more self-control, but I never could help myself, not when it came to my obsession.
“Whatever you have to say, it can wait.” I sent a cursory glance around the room. “You can’t be here right now.”
Driscoll raised a finger and summoned one of the servants with a drink tray. He grabbed the drink and threw his head back, downing it in one gulp. “I happen to be an expert in parties.” He stretched his head to look behind him. “Honestly, this one’s looking a little dull. You might want me around to inject some life into it.”
I snatched the empty glass from his hand and set it on a small table against the wall.
“We can talk another time,” I gritted out. “Thank you for coming. Now you both need to leave.”
“The bone collector has the bolt,” Leoni rushed out.
I went completely still.
The bone collector. The bolt.
That was what she’d said.
I couldn’t form words. So it was real. The mythical bolt that belonged to one of the Seven Spirits. The one I’d been looking for. I’d been right. It existed.
My shoulders sank.
And now it was in the possession of the bone collector. My nemesis. A friendly nemesis, if I was being honest.
I couldn’t imagine how he found it. It stung that he’d gotten to it before I had. That he’d proven himself to be more clever, more adept, just more.
“My dear.” The jagged edges of my husband’s voice made me wince. “Is everything all right over here?”
“Yes.” I tried to keep my tone light. “Just welcoming our guests.”
Driscoll stepped forward. “Great party.” He winked. “And beautiful home, Lord Growley. Tell me, do you happen to have any more of those smoked eel kabobs?” Driscoll nudged his head toward a nearby man gnawing on one.
A small smile quirked my husband’s lips at the compliment.
At least Driscoll was charming. I couldn’t say the same for Leoni, who shifted from foot to foot, looking as uncomfortable as I felt. I prayed to the Seven Spirits that my husband hadn’t heard any of our conversation about the bolt. About the bone collector, who was well known among the frost queen and her circle. A conversation about him would raise far too many questions with my husband.
“Unfortunately, our guests were just leaving,” I said.
“But you just arrived.” My husband’s brows furrowed. “I hope my wife didn’t say something to upset you.”
“No,” Leoni burst out, and I rolled my eyes at the panic in her voice.
She was going to blow my entire life to pieces if she didn’t get it together.
“Are you okay?” My husband peered down at her. “You look rather pale.”
Driscoll waved his hand. “Oh, she’s lost that golden sheen after spending months away from Apolis. No, we were leaving because we’re very tired. We’ve heard such great things about the parties you throw and decided to come last minute, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint.”
My husband’s chest puffed out while relief spread across my own tight chest.
