Page 93 of Greed: The Savage
Dynevor came into position. With an infuriating slowness, he read the letter aloud.
My dearest sisters of the streets and heart,
As I know, you’re displeased by my prolonged absence—and perhaps more so by the fact I was first to enlist Master Bladesmith Kettering’s commission, right from under the noses of you and your chosen men.
Consider it jealousy well-earned; I always come first, especially with him, the ultimate maker of arms.
Delivered to me last week, my commission is fashioned of unusual steel, dark as pitch, meant to keep the members and employees of my club safe.
It is no idle boast when I say so; you know I speak only in facts and never in riddles.
Gleaming in its length, the long double-edged blade is sharp as a whisper.
Gaze upon it as I did, and you will see the mark that gave me pause: a crest of a serpent devouring a flaming apple.
Ominous, is it not? That serpent was once so tied to the Devil’s Den we banished its use entirely.
Recall the years when handling such a dagger meant blood was sure to follow.
Frantic to get the hell out of here, Thornwick glanced at the imposing clock.
You would be right to think this one forged for more than sport—it is a warning.
In truth, it is the sort of blade one wears to be seen…or remembered.
Some cuts are clean, as we all know, and this one will be.
Beware, dear sisters; fashion your own weapons of equal strength and power.
A message lies in the steel—there always does.
Bloody hell, I should have penned a blasted shorter one.
Care well in your dealings with Kettering. His work is meticulous but deadly.
Keep your silence, for the wise do not share their greatest craftsmen.
~SK
Dynevor inclined his head. In an apparent effort to drive Thornwick bloody mad, the earl yet again stayed him. “Your work is among the best,” he said, rare with praise. But this plaudit? It bore a shadowy underlining meaning Thornwick heard.
Because the other man meant for him to hear it.
Every nerve ending went on alert. For some reason, Thornwick wasn’t safe here, which meant Addien would be without the benefit of his protection.
The next words out of Dynevor’s mouth confirmed his suspicions. “I find it unfortunate this will likely be your last assignment here.”
Thornwick stiffened. “Say what it is and be done with it. Are you pushing me out?”
Addien. I need to get to her, now.
“See ye gone? I’d sooner keep ye.” Dynevor flashed a cold grin, tinged with the faintest trace of regret. “But ye’ll walk soon enough.”
A hard thump rattled his ribs.
“Stop circling the damn point and get to it, Dynevor?” he snapped.
The other man was stalling.
