Page 1 of The Demon's Discovery
Prologue
VASSAGO
October
“The piece is dreadfully important to my…ourfamily, you see,” the duke explained, face solemn, as he reached for his goblet of wine after passing me a sketch of a necklace with an oval gem. The design, particularly the scrollwork around the setting, reminded me of my new sister-in-law’s own heirloom. “Sadly, it’s been missing for years. It would mean the world to have it safely back in our possession.”
I didn’t regret coming to Revalia, as it had reunited me with my brother and presented a new wealth of opportunities, but I was beginning to question my own judgment in accepting a proposition, sight unseen, from a duke who had ethics that were, at best, questionable. The lost relic they’d dangled as payment proved entirely too tempting, however, so now I had to see things through.
I pushed my wine out of reach as I looked around the den. Twice already, I’d automatically taken a sip only to be sorely disappointed by the bitter offering in my cup. Hanging on thewall were portraits of the duke, his wife, and a young child with yellow hair. There were several conspicuously empty spaces as well, as though decoration of the room had never quite been completed. Or perhaps the record of someone else had been removed.
“Well, I’ll certainly give it my best effort. I’ve heard of similar-looking pieces in the area, so hopefully yours can be located.”
“Yes, we’ve heard the same.” Henrik nodded, a hopeful gleam in his beady black eyes.
The duke was clearly new to his money and title, all too proud to showcase his gems and finery without cause or decorum. One ring, perhaps the one with a square ruby and tiny diamond at one corner, would have sufficed. Instead, he wore different rings on six fingers and both thumbs, all obviously just for show.
I fought the urge to roll my eyes at his wife for similarly stacking her necklaces while I held a conversation with them both. “You previously mentioned two daughters, unless I’m mistaken?” They both stiffened and shared a glance that told me I’d asked a question which made everyone uncomfortable. “Forgive my nosiness, but I only see one in the portraits.”
“We only have one daughter. The other girl is just an employee. A former ward,” Lara was quick to say, tossing an accusatory glance at Henrik, as though this was a long-standing point of contention. “Henrik coddled her a bit too much when she was younger, but we’ve long since had that issue straightened out.” Henrik patted her hand, mouth pinched tight.
“I see.” My curiosity where this ward was concerned increased at least five thousand percent. The smug look on Lara’s face told me she was beyond pleased with having won this disagreement between them. “Will I be meeting your daughtersin the near future?” I reveled in the way Lara’s eye twitched at my wording.
“They’ll be at our country estate until summer,” Henrik explained. “We’ve only returned ourselves to address several issues with the house and make preparations for our season here. Hopefully, that can all be taken care of quickly. And we’re so glad to meet with you, while we’re in Revalia, of course!” Henrik gestured widely as if to flatter me with such attention. These people were suspiciously nervous and prone to wild mood swings. I couldn’t help but wonder if there was something more potent than wine in their cups. “I’ll be back frequently, in the interim.”
“Mm. I’ll need to interview all staff, as well,” I said, pleased by the way Lara blinked in surprise.
“Oh? What for?” Henrik asked, nervously clearing his throat and shifting in his seat. “I assure you, none of them will know anything about the necklace. It’s been missing… well, I’m not sure exactly, but they would never have had any contact with it.”
The more he fidgeted, the more positive I became that there was something to be investigated. “I’ve found it best to meet all members of a household—staff included—when any kind of item is being sought out. You’d be surprised the information I’ve gotten from seemingly unrelated conversations, the things I’ve found in unusual places. Many times, those responsible had no idea someone was looking for the item at all, nor that it held any value. Sentimental or otherwise.” The couple shifted in their seats, humming thoughtful noises at my assertion. I lifted my eyes from where they’d drifted to the sketch to find Henrik staring at me. I stared back. “And my payment?”
His smile faltered, and he looked away. “You’ll have access any time you come to this estate.” He rose and walked over to a massive ornate desk. Henrik pressed a specific series of pressure points on the top and front with his back to us, allowing a hiddencompartment to open. He drew out a heavy tome, and my heart began to race as he carried the book I’d sought for decades back to the table.
I forced my fingers to remain on the wood in front of me as he set it down between us. I took in the volume, noting that the green leather binding was in serious need of repair. Several pages were clearly no longer attached to the spine, spilling out at awkward angles along the edges. It seemed the ancient, hand-tooled metal latches were responsible for keeping everything together. I itched to lavish the priceless book with the attention it sorely deserved.
For the moment, I had to settle for being happy that the book, which I’d had and lost again for more years than I cared to admit, was quite literally within my reach. Which meant a potential cure for the curse the thief who’d stolen the book from me last had placed on me, was, as well.
“As I was saying, you’re welcome to view it any time, but it’s not to leave this room until you’ve delivered the necklace. After that, it’s yours to do with as you please.”
I cracked a grin, amused by the notion this man thought he had any kind of power over me. As if I couldn’t simply take my book and leave if I so chose. But I would play along for now. At least until I grew bored of this assignment and their tiresome personalities.
It wouldn’t take long.
He pushed the book toward me, inclining his head in invitation. “Please. I’d hate to see you leave today without at least looking at your prize.”
I gently tapped the cover with my fingertip, debating the wisest course of action. “How generous,” I soothed him, carefully unclasping the locks and inhaling the unique scent of old paper and ink as I opened the cover. A blast of images flashed into my mind—an incoherent assortment of memoriestrapped within the pages. I might never know which previous owners had left such a lasting impression, but I was grateful to them all.
“Several of my colleagues and I have looked through it, but it’s written in at least one language none of us can decipher. Though perhaps you have a translator for such a thing?”
“Mm,” I replied noncommittally.
The ancient script was perfectly legible to my eyes, and he had no idea the true value of the item he kept locked in his hidden drawer, though I appreciated his discretion and attempt at safety measures. I’d have to let Lilith know her grimoire had finally resurfaced; she’d no doubt be pleased to have an update on its whereabouts. I was thrilled to have it somewhere I could affirm its safety, in any case.
“It’s quite a fascinating collection, I’m sure,” I said, closing the cover. If I got started sifting through it, I was doomed to stay far longer than intended, and I didn’t want to let on how much it was truly worth to me. How Henrik had managed to get his hands on it was another mystery entirely.
With regret, I pushed it back toward him and stood, straightening my vest. There would be plenty of time to explore the invaluable information scribed on the heavy parchment in a language that kept it hidden away from human eyes all too soon.
As he took it back to the desk, I noted how he touched the piece of furniture and where.
