Page 117 of Ruthless Scoundrel
Not as if this mission wasn’t difficult already. Murder a power-hungry false king and rescue mind-controlled selkies without a layout, an escape plan, or anything else. Now we don’t even get to communicate with one another clearly.
“I do hope they have chocolate in the spread. It’s one of my favorites,” I say.
“I would love a bit of chocolate,” Jasper replies, his arm squeezing me tighter against his side.
There’s no code now, we’re just trying to fit in and not get plucked from the procession before we find out where we’re going. Will they restrict our magic once we get there? We can’t allow that to happen; it would certainly be our death.
“If they try to give us bracelets, I think we should decline. I have the bracelets you gave me back home, and I don’t need any more,” I say in the least elegant code ever. I could not be a spy, that’s for certain.
“BraceletsI gave you,” he says with a scowl. Gods, he doesn’t know the word…
“Well, they’re not the most beautiful, but they’re a reminder that we’reboundtogether, and I like that.”
He hums and nods. “Those are the only bracelets I want you wearing. If they offer you any, we will decline together.”
By the grace of the gods, we’re planning. Not much of a plan, but we’re at least both in step with what comes next if they try to chain us.
The long hall ends at an elaborate, winding staircase that disappears into the ceiling twenty feet above us. The railing is carved to look like an angry sea serpent. Its jaw is openedwide, and sharp teeth threaten each guest that approaches. Two garnets sit in the eyes, glinting with bloodlust.
A chill runs down my spine and I hold Jasper tighter as we ascend the stairs. I want to destroy the entire palace, not just the king. This place is evil, just like Fynren Palace. I’ll have it destroyed, too.
The chatter in the stairwell has my fraying nerves at the edge. My body itches to move, run, get away from here, but I keep my breathing deep. I keep my heart calm and my mind sharp, just like Jasper taught me.
The opening to the entertainment hall is flanked by two golems. They’re holding serving trays of champagne flutes filled with an oily gold liquid. They hand a glass to each guest as they pass into the room. Jasper and I take ours with fake smiles, and I say something mindless to him about the beauty of the palace.
When my eyes track back to the room ahead, I freeze.
It’s dark, lit only by flickering red candles. The walls are covered in malicious runes that turn my stomach and raise the hairs on my neck. There is no balcony, no windows, and only one door beside a raised altar on the other side of the evil chamber.
Vansen stands behind the altar like a priest of Zephrom giving a sermon. His magic flows up the wall behind him to a massive magus crystal that hangs above us. It’s fueled by his power, and strings connect to the ten golems standing watch.
The king speaks Illyan in a booming voice that gets my feet working again. My Illyan is basic, and I didn’t understand a thing. He grins, raising his arms, and this time I do understand him. “Welcome to the end.”
Chapter thirty-five
Jasper
The false king just called us all sacrifices, and yet everyone is smiling.
What the fuck have I gotten us into? How long do I wait to act? Clearly, we’re all in danger here, but I need an opportune moment to strike, and Reina needs to be ready.
“In just a few moments we will toast the dark goddess Ashai and ask for her power. When the moons join and the eclipse begins, we will be able to reach her in the ninth hell!”
The lords and ladies clap delicately as they hold their drinks.
“Ten seconds,” Reina says as she claps.
I catch the subtle glow of her magic beneath her skin in her off-hand.
Nine, eight, seven…
The dreadful bastard goes on, but I don’t hear a word. I breathe deep and feel the pistol tucked away inside my arm. I’ll shift as soon as she fires and follow her attack with my own.
Four, three, two…
Reina shifts her stance, bracing for a powerful blast.
“Drink, my sacrifices, and let your souls become fuel for my power!”
