Page 68 of Mikoto and the Reaver Village
“Not a lie,” Radiance quickly assured. “Misdirection. He’seasily distracted, especially when there are pups underfoot and pedigrees topuzzle together.”
Having grown up with foxes, Lilya understood the appeal ofsuch games. Ginkgo delighted in riddles and secret meanings and hiding thingsin plain sight. She found herself nodding, “What should I do?”
“We’ll fudge the introduction, and you mustn’t mention howyou know Ever.” Radiance waggled her eyebrows. “Youwantedto meetEver’s grandsire, didn’t you?”
That was true. She was curious if Glint Starmark was as niceas Ever’s Da.
“You will not lie, and I will not lie. And I think in theend, when all is known, it’ll make for a pleasant surprise.” She flicked herfingers toward the ceiling. “Or so the stars do sing and say.”
Lilya looked up. The entire ceiling had been decorated witha pattern of stars, both in silver and copper. She wanted to ask what Radiancemeant about talking stars, but the lady eagerly went on.
“First, we’ll lay a false trail!”
Which amounted to Radiance taking her into Denholm, thehidden city that most of the world didn’t know anything about. They spent theentire morning exploring its spires and bridges and gardens and shops. Radiancebought a parcel of pastries for Glint. “His favorite, and he’s ravenous fordays after a long sleep.”
She also insisted that Lilya choose new clothes.
“Scents,” Radiance explained. “We’ll give up the game beforeit’s begun if you go in smelling like the nice boys who keep you close.”
So their last stop was a bathhouse. The attendants were fromvarious songbird clans, and they couldn’t have been kinder or more flattering.By the time they were through with Lilya, her hair was wound into dozens oftight braids. It was just the sort of thing favored by wolves and battlers, andLilya couldn’t wait to send a picture to Mum.
“Thank you,” she said, for what seemed like the hundredthtime.
Radiance caught her hand and laced their fingers together. “Ifyou want to repay me, spare the odd hour for Snow. She may have grumbled, but she’stoo often alone.”
Which led to a quick side jaunt into another shop, where thelady purchased a bag filled with savory pastries. “Snow’s favorite,” she confided.“I’ll smuggle them in later. While you and Glint are away.”
“Me and him?” Lilya hadn’t heard that part of the plan.
Radiance winked. “Just follow my lead.”
They returned to the Starmark home, which was very nearly amansion, and Lilya could see that this was the trail Glint was meant to pickup. If he knew she’d entered through the front door, he might not notice that she’dfirst arrived through the back.
“Wander as you wish, then return to Myth’s pups,” saidRadiance. “Glint is awake and will return soon. I need to work quickly to getthe rest ready.”
Lilya poked her nose into a few of the rooms.
They were large and mostly empty, just like the many hallsand pavilions of the Starmark compound in Keishi.
Lyre, Lute, and Lore were ecstatic to find her returned. Lilyamay not have been a very good tracker, but she knew enough to lead the pupsinto a game of follow-the-leader that crisscrossed her old trail. And hopefullydisguised the fact that she’d begun her visit here.
“Shh!” she warned the cubs. “Do as Radiance says.”
Mere minutes later, an Amaranthine strode into the room. Hisstep checked at the sight of her, and his confusion was obvious. But then heshowed his palms. “Peace, girl-child. You have an interest in Kith?”
“I like them, yes.” She felt as tongue-tied as he looked. “Yoursare very nice, sir.”
Hands still framing his peaceful intentions, Glint walkedcloser. He was tall and broad in the same way as Ever’s Da, and his hair wasthe same kind of auburn—thick and wavy. But Glint’s skin was a rich brown, hiseyes were silver, and his manner was overly serious.
All three pups tumbled over each other in their eagerness toreach Glint, who lowered himself to the floor and gave them the attention theycraved.
Lilya didn’t know what to do, let alone what to say.
Then Radiance whisked into the room and beckoned to her. “Fearnot, my angel. He is not so gruff or so growly once you know him. And know him,you shall!”
Glint turned to his bondmate. “Growly?” He sounded hurt.“Are you afraid of me, little angel?”
Lilya had often wondered if she’d ever earn a pack nickname.Was this hers?
