Page 27 of Riftborne
As I climbed to the second level, I found an iron door.General Laryk Ashfordwas etched into the front with gilded lettering.
Taking a deep breath, I shook off the nerves that had grown increasingly noticeable throughout the journey here. Before I could change my mind, I reached out and slung the heavy door knocker three times. There was no backing out now.
I waited. And waited. Maybe he wasn’t even here today. It was the weekend after all…
I had just put myself through the misery of this trek for nothing. Annoyance flooded me as I turned around.
Then I heard what sounded like shuffling inside, followed by a woman’s laughter. Almost immediately after, the door opened with a metallic screech. Out stepped General Laryk Ashford in all his pompous glory.
His copper hair was untamed, cascading down his chest and catching in the breeze. A disheveled black shirt laid open, revealing the chiseled contours of his abdomen. His trousers looked haphazardly buttoned. My eyes drifted down…
Dear Conleth. What had I interrupted? I might as well have come by last night.
A flush of shame spread across my face.
His emerald gaze locked on me. He didn’t even try to hide the smirk forming on his lips.
He leaned back against the doorframe and crossed his arms, cocking his head to the side in what I assumed was supposed to resemble feigned shock.
“You've arrived sooner than expected, and on a weekend, no less. I trust there hasn't been another incident.” The General looked towards the street, aloof. “I assume you’re here to accept my proposition,” he murmured. “It’s a wise choice.”
This was shaping up to be even more difficult than I had anticipated. I released a heavy sigh, mentally urging myself to stick to my promise to Osta and remain amiable. I tried to summon a kind smile, though it likely came across as a grimace.
“I see we haven’t yet lost the attitude. Perhaps that will be our first lesson.” He sighed, irritation creeping into his voice.
“Good luck.” My eyes widened. I hadn't meant to say that out loud.
“Yes. That’s going to be a problem.”
CHAPTER 10
The General casta glance inside his quarters, tilting his head as though signaling someone to leave. An attempt at an apologetic grin graced his face, though it appeared awkward and unfamiliar, as if rarely employed.
Seconds later, a brunette skipped out, kissing him on the cheek and making sure to shoot me a look of contempt as she breezed past.
I returned the sentiment with the same smile that I had afforded the General. Her eyes narrowed even more as she approached the stairs.
It occurred to me that perhaps some practice perfecting my facial expressions would be handy going forward.
It appeared the General could benefit from a few lessons as well.
“Are you here to guard my door?” His words cut through my train of thought. He leaned against the doorframe, shirt flowing in the breeze. I narrowly avoided eye contact with his midsection. Finally, he let out a loud sigh before sauntering back into his office, leaving the door open behind him.
“Do you want me to close this?” I questioned, following him inside. He waved his hand as he walked away.
Is that a yes?
Esprithe, he was rude. I showed up, presenting myself on a silver platter, and this is how he wanted to behave?
With all the petulance of a child.
Why was I not surprised? Wealth practically dripped off him. No doubt he grew up on some massive estate with doting parents and access to anything his rotten little heart desired. We were worlds apart, that was glaringly obvious. Expecting civility from someone who'd never known struggle, never understood isolation, was foolish. And dangerous.
A predator. That’s what he really was. If I was going to survive this, that truth needed to sink into my bones so far that I never forgot it. Any other behavior from him was a lie, just another part of the glittering facade.
The man who stood before me, who gawked and scoffed and nearly stomped his feet, who wove deceit into his goodbyes, and threatened Osta, and blackmailed me–that was the General.
That was Laryk Ashford.
