Page 108 of Death of the Glass Angel
“They pick gutter trash.” Talon’s face sharpened. “I was a half-dead orphan. Valkyrie doesn’t even remember her childhood. We don’t exist.”
“But-”
“So when we get caught, or when we go missing, they can’t draw connections to anyone, or any place. And the world will keep turning because nobody cares that we’re gone.”
Des wanted to respond, but the words welling up in her throat were foolish. ‘I’d care.’
Talon rose, and Des darted between him and the door. “Can’t you at least rest for a day? Do you have any idea how much blood you lost?”
“Do my eyes deceive me, or do you have a soft spot under that scaly hide?”
“I’m not a dragon.”
“You’re just named for one.” Talon grinned. “I did say that was adorable, right? Because it is.”
“You’re insufferable.” Des frowned. Her eyebrows drew together as she looked into his brilliant, purple eyes. “No, you’re not. I’ve never spoken to the real you, have I? That’s why you have a shadow, too. Up in the stars.”
“Don’t tell Felsin, but I still don’t buy it.”
“Don’t avoid the question.”
“I need to be going.” He stepped around her. “And you need to rest.”
Des placed a hand on his chest, a gentle touch, but it stopped him. “Only two people knew my name before I met you. Secrets for secrets. I’m owed.”
The corner of Talon’s mouth curled up. “And what would you have of me?”
Des traced the pattern of his collarbone several times over before she came up with an answer. “I don’t know.”
Softly laughing, Talon took her hand in his and raised it to his face. He gently kissed the curl of her fingers. “Goodnight, my lady.”
Defeated, Des let him go. He’d won another bout. That had been unfairly smooth.
Distracted, Des stared at the frosted glass of the window before realizing someone stood behind her. Gemellus leaned in the doorway, ankles crossed.
“What?” She snapped, a bit harsher than intended.
“Oh, nothing,” Gem smirked. “You’re adorable, is all.”
“Don’t tease me.” She pulled the curtains close.
“Oh, but it’s so much fun.” He stood straight. “I should have known you’d fall for a spy.”
“I’m not the kind of woman who falls.”
“Then why are you flushed from your collarbone to your nose?”
Des sighed. She had never snuck anything past Gemellus’ notice. “Talon is. . .”
“Charming, I’ll give him that.” Gemellus chuckled. “I’ll be here if you need me. And I’ll know if you sneak out the window.”
Des’s hands tightened on the curtains.
“So don’t, at least, not without my permission.” He nodded and turned away, drawing the door close behind him.
“Gem.” Des blurted out.
The door creaked back open. “Yes?”
