Page 32 of Death of the Glass Angel
Though Des couldn’t see his eyes, she could feel the glowering look Felsin shot his brother. Talon sucked in air through his teeth.
“What?” Des whispered.
“Ancestors are sacred here,” Talon explained. “Saying that is like cursing Ellaila.”
Des nodded. Everyone would stop and gape at you should you say such a thing in the streets of Piona. The tension downstairs grew until Dinu broke the silence.
“So, Felsin.” Dinu paused to drain a mug. “How’s the business going?”
“For the last time, Dinu, I’m not a fortune teller.”
“Well, if you aren’t swindling people, you might as well take it to Valeria.”
“Why would anyone want to go to Dragos?” Felsin asked. “Your country is always on fire.”
“That’s part of its charm,” Dinu said fondly, hardly looking as he tossed another perfect shot.
Des furrowed her brow. “He’s cheating.” She whispered.
“How can you tell?” Talon asked.
“I saw his hands. They glowed just before he threw. The dart striking the target is an evoked fake; the real one is tucked behind his back.”
“Sharp eyes. I’m impressed.”
Hiding a smile, Des made herself comfortable.
“Nobody at Valeria would take me seriously.” Felsin continued their earlier conversation. “Besides, I don’t mind being its only wielder.”
“That’s fair.” Dinu shrugged. “I don’t believe you either.”
Avalon snickered. “You should give us another, for old time’s sake.”
Everyone turned to look at Felsin expectantly. Des caught a flash of annoyance in golden eyes as Felsin threw up his hands. “Fine. I’ll pull cards after the hunt.”
“Atta boy.” Brand slapped his brother’s shoulder.
The conversation resumed as a second round of drinks arrived at the table. The odd behavior the boys had displayed at the ball was absent now. Their ire had been directed solely at Des.
“Still hoping to convince Paulus to attend the hunt?” Dinu asked.
“Yes, but I’m not going anywhere until we’re tied,” Avalon growled. The box of darts was nearly empty.
“I can extend an invite,” Felsin said, grabbing his scarf from the back of his chair. “You’ll be coming, Dinu?”
“Ash and cinder, no.” Dinu denied.
Chuckling, Felsin strolled out of sight. Des heard the door creak open. Pushing off the railing, she whispered to Talon. “Let’s get back.”
“Satisfied?” He murmured, trailing behind her.
Climbing out of the hatch, Des searched for a path down to the street. There was no need for secrecy on the return journey.
“If Heras or one of her family ordered the assassins,” Talon whispered. “They’d hardly mention it to others.”
“That’s not why I followed them,” Des said. “It’s useful to know how people act when you aren’t around. And Heras’ sons treated me differently from everyone else.”
Talon eyed her curiously, then smiled knowingly at her. “Oh, you do this for everyone, don’t you? Your guards, your brother, your father. . . that tutor of yours, even the servants?”
