Page 37 of Death of the Glass Angel
“Janus named it. I put it there when I go to sleep, in case. . .”
“In case what?”
She gently returned the stuffed creature to the bedside table. “It belonged to Eros. Janus never sleeps without it.”
Talon stood straight, hearing the deceased prince’s name. The poor kid had only been ten when he’d died in a freak accident.
From a fire that should not have been able to start in a sandstone room. Lark had often wondered if there was more to the story, but no evidence turned up.
“I see,” Talon said. “I’m not half bad at stitching if you need someone to touch her up.”
“Would you believe this is the thing Janus takes the best care of?” Des chuckled. “I might take you up on that offer.” Her eyes darkened. “I’m going on a hike with Felsin, and I don’t want you to come.”
“I’m hurt. And here I thought we were getting along so well.”
Des made a sound of disgust. “As if I’d desire the company of either of those brothers. Did you see the way Brand treated me?”
“I caught the tail end of it.” Talon reflected on the odd expression Brand had worn. “He was ogling you, but also taunting you.”
“He was.” Des played with a strand of her hair.
“Want me to kill him?”
“That’s a little excessive, no? I’d rather you-”
“Shadow you on your hike?”
“You read my mind.”
“Can’t say I’m used to woods.” Talon unclasped his cuffs. “I’m a city boy.”
“I’m sure you’ll manage.” Des shivered. “This tea isn’t warming me as much as I’d like.” She glanced down at her bed and back at him.
Perhaps he shouldn’t have pointed out the stuffed dragon. He’d squandered the perfect opportunity to slip into her bed and secure her trust.
Seeing her clutch the little yarn dragon, Talon was glad the moment passed them by. Using people was easier when you knew nothing of the vulnerabilities they hid inside.
He’d bedded countless women to aid his job, and disappeared once they’d exhausted their usefulness. It should have been easy to do the same to Des.
But Talon didn’t want to hurt her.
“Need an extra blanket?” He asked instead.
“I’m fine.” Des shooed him off with a dismissive flick of her fingers.
Bowing exaggeratedly, Talon smiled at her. “Goodnight, my lady.” He glanced over his shoulder as he closed her door, noticing her tilt the dragon so its frayed snout could stalwartly watch over the bed.
11
Janus
For the last time, Alfaris does not appreciate when you diminish his talents down to fortune telling. For star’s sake, we never even got him to wear that silly veil.
-Private letter from Gemellus Instigo to Professor Aevus
Janus awoke in a daze, hair wild, and a pillow covering her face. As her vision cleared, she first noticed a stuffed dragon on the nightstand staring at her before registering Raja standing over her, arms crossed.
What an awful feeling. Janus felt like she had lain down for a two-hour nap and instead awoke a week later.
