Page 105 of Death of the Glass Angel
“Keep it that way.” Avalon peered down the hall at the dining room door. “We have five minutes or so until we reconvene. Time enough for me to get to know you a bit better. If you’re feeling up to it.”
“I can answer a few questions.” Des leaned against the wall, mind already racing.
She and Gemellus had much to discuss.
26
Des
I once longed for death. For an end. Alfaris appeared and everything changed. Here was a kid the world had thrown away. Who would protect him, if not me? I gave my life to shield those I thought lost. Those I refused to lose again.
-Excerpt from Professor Aevus’ private journal
An entourage of guards guided Des back to her suite, occasionally correcting her path when she veered off the road, distracted.
Janus could, for the first time, remember what Des said and did. Evoking yet eluded Des’ grasp, though. She could but piece together vague recollections of the dinnertime conversation.
Avalon seemed undeserving of mistrust. Her words had been straightforward, her questions in the hall polite and inquisitive. Dinu had chuckled to himself, staring affectionately at the blond woman’s back. And though he appeared more intelligent than he let on, he did not display an aura of deceit.
Relieved to be home, Des warmed her hands by the fire, watching Gemellus gather ‘essential items’, as he called them.
“I hope you weren’t too attached to Kalid,” Gem said. “I’ll be taking over his duties.”
Chuckling, Des glanced at her guard. He shook his head. “A rest from wrangling the princess? I’d never wish for such.”
The door flung open, and Talon entered. “You’re back.” He said, raking back his hair. “How’d it go?”
“Someone interrupted the party,” Des nodded toward Gem.
Noticing the court mage, Talon hastily bowed. “You must be Lord Gemellus. It’s an honor to meet you.”
Unrolling a scroll, Gemellus rolled it out across the table. “You must be the ‘merchant.’ Give me a hand.”
Smiling, Des stared into the fire. The sight of flames never bothered her, yet both Janus and Talon flinched from it.
What was the story behind Talon’s scars, she wondered. Would he answer if she asked?
“Alright. Come here.” Gem said, stabbing a dagger into the scroll.
Des leaned on the back of the couch. “Does that represent our assassins?”
“Do you like it?”
“I think you just wanted to be dramatic.”
The corner of Gem’s mouth turned up. “Nobody ever pulled off a heist without something being left behind. So let’s find it.”
Talon sat opposite Des, favoring his injured arm. Dipping a quill into ink, he drew two lines from the dagger, pointing to the names Janus and Felsin.
The names Gemellus and Alfaris appeared, with a line drawn between them, as well. Des looked up at her mentor. “Tell me about Alfaris. The fortune teller.”
“He would really hate being called that,” Gemellus said.
“Am I supposed to believe he has some kind of unheard magic?”
“He does,” Gemellus confirmed. “It’s nearly impossible to wield. Even with years of training, few could grasp the basics.”
“Can you?” Des tilted her head.
