Page 64 of The Dark Elf's Secret Twins

“It’s surprising for him, outside of this he’s the grumpiest bastard I know,” I laugh. “But he’s a good man.”

“Indeed. So listen, I wanted to talk to you about some miou business.”

It’s always the same with this guy!

“There’s a new assignment coming up and I need an expert opinion. You helped me out majorly with your input on my last debrief, so I figured you could lend a good hand here too!”

I have only a few moments to come up with an excuse. The last time we talked, it had been to get Lykan alone with Cyra. All of what I had suggested to Nasthyn was a fluke, an improvisation. There’s no way I’m going to be able to pull off the same stunt twice.

“Must we really discuss it at my friend’s wedding?” I say. “Come on, let’s just enjoy ourselves this evening. It’s not the place or the time for work.”

“Well, I’m afraid this is quite urgent,” he insists.

“Sorry, I won’t do it, not when I want to be there for Lykan. I hope you understand.”

“Ah, alright then,” he sighs. “No hard feelings. I suppose you’re right, I ought to ease up and enjoy myself. It’s not everyday that us miou get a day off.”

If Lykan’s right about you, you hardly do a thing other than push pencils anyway.

“Right, well I’m off for a dance anyway,” I quip, breaking away before Nasthyn has the chance to bore me some more.

I join in with the others, dancing in sync for a while. I sing aloud with them until my throat gives out. All the while, Ris keeps us entertained with his talents. Some time later, he leaves the dance area, as well as others. It seems like the time for partying is coming to an end.

I glance at Ris as he whispers something into Lykan’s ear. My friend then rises to his feet and whisks Cyra away, dipping inside their house.

Tell me all about it tomorrow my man,I think with a smile.

Turning to the others, I begin saying my goodbyes.

“Well, it was good to meet you,” I say to Ris. “I’ll be sure to watch a performance of yours one of these nights.”

“Come by the backstage area too if you’d like, I’ll tell the staff you know me,” he says as he rounds up the kids.

“I’ll try if Lykan doesn’t kick me out first!”

“See you soon,” he laughs, shaking my hand before turning to the kids. “Okay guys, Mom and Dad are going to celebrate by themselves tonight so you two are coming with me.” I turn to the table, eyeing up the last slice of cake. Skipping to it, I stuff it into my mouth and wipe my face with a handkerchief.

Time to get out of here.

As I head for the exits, Kerym and Demethys appear out of thin air, waving their hands to grab my attention.

“Hey Braythe, we just wanted to talk to you about your station. You’re keeping an eye on the theater district tomorrow, right?” asks Demethys.

“Sorry guys, I’ve got to go,” I respond, not stopping as I walk past them.

“Hey wait,” says Kerym. “We just want to-”

I slip out of the exit and hurriedly break into a fast walk out of the estate.

Phew, that was a close one.

I make way for the city, heading for the nearest bar. I’m in need of another drink after such a close encounter. One miou was already enough to handle, but two at once may have proved too much for me to uphold my cover. Still, I do a damn good job at concealing myself.

Some time later, I’m sitting alone at the counter, enjoying a glass of zhisk when a drunk elf comes up to me.

“Hey,” he slurs. “Do I know you from somewhere?”

“I don’t think so. Leave me be.”

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