Then she vanished in a cloud of smoke.
“Like what?” I forced myself to ask.
He drained his glass, setting it down with a decisive click. “Nothing you’d have access to.” He stood, straightening his jacket. “If you’ll excuse me.”
I watched him go, waiting until he disappeared up the stairs before finishing my own drink. Whatever Rava had taken from him, he hadn’t noticed its absence yet. But he would soon.
I settled my tab and headed outside, scanning the street for any sign of her. Nothing. No flash of red skin, no hint of cinnamon and smoke in the air. Just empty sidewalks and the distant sound of laughter from the brewery down the street.
She was gone. Again.
This time, the betrayal cut deeper. I hadn’t expected her to stay, not really. But because for a few moments there, between the lies and the act, we’d connected. When she’d spoken of freedom, of making her own choices, some foolish part of me had hoped... what? That she’d wait? That she’d include me in whatever came next?
I stared into the darkness, the ghost of her kiss still burning on my lips. Whatever game she was playing, I was just a pawn. A useful distraction. Nothing more.
And now she was gone, taking even that with her.
RAVA
I materialized in my shitty apartment, a lost ifrit relic clutched in my fist. I collapsed backward on the bed, adrenaline singing through my veins.
I did it. I actually fucking did it.
Triumph surged through me. For once, no one was around to question whether I was capable, whether I could handle myself, whether I was suited for anything involving a hint of danger. No Kaz ordering me to safety, no Malak worrying himself sick,no Zane threatening to lock me away where I couldn’t cause trouble.
For once, I’d done something dangerous completely alone, and succeeded.
I let the chain unwind from my fingers, swinging a heavy pendant above my nose. Ancient infernal-forged gold cradled a hellfire opal, intricate runes etched into the setting that made my skin crawl.
My tail lashed behind me as I examined it. The stone pulsed with an inner fire that matched my own, like it recognized me. Or more likely, recognized what I was. The itch at the back of my neck intensified in a warning. This wasn’t just any pretty piece of jewelry. This was a control device, designed to bend ifrit to the will of whoever wielded it.
No wonder Javed wanted it.
The thought of his name sent ice through my veins, despite the heat of the pendant in my hand. With this, I could negotiate. With this, I could buy my freedom.
But the triumph tasted hollow. All I could see was Zral’s face through the window as I vanished. The hurt in his eyes. The betrayal.
“Shit.” I slumped against the wall, letting my head fall back with a thud.
He’d been real with me. Talking about his clan, his work, the pride in his voice when he described his carving. Meanwhile, I’d fed him half-truths and misdirection, using him like a tool before tossing him aside.
Was this what it meant to be a Kadhan mercenary? Was this how Kaz did it? Burned everything real inside himself as fuel to complete a mission?
My tail whipped against the floor, agitation building under my skin. I didn’t owe Zral anything. He was just a means to an end. A convenient distraction. Nothing more.
So why did my chest ache?
“You just couldn’t leave well enough alone, could you?”
I leapt to my feet, fire flaring in my palms as I spun toward the voice. Lydia George stepped from the shadows of my kitchen, her sleek ponytail swinging with each deliberate step. The muscle from the market lurked by the door, blocking my exit.
“I was willing to let your little rebellion slide.” Lydia examined her manicured nails. “Who am I to question what another woman does to get by? But your continued interference in my business...” She clicked her tongue. “You forced my hand.”
My heart hammered against my ribs. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Don’t insult me. Did you think a little eavesdropping was all you needed for spycraft? Or that no one would notice red skin and horns hiding in the shadows?” She gestured to her muscle, who took a step forward. “Francis will silence that orc you’ve been playing with, and the royal guards are already on their way for you. Prince Javed will reward me handsomely for bringing his wayward fiancée to heel.”
The world dropped from under me. My lungs seized, refusing to draw breath. “How did you?—”
