Chapter Sixteen
Cadence
“Who is this woman?” Callum asked, tension lacing his tone. “And how do we know we can trust her?”
Callum’s concern sparked between us like lightning, and I could hardly blame him. What I was proposing was tantamount to treason, and the penalty was always the same.
Death.
“Have faith, Callum. I would never put you at risk unless I believed this could work.”
My brother expelled a sharp breath, but he didn’t argue further.
Ever since the Wraith Borne attack, Eamon had been shadowing my every move. Anything more than a whisper was too risky, and Callum knew it.
Eamon teased and bumbled, always one to play the fool, but his keen amber eyes missed nothing.
It had been over a week since the attack, but Ryker refused to let me out of his sight without Eamon accompanying me.
My protests had fallen on deaf ears, and Eamon’s constant shadow had certainly fettered our plans.
But today would be different.
It had to be.
Beyond the high walls that surrounded the training yard stood a modest home, half-hidden by climbing honeysuckle. I ascended the two creaking steps, my boots stirring a fine layer of dirt, and rapped on the door. A waft of vanilla and warm dough hit me, and my mouth salivated in response.
When the door swung open, Melania was standing in the doorway, her blond hair tumbling to her shoulders, and her cheeks coated with flour. She wore a simple navy tunic and black trousers. Behind her, I glimpsed copper pots gleaming in the morning light.
“Cadence!” she said, beaming.
“Hello, Melania. I hope we’re not intruding.”
She waved me in, her gaze skimming over my shoulder until it settled on Callum. “And who is this handsome fellow?” She cooed, arching a brow in playful appraisal.
“Don’t let Malesh hear you say that,” Eamon said as he brushed past me and engulfed Melania in a tight hug.
“Refrain from opening your big mouth, and there won’t be anything to worry about.” She grabbed the towel draped over her shoulder and smacked Eamon with it.
“Don’t worry, Melania,” Eamon said with a grin. “You’re much more intimidating than Malesh.”
“As it should be,” she replied, her eyes twinkling with mirth.
I shook my head at their antics and returned my gaze to Callum, who still stood beyond the threshold, his hand cupping the back of his neck.
“This is my brother, Callum,” I said, introducing him.
“It’s lovely to meet you, Callum. Welcome to my home.” Melania ushered him inside. My brother followed, shifting his weight from foot to foot.
“Not that I don’t relish the company.” Her eyes darted to Eamon. “Well, all except that oaf.”
Eamon, busy stuffing his face with cookies that Melania must have just pulled from the oven, scowled at her.
“But what brings you here?”
I sighed, my shoulders drooping with the action. “Ryker won’t let me out of his sight, and it’s suffocating. I needed a change of scenery.”
“When will that man learn?” she muttered.
“I wouldn’t hold your breath,” Callum said, and Melania burst out laughing.
“I knew I liked this one for a reason.” She pointed to Callum, and his cheeks heated.
Judging by his expression, he hadn’t intended to say that out loud.
“Would anyone like some tea?”
“That would be lovely, thank you.”
Melania busied herself in the kitchen, and I glanced toward my brother, giving him a pointed look.
He cleared his throat awkwardly, and I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Subtlety was not his strong suit.
“So, Eamon,” my brother said. “After everything that happened…” he trailed off, his words failing him.
I groaned internally. We were off to a poor start.
“After the attack,” he clarified. “I’ve been thinking about taking up some lessons. You know, with a sword.”
This time, I couldn’t help cringing.
“From what I heard, you did pretty well with your earth magic.”
Eamon stuffed another cookie into his mouth, clearly not getting the hint. My eyes darted back to Callum as I shifted my gaze between him and Eamon, all but screaming my instructions.
“Thank you.” Callum hesitated. “But I was hoping I might still trouble you for some lessons. I don’t want to risk being cut off and defenseless if I face a situation like that again.”
I bristled at his words, and he gave me an apologetic smile as he shrugged.
Eamon seemed to consider Callum’s request. “No, I don’t suppose you would.” He lifted another cookie to his lips. “I’d be happy to show you some pointers,” he said between bites.
Callum smiled as he clapped his hands together. “Excellent! How about we start now?”
Eamon looked at me, then back at my brother, indecision written across his face. “I’m not supposed to leave Cadence unguarded. Ryker would have my balls if I did.”
“She won’t be unguarded,” Callum said in a rush. “We’ll be right outside. Besides, what trouble could she get into while she’s here? A burned tongue from her tea?”
I fought the scowl I wanted to throw at my brother for making me seem so incompetent. He was only trying to execute the plan as we agreed.
Callum’s words seemed to pacify Eamon. “You’re right.” He stood from the stool he had claimed at the breakfast nook and dusted crumbs from his tunic.
He turned to me, lifting both hands as if in prayer. “I’ll be right outside. If any warm liquids feel brazen enough to attack you while my back is turned, call, and I’ll come running.”
“I think I can manage,” I said, rolling my eyes.
Eamon clapped Callum on the shoulder as he steered toward the yard. “I’ll have you battle-ready in no time.”
Callum shot me an uneasy look, and I sent him what I hoped was an encouraging smile.
Once the door settled behind them, I turned to find Melania already staring at me. She folded her arms over her chest, her gaze patient but knowing.
“Now that we are alone, why don’t you tell me the real reason you came to visit today?”
My throat felt tight, and I swallowed nervously. “What makes you say that?”
Melania grinned. “Honey, believe me when I tell you, your brother, cute as he may be, is not cut out for life as a spymaster. He couldn’t have been more obvious.”
My stomach dipped, and I lifted my cup to my lips to calm my racing heart.
“Now spill.”