19. Syrus #3
Lady Jing reluctantly nods in agreement. “Despite her human limitations, she would be a better spy than a demon for this. The Concords are no barrier to her. She can antagonize the ephilium without fear of consequence. It’s an interesting loophole, Lord Syrus.”
I can sense a vague thought from Leah, something about how being burned to death by an ephilium counts as a consequence in her book. But I don’t focus on it right now, throwing Kaliban another warning look when he scoffs at Jing’s words.
Damein shuffles their hands inside the voluminous fabric of their sleeves. “But even the most finely crafted of cups may crack,” they say.
“Yes,” says Jing. “It’s only a cunning plan as long as you take the necessary precautions to protect the vessel.
It wouldn’t be worth the trouble if she burned out before we have the answers we need.
Then on top of that, you’d be forced to deal with some tiresome bureaucracy because you technically killed her.
If the Stratans got wind of it, you could guarantee the ephilium would too. ”
I glance at Leah, glad that we’re having this conversation in Cyrax so she can’t—
Then I realize what a moron I’ve been. She reacted when Jing suggested we torture her, didn’t she?
And again when we talked about her being useful.
She’s understood everything we’ve been saying this whole time.
Probably the only reason she knew this meeting was even happening was because Viz and I openly discussed it in front of her in the garden.
“Don’t worry,” I turn to Lady Jing. “We’re taking the necessary precautions.” I say it even as I realize there are clearly some unplanned side effects of the possession link. Like her sudden understanding of Cyrax.
“This is ridiculous,” Kaliban says, shaking his head.
“A demon lord should not be bound to a human. It’s degrading.
If you want human spies, Kaldare, just have your snares make their deals and possess the mire folk as and when it suits you.
” He draws his sword, as casually as if he’s pulling his coin purse from his pocket, and gestures to the Rancorite still holding Leah to come closer.
“I’ll do you a favor, Kaldare, and kill her for you, then this embarrassing bond will be broken, and you won’t have to—”
The rest of his words are drowned out by the Rancorite’s scream, because the moment he takes a step forward, a spear of shadow lashes out from my hand, whipping the knife he was lifting away from Leah’s throat and slicing across his arm so he releases her.
“Don’t touch her,” I order, the words thundering through the hall as the anger that’s been simmering within me reaches a boil.
The Rancorite clutches his arm, green blood running between his fingers.
Leah has taken her chance and darted out of the demon’s reach, shuffling closer to me.
But she wasn’t fast enough to prevent some of the demon’s blood from spattering along the cuff of her sleeve.
Her approaching me sends an odd pang through my chest—there’s something moving about the idea that she’d seek my protection.
There’s also something a little horrifying about how much I want to offer it.
“I suggest we let each man tend his own garden, Lord Kaliban,” Damein says lightly.
“If Lord Syrus decides this bond is too much of an inconvenience and wishes to kill the woman, he is more than capable of doing so himself.” Still, I see the way Liege Damein slides their yellow eyes in Lady Jing’s direction.
The two share a look that I have no doubt is about the violence of my outburst.
“Fine,” Kaliban snorts, throwing me a knowing smirk as he sheathes his sword. Yet it’s the look of total disdain he gives Leah, as if she’s an unpleasant insect, that sets my hackles rising. “Let’s see if this plan of yours plays out.”
“I hope it does.” Lady Jing says as she rises, making it clear she’s done with this gathering. “However, if you don’t get to the bottom of the lake’s problems soon, we may need to have another conversation, Lord Syrus.”
“Any excuse to have the pleasure of your company, Lady Jing,” I say with a bow. Her dark eyes glitter in amusement at my sarcasm before she sweeps toward the door.
“May we next meet sailing calmer waters, Lord Syrus,” Liege Damein says before following Lady Jing out. Kaliban has no parting words for me, only barking an order at his wounded soldier before striding from the hall.
I make to follow them out, wanting to make sure Quill and his guard see them all safely cross the domain borders.
I don’t want anyone taking any detours, especially not near the lake.
But before I step through the door, I glance over at Leah, remembering that she still has a lot of explaining to do.
“Don’t go anywhere,” I order, momentarily wrapping my magic around her muscles and freezing them in place for emphasis. Through the possession link, I feel the burn of her outrage, and along with it a little pinch of pain.
I hesitate, searching for the source of the discomfort, and drop my eyes to the hand rubbing her wrist. There’s a bright red rash already forming there, and it’s only when I’m out of the room I realize that’s exactly where the demon’s blood dripped on her.