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Manny looked confused, his furry brows knitting together. Elyse leaned in and whispered, “He’s trying to raise the dead.”
“Ah,” Manny said awkwardly, shuffling his feet. “Well, best of luck to you.”
“Thank you,” Mr. Grayson replied, beaming up at Manny. “But if all goes right tonight, I won’t need luck.” It was a wonder how he managed to hold so much vigor in such a frail body.
Belledieux smiled politely before moving on to the final guest. “This is Ymaritis,” he said, motioning to a man with dark hair and the most striking eyes—one blue and one silver. His skin was a rich shade of umber, not far from Killian’s, and his suit was impeccable.
“Lovely to meet you,” Elyse purred. “And what do you do?”
“My family owns all the mines in the Asterial Mountains,” he said in a deep voice, much like a growl.
Elyse had to keep herself from whistling. The Asterial Mountains covered most of the western half of Rhodan, and their mines were full of gold, silver, and nearly every gem known to man.
Manny looked around the room. “It’s likely your family’s sapphires that decorate this room,” he joked.
Ymaritis gave Manny an almost predatory grin. “That’s how Belledieux and I met, actually.”
Belledieux clapped Ymaritis on the back. “I wouldn’t settle for anything less than the best,” he remarked with cheer. His eyes lit up as he caught sight of something at the front of the room. “Ah, it appears our final guest has arrived.”
Elyse turned, curious to see who the last attendant was, and had to stifle a curse.
Jaime strode toward her, grinning wildly. “Sorry I’m late.”
Chapter 29
- Killian -
Killian sat inside the gaudy room in the inn, his knee bouncing without his realization. He knew it would be hours before Elyse and Manny were expected back, but he couldn’t help looking out the window every few minutes. What if something went wrong at the auction, and their true identities were revealed? Would Elyse protect Manny? The blood pact prohibited her from hurting him, but that didn’t mean she was obliged to keep him safe.
Of course she’ll keep him safe, Killian chastened himself. For all her faults, Elyse cared about Manny. She would do everything in her power to make sure they were all safe.
Sera came bustling into the room and pointed to the washbasin. “Get cleaned up,” she ordered. “We’re going out for drinks.”
She had changed into another dress, one much more scandalous than the delicate pink thing she’d been wearing before. This dress was black and low cut, hugging her every curve. A slit in the skirt emphasized her long, pale legs, which peaked out from the fabric.
Killian gave her a deadpan stare. “Does Manny know about this dress?”
Sera scoffed and put her hands on her hips. “Of course he does. His exact words were, ‘Now that is the kind of dress you wear in the City of Vice.’”
He let out a huff and returned his gaze to the window. “It doesn’t matter anyway. I’m waiting right here until they get back.”
“No, you’re not,” Sera retorted. “You’re driving me crazy, sitting there worrying. Take your mind off them for a while.” She picked up Killian’s bag and hurled it at him
Killian caught the bag and set it at his feet. “If I’m driving you crazy, you can go by yourself,” he said, letting his impatience show.
“And what would Manny say if anything happened to me while I was out on my own?”
Killian grimaced, knowing she was right. Manny would be furious. “Take Jaime,” he suggested, not ready to give up.
“He’s still resting.”
With a sigh, Killian turned to face her again. “You’re going to pester me until I agree, aren’t you?”
Sera crossed her arms over her chest and smirked. “Obviously.”
“All right,” he agreed. Groaning, he rose from the chair and trudged to the washbasin. “Just one drink, though.”
“We’ll see about that,” Sera crooned as she sauntered out of the room.
