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“What does she do to them?” I ask, horrified.
Leon searches ahead and then starts walking with more purpose. I drag behind him. “No one knows. And it doesn’t matter. They’ve served their purpose, and they’re her problem afterwards.”
I want to argue, but Leon squeezes my hand, warning me quietly. “This isn’t the time or place to discuss this. And there’s our lead.” He motions ahead at a small hut and beelines for it before stopping directly in front of the merchant.
I snap my mouth shut at Leon’s warning. He’s standing directly in front of me, so I try to peek around him. There’s a table lined with various weapons. I wiggle a bit from Leon’s hold to see who we’re here to speak to. I’m expecting more of the same blackened teeth, super creepy-looking types.
I could not be more wrong.
The man is stunningly beautiful. He’s slightly shorter than Leon, with strikingly chiselled features. His skin is dark, and his face is framed by luscious dark curls, both of which only accentuate his vivid emerald green eyes.
“Magnus.” Leon greets, his tone dripping with hostility.
“Leon. What a pleasant surprise.” The man’s tone, on the other hand, oozes charm and charisma.
Leon isn’t in the mood for idle chatter. “I’ve gotten word that you might know where we can find Morgana. I want that information.” Again, his voice is threatening.
I’m still stuck peeking behind him, trying very hard to be patient and not intervene. Leon likes me better when I play damsel and let him control situations.
My teeth grind against each other.
I can be a damsel. If Leon thinks threatening people is the best way to get information, then I should stay silent. He probably has way more experience than me. Still, his high-handed attitude seems like a stupid way to approach the situation.
My teeth might be ground smooth by the time we finish this mission.
Magnus is apparently unfazed by Leon’s tone. “I may very well have that information. But...” He starts, opening his arms as if to obviously indicate our whereabouts. “I am a businessman, Leon. Information does not come without a price.”
Leon growls in response, taking a step forward as he quietly answers Magnus. “Your payment is that I will not unleash my power upon you and all those around you this instant, you miserable leach.”
Magnus only smiles back, his tone now becoming threatening. “And how would Need and the council feel when those actions are reported back to them? I wonder. I doubt she’d be pleased to hear that her disgraced Destroyer let loose his power in their very own city. I’d tread carefully if I were you, Destroyer. In this political scene, some restraint may do you some good.”
As Magnus finishes his threat, Leon takes another threatening step forward.
Well, if I needed a cue that I’m not fit to be a damsel, this is it.
Enough is enough. We need a testosterone break in this exchange.
If part of this mission requires people skills, then it looks like I’m better suited to handle that part than Mr. Growly Pants. Stepping around Leon, I come face to face with Magnus. I hold his stare, refusing to show any kind of intimidation.
Because quite honestly, years of freeing the faceless have taught me how to bluff.
My tone is blunt when I ask him. “What is it you’re after as payment?”
At seeing me, Magnus’ face morphs into pure delight. Eyeing me with an intense curiosity, he takes a step closer as if to inspect me further. Leon’s hand goes to the hilt of his sword, and Magnus stops himself, clearly thinking better. His eyes return to me, once again turning on the charisma. “My apologies for being so forward, madam. But I am struck by your aura. Why is it that you taste so different?” He cocks his head, looking genuinely puzzled.
Again, Leon’s voice comes in a threatening growl. “Mind your own fucking business, shifter.
The shifter doesn’t even spare him a look as he keeps his eyes fixed on me. “I have information on Morgana’s whereabouts. My price is the answer to my question. Why does your aura taste unlike anything I’ve ever met?”
“Vivian.” Leon’s voice is low, still full of threat. It seems he doesn’t want me talking to Magnus.
I pause as I consider Magnus’s question. Even though Leon isn’t too pleased, I don’t see how giving Magnus this information will tell him anything that isn’t going tobe common knowledge soon anyway, especially after our visit to the council. “I’m from the mortal realm and I’m Leon’s Keeper,” I answer.
Magnus considers me, and his eyes narrow to slits. I realize at this moment that they’re very serpentine-looking eyes. “No, mortal. I’ve tasted both of those energies in the past. This…” His tongue flicks into the air, a distinct fork at the tip. “This is new.”
I pause again. “I’m sorry – I don’t know what else I could be.” I frown, unsure of what else he could be looking for, for an answer. I could mention the ghosts, but that might go over very poorly.
Only tell him things that are common knowledge.
