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"What can you tell us about the Heartless Basin?" I asked.
Liam sat back in his chair. "Honestly, if the Preying Wilds are dangerous, the Heartless Basin is a death sentence, even with a spryke. Centuries ago, the area belonged to the Druids — or spirit mages, if you want to be technical. But it's so infested with wraiths and other monsters now that not even the Shifters or Berserkers go in there anymore."
That's exactly what Frexin's report said, and it was why we needed those damn mechs. Fuck. "Well, at least we can rely on Jaiel's monster to gobble up any wraiths we encounter."
"And the spryke," Liam said. "You'd be shocked how helpful they are."
Actually, I wouldn't. Not after what I'd seen in Gleyma. But he knew that. "No. We won't be taking your spryke."
Liam's eyes widened. "Absolutely not. You must —"
"We don't need one," I said, voice stiff. "And your village needs every one you have left. We will not be responsible for worsening your situation."
He eyed me, then Jaiel, who just shrugged and nodded agreement, before finally sighing. "Fine. But even without the wraiths, the other creatures in the Basin are a real threat. If you end up there, you must locate the hermit. He's ancient and very eccentric, but somehow unaffected by the monsters. He's your best bet to survive that place."
"Perfect!" Jaiel said, grinning. "See, Princess? I told you Liam here would have a solution."
I rolled my eyes, and Liam shook his head. "Unfortunately, I haven't seen or heard from him in over a decade, though. In fact, I only even know about him because of a trip my parents took to visit him when I was young. If you can find him, though, he might be willing to help you. I'll mark the spot on the map where I remember finding him." Liam unrolled a map and reached for a pen.
"You found him?" I asked. "Does he not have a home?"
He nodded without looking up from his work. "As I said, he's very reclusive. It's rare that anyone sees him, let alone someone trying to find him. Your best bet, as I said, is to avoid the area entirely."
He rolled up the map and put it back with the others.
Well, it was a solution … but certainly not a good one. Still, it was more than we had when we'd entered this room, and hopefully it wouldn't even be necessary. Gods willing, tomorrow, we'd reach the support team and move on with the mission safely.
Speaking of …
Liam and Jaiel were staring at the wall, seemingly deep in thought. We had our answers, and they were distracted.
This was my chance to escape before the betrothal came up again.
"Thank you for your help," I said, picking up the rolled maps and tucking them under my arm.
Liam nodded, then opened his mouth to speak, but I pushed on quickly.
"Well," I said, turning on my heel and stepping away. "I'm exhausted. Best I head off for bed. If we're going to reach the liaisons before nightfall tomorrow, we'll need to have an early start. Have a good night, you two."
I made it two steps toward the door before strong fingers wrapped around my arm, and I looked back to see Jaiel staring at me with narrowed eyes.
Fuck!
He mouthed the words "nice try," and with a wicked smile turned back to Liam. "I think Miss Maderoth almost forgot that she wanted to talk to you about something very important."
"Important?" Liam asked, green eyes widening. "What is it?"
"I — What?" My heart raced and my cheeks heated as I shook my head. "No. Prince Kierstall is wrong. I need to head to bed. He was the one with some important questions."
"Hmm. That's not the way I remember it." Jaiel cut in. "I believe she had some questions about your betrothal?"
Fuck! That bastard knew I was going to run. Gods be damned.
Liam looked at me, dark brow furrowed. "My betrothal? What about it?"
So close — I'd been so damn close!
Letting out a slow breath, I cast a longing glance at the door, then forced a smile. Jaiel was going to pay for this …
