In the silence and shadows, I'd tried to make sense of the Solhearts’ conversation, and Bláth's part in it. I was getting nowhere trying to piece this puzzle together in my head. Maybe she could help.
"If I'm right," I said, watching the golden woman walk back and forth. "These Solhearts instigated Killian and Ishii's death."
"I think so, too." Bláth glanced at me.
"Which means they have something to do with these attacks. But that’s?—“
"Impossible?" Bláth stopped. Her fingers flexed into a fist and loosened. "I have a terrible feeling it's not."
A horn echoed from the south. It was high and reedy, nothing like Aenir's war horn.
The men retreating from Minsawa must have arrived. I tensed, listening for the alarm bells to sound. For an attack to begin.
But silence fell over the snow-covered city.
I breathed out in relief.
"I knew you couldn't be trusted." I turned back to Bláth. "I'd say you're hiding something, but that doesn't begin to cover the amount of secrets you're keeping and the lies you're spinning, does it?"
"I could say the same about you.” Bláth folded her arms. "In fact, I'd bet you've been beyond the wall before, haven't you?"
"Even if I had, it has nothing to do with whatever scheme you're a part of."
"What if it does?" She took a step closer. Warmth drifted from her skin, caressing me. "Listen, I?—”
A voice from above cut her off. "It's not like you to spill secrets, Bláthie."
Bláth's eyes fluttered closed. My hand flew to my dagger.
A man leaped down from above—the Solheart Quinn had met with. He wore an easy smile on his traditionally handsome face. Golden-green eyes betrayed his mixed blood heritage, as did the silver tones in his blond hair.
"Easy there, friend," the Solheart said, showing me his palms. "I don't bite."
Bláth planted herself between us. "Here to steal Siotha, Alistair?"
"Oh no.” Alistair shook his head with a grin. "Hear that horn? That means Quinn's little gamble has begun."
I stepped around Bláth. "His gamble? You were furious with him about something—what?"
Alistair sighed. "You know how Quinn is, Bláthie." He paced to the edge of the roof and back. "Gets these ideas in his head, and doesn't listen."
"What did he do?" She asked, hand hovering by her belt.
She probably had a weapon hidden somewhere.
"Gave Siotha to that girl," Alistair said. "Seeing little Lady Rohan with Cierthine gave him ideas." His mouth curved into a twisted smile. "Oh, he thinks that's just poetic."
"What are you here for, then?" Bláth tried to step between us again.
I was happy to let her take the blow for me if the man struck.
"To tell you to get out.” Alistair brought his face close to hers. "This city will be overrun soon. These people will all die. So will that girl Quinn likes."
"And Lady Rohan? Will you let her die, too?"
"No. Take her. By force, if you have to."
I shoved past Bláth. "You want Mare to survive?"
