Page 44 of Gilded Curses

“So they can manipulate time,” he murmured, “and it doesn’t work against another dagadon.”

“They also have some control over creatures and magical abilities.”

“Any weaknesses?”

“The Elites and guards are too arrogant for their own good. They don’t see us as a threat.”

Orin smiled grimly. “And they’re completely wrong in that.”

“They are.”

He looked at her again. “Do you believe there really aren’t any symbols in this building?”

“I searched every inch of this room when I returned from talking with them and found nothing. If the dagadon all started spying on each other, it would get ugly, and even if they are all crazy, they know it won’t be good if the Elites turn on each other.”

“True. How do we know those servants are telling the truth?”

“We don’t. What they said tonight could all be part of some game the Elites put them up to. Everything they said could have been a lie; I knew that while speaking with them, but I had to hear what they said.”

“You shouldn’t have gone alone. You should have gotten me first.”

“You stayed up late with Desmond and his psychopathic non-wife. Plus, the note was left for me.”

“I was trying to learn more about the ruling couple… or apparently, not a couple.”

He’d always enjoyed his games, but the dagadon were truly fucked. I wonder if they know what’s real and what isn’t anymore.

Probably not.

“Okay,” Sahira said. “So, we’re learning more about them, at least.”

“Do you think those stones really exist?”

Sahira shrugged. “It makes sense. The dagadon are powerful, but they don’t have the strength to shut down a whole realm without some help to boost their strength. If they had those kinds of powers, they wouldn’t have to fear being hunted and destroyed by other immortals.”

“That could have all been a lie too.”

“I know.” She bit her bottom lip. “Maybe they were playing one of their games and became trapped here. Or maybe, this is what the Elites want. What do they have to complain about? They have everything they desire here: money, wealth, entertainment, and a ton of power.”

Orin rubbed the scruff on his chin while pondering her words. “I’m going to have to start looking for those stones.”

Sahira looked at the clock. “There’s not enough time tonight. There’s no guarantee you’d be back before they come to get us. Besides, where would you start? This place isn’t the biggest castle I’ve been in, but there are a lot of rooms, and any number of them could contain a hidden room.

“The trapdoor in my room at Belda’s pub was so perfectly hidden no one knew it was there for centuries. And the servants tonight said there were other trapdoors in all the towns. As far as we know, no one ever found those either. What are the chances we’ll find a hidden room in this place?”

“No one was looking for those rooms. I’ll be looking for them now.”

“You can’t go out there on your own.”

He snorted a laugh. “Isn’t that what you did?”

“One of us had to go. And why didn’t you go when you got the note?”

“Because Aurora was also instructed to have sex with me, or maybe she was willing to do it, as most women are.”

“Oh, she was willing,” Sahira muttered.

“How do you know that?”