Page 19 of A Bond So Deadly

Oh crap. How much did they hear?

My mates don’t look too concerned, so I’m guessing they can’t have heard much.

“Her name is Shade,” Raith growls low.

Germain ignores him, and Ambrose stands at the opposite end of the table. Shadows coil around his amber curls, and he scowls at us.

“You know it’s quite rude to have a dinner party without inviting all the guests,” Germain says like he’s insulted.

Alaric clenches his fist like he’s imagining bringing it down onto Germain’s head, and that thought makes me grin.

“Is it? Good. I guess we’ll have to make a habit of it then,” Blake replies dryly.

Germain simply smiles, an arrogant smirk climbing onto his face as he picks a kebab from the platter in front of him and closes his teeth over a section of beef.

“But seeing as you’re here,” Blake says coolly, “do tell us what the shadow queen meant when she said Shade will be required to utilize her languages gift for the good of the war.”

Germain takes his time chewing exaggeratedly before swallowing his mouthful. “Well, you see, after all these years we still don’t know what the Xalgrith are after. Any time we manage to capture one of their soldiers, we have no idea what words they’re spewing.”

“We’re aware,” Alaric replies gruffly.

Germain dips his head. “And now we’ve finally found someone who seems to have a gift for speaking with other species…”

I stiffen, not liking the look in his eyes.

“I’d hardly call it talkin’” Raith replies, casually brushing it off like he can sense I’m uncomfortable. “It was more like some grunts and groans.”

“They were conversing,” Ambrose states.

“If they were,” Galen says, picking his words carefully. “There’s no guarantee that it could happen again. And in any case, she spoke to a shadow creature. The Xalgrith are from a completely different realm.”

“It’s worth a shot,” Ambrose says. “We’ve long since been desperate to know what the Xalgrith are after. If there’s anything to this, it’s worth trying.”

“Shade is not permitted to leave this academy,” Knox reminds everyone, his words carrying a lethal edge. “And you’re talking about what? Getting her to interrogate captured Xalgrith warriors in the time before they explode?”

“If that’s what it takes,” Ambrose replies.

Blake lifts to her feet, resting her hands on the table. “I agreed to this alliance because Shade was not meant to be harmed. Are you saying your queen is already testing that agreement?”

“As long as this war is ongoing, Shade is in harm’s way,” Ambrose states. “If anything, using her abilities to help us solve this mystery would look good in her favor. Our captains have already been given the order to capture and contain any Xalgrith soldiers they encounter.”

“No,” Knox snarls, his shadows dancing around him. “You’re suggesting you bring Xalgrith warriors to our dungeons for Shade to interrogate? It’s too risky.”

Ambrose looks like he wants to interject, but Thane speaks up first.

“We’ve never had a warrior who could speak to the zenali,” Thane agrees. “Let’s start with the shadow creatures rather than the Xalgrith. Our information has been limited to what our army and scouts have seen. Have Shade speak to some of the ancient zenali creatures, especially ones who were around when the war first started. They might have information to offer us.”

Ambrose cocks his head. “And if that doesn’t yield results?”

“Then we’ll discuss where to go from there,” Thane says, his penetrating gaze unwavering.

It all sounds pretty terrible to me. From what I hear, many of the zenali creatures are just as deadly and terrifying as the Xalgrith warriors, but I trust my mate.

“Fine,” Ambrose states. “That may satisfy the queen for now.”

Blake grinds her jaw like she still wants to protest, but she doesn’t. Like me, I’m guessing she can see the logic in Ambrose’s argument. Considering the shadow queen is afraid I’ll make them lose the war, helping out and making myself useful seems like a good move. Besides, I want this war over just as badly as Ambrose and the others do. Especially now that the demons are involved. If the war ends, there will be less casualties and I might get my freedom back.

“Just know that if Shade is harmed, it’s not the Xalgrith you’ll have to worry about,” Blake says so calmly, her words are like a knife cutting through the dining hall as she stares at Ambrose.