Page 47 of House of the Iron Reaper

“The third to fight, three moon cycles from today…”

I hold my breath.

“...is Novalie of House Glass.”

I release it. Third is fine. Third is good. Third gives me three moon cycles to prepare and train and watch. So then why does my heart feel like it has plummeted through my stomach and into the sand?

“My thanks, Fa Baidu,” I say, and find my voice is hoarse.

We all wait for his final announcement, even though we know who must be last.

“The fourth to fight, four moon cycles from today, is the Iron Reaper.”

Deyanara has managed to sit up, but kept the cloth over her head, lending a somewhat ridiculous appearance. But her voice is clear when she says, “My thanks, Fa Baidu.”

The Baidu nods at each one of us in turn, to acknowledge our receipt of his message.

“Please be present here when the dial hits noon tomorrow, to have your likeness preserved.” The Baidu’s eyes flick over to Deyanara. “Or close enough to it.”

Aythora offers him her token to prove delivery, and the Baidu leaves with a tap to his forehead. After she says her farewells, Aythora departs for the evening, followed by Ronan and Deimos shortly after. Only Deyanara lingers, the cloth finally removed.

“Say what you need,” I order with a sigh, after it becomes clear she is building up the courage to ask something.

“Um…” Deyanara fidgets before pressing on. “I will be working tomorrow at noon. I cannot come here when he asks.”

I cock an eyebrow at her, hand on hip.

“Is this not what our fraudulent courtship is for?” I say, and Deyanara’s eyes widen. “I shall take you out tomorrow. As a guise, of course, for our true activity.”

“T-Take me out?”

There is something so very adorable about a wall of muscle being nervous about the prospect of a date. I do not let that show on my face.

“Of course,” I say. “It was inevitable, otherwise it would have looked awfully suspicious.”

“Oh. Right. Yes.” Deyanara swallows. “Apologies.”

She gives me a small smile, and warmth fills my chest. I dread to think of the lengths I would go to for one of her smiles.

Deyanara is so much bigger than me, so solid and strong. But her vulnerability is clear as glass, and it tugs at my heart in a way I struggle to ignore. I want to reach out and grasp her hand, to pull her head against my chest and tell her she is safe. To feel her relax against me. For her to find a home with me.

But I cannot. So instead, I nod at her and say, “Leave the details to me. Be ready for sunrise.”

Chapter 18

Deyanara

Lingering awkwardly, I raise my hand to knock on the door before wincing and pulling back. The evenings grow warmer as we approach Sunwake—the hottest part of an already hot climate—and sweat chases down my spine.

The Copper door before me stands patiently as I pick at my nails. Training is long since over—by all accounts, Deimos should be sleeping. I am loath to wake him for my petty concerns but, at the same time, I cannot bring myself to leave.

Taking a fortifying breath, I reach out and rap my knuckles off the door before I can think about it too much. I end up knocking harder than intended and the sound echoes down the alley. I snatch my hand back, horrified I may have awoken the entire House.

I contemplate fleeing but, before I can, the door opens. Deimos blinks at me before breaking out into a wide smile.

“Bu Deyanara!” he exclaims. “What a fine surprise!”

He raises his hand in welcome—he holds a glass half-filled with an amber liquid.