Page 174 of Commanding Scythe and Sky

“Has anyone?” he challenged, turning to lean his forearms on the rail next to me. Atreus moved to the opposite side, his skin brushing mine as he did the same. “A little hard to do when you’re the only one.”

“You’re mistaken.”

“Why would you say that?”

“I’ve met others.”

“Then why are you hunting for one?” Atreus pressed, concern bleeding into his curiosity.

“He’s… indisposed at the moment, and I’m afraid to say my needs are rather urgent.”

They exchanged wary glances before both turned back to me. My stomach tightened under the weight of their attention.

“What kind of needs?”

At the innuendo in Viktor’s tone, I glared at him—but couldn’t stop the smile when he winked.

I wasn’t sure what I’d expected when Cyrus bitched about the northern assassins, but shameless flirting wasn’t it. Unless these two were taking me for a fool, they demolished the image of elusive, cold-hearted killers I’d been sold. Hell, in any other circumstance, the pair of them promised a damn good time.

“What do you know of the Bonds?”

For the first time, the humor drained from Viktor’s eyes. Concern pinched his brows as he glanced over his shoulder. Atreus set a hand at the small of my back and guided us toward a luxurious outdoor sectional. I caught Carr’s glower as he moved closer, then dropped my attention to the drink in my hand.

“That’s serious magic, Freya,” Viktor pressed. “What are you playing at?”

“Several people in my soul group are trapped in improper bonds. A Blood Bond to the enemy. Star-crossed mates. More than one soul needs help with their weaving. Beyond that, we need to understand how Alvara was sealing the portals. I’m looking for someone who can manage it.” Frankly, I had to beat my own magic back before it reached out and stole the gift for itself.

“To alter a mate bond is…”

“Sacrilege,” Atreus finished when his friend’s voice wandered off. “There’s nothing more sacred.”

I turned my full attention on him, searching for accusation and finding only sincerity. Well. That was going to be a fucking problem, wasn’t it?

“As for the Blood Bond, I’m sorry, but to my knowledge the only freedom lies in death.”

“And what about a Magic Bond?”

“I can alter them to a point, but unless they’ve been satisfied, it’s tricky business.”

I nodded. Sitting still was no longer an option with my brain chewing through possibilities, so I leaned forward and set my glass on the table with a clink.

“Atreus, would you be kind enough to give me a moment alone with the Fate Weaver?”

“You have my discretion.” Atreus nodded as we stood. “Mind your manners, Vik.” With a cocky wink at me, he wandered toward the opposite side of the balcony while Viktor and I put several paces between ourselves and the nearest sentinel.

“Speaking of discretion, can I count on yours?” I leaned back against the railing, oddly at ease even as the man boxed me in. Sunlight, I realized. Viktor felt like living sunlight.

“You don’t grow up the way I did and not know when to use your tongue and when to hold it.”

I smiled, aiming for coy and landing somewhere closer to threat. Nerves still twisted in my stomach, and I fought the urge to glare at the guards for staring. “Would you shake on that?”

“That’s why you asked about Bonds, little one?”

I scoffed. “Not quite. But I’d like our silence to be binding.”

“I don’t make bargains.”

“Then I’ll find someone who will.”