Page 400 of Commanding Scythe and Sky

“Chasing a lead.”

“And?”

A muscle in his jaw ticked, glossy black loafers scuffing over the floor. “Hasn’t panned out. Not yet, at least.”

“And your man?” I pressed as he unceremoniously collapsed into the chair across from me. His Adam’s apple bobbed.

“Radio silence, I fear.”

“His bird?”

“No sign of her.”

“Goddamnit.” I sighed, leaning forward to brace my elbows on the marble table. “Listen, we’re planning a total demolition of House Balaskas here. You on board?”

“Would be disappointed if you weren’t,” he said with a smirk.

“Your man—what’s his name? How do we ID him?”

“Goes by Killswitch. You’ll know him by the burn scars down his arms.”

“Why do your shadows stir so violently?” Cyrus asked, canting his head, eyes narrowed on something I couldn’t see any more than I could sense.

“Lost some good men, but that’s not why I’m here.”

“Oh?”

“I haven’t zeroed in on Alvara, but I do have intel.”

“By all means, keep us waitin’.” We all turned toward the hallway, where yet another unexpected blonde was marching down the hardwood. The same Paladin guard was on her heels, looking flushed, like he’d received a Reyna Gwyne what-for.

“Sorry, sir, she insisted⁠—”

I cut off his apologies with a flick of my fingers. “Reyna, this is a pleasant surprise.”

“Surprise, perhaps, but pleasant would require better company.” Her eyes flicked over my head to Kade. She marched around the table and slid in beside Kingsley, who was glowering at the necromancer.

“For fuck’s sake,” Freya muttered. Winnie cooed from her mother’s arms, as if echoing the sentiment.

“Good morning, everyone,” Reyna said with the flourish of someone we’d all been waiting on before we could get started, rather than an interloper. “My shadows say we’re heading north.”

“No shit,” Carr muttered under his breath, earning a snicker from Atreus.

“Ours have landed in Norway.”

“Mine as well,” she purred, her bright blue eyes sparkling as she surveyed the gathering. “Mr. and Mrs. Carter, how… pleasant to see you here.”

“Same,” Alec said with a wink.

“Glad we’re all on the same page,” Fae added as the baby babbled, her tiny fist wrapped in Fae’s long blonde strands.

Holding her gaze, Reyna said, “I have boots in Iceland as well.”

“Iceland?” Lana took pity on her sister and stepped forward to free her hair before scooping the tiny bundle into her own arms.

“Less advantageous positioning, but they have a breed of bird that matches the intel you gathered from Ms. Briar.”

“If I may,” Kade began, but Kingsley snapped, “I’d rather you not.”