Page 191 of Commanding Blood And Bonds

“Why are you looking at me like that?” August asked warily.

“Because the Great Commander unites all hierarchies under one banner. And I’m looking at you and...” My words faded as the truth settled. “I see him. Right here.”

“There is no victory without tremendous leaps of faith.”

“No,” I agreed quietly, though anxiety still coiled in my belly. “There’s not.”

“A wise woman showed me that.”

With a sigh, I nodded. “She must be pretty brilliant.”

August’s answering smile could melt glaciers. “Oh, she is,” he promised, pulling me close and pressing his lips to my forehead. With a sly pinch to my backside, he added, “Now, we should go make a friend.”

Washed and dressed in clean clothes—thankfully free of demon guts—we stepped from the washroom and called Aren to assure him we were well. We were met by a jubilant Cairis, who bowed deeply before ushering us out.

Visions or not, the staff's respect felt genuine—or they were masterful liars.

The estate was a labyrinth of grand halls and ancient decor. Eventually, we arrived at a wide stone archway. Cairis stepped aside to reveal a massive trestle table covered in cascading blooms and delicate greenery. The thirty-foot windows were draped in rich emerald. It was breathtaking.

“I don’t think we’re in Kansas anymore,” I murmured.

August chuckled, but a low laugh beat us both to the punch. We turned to find Kade lounging at the head of the table on a throne-like chair—crafted entirely of skulls and bones.

A shiver rolled down my spine.

This was a diplomatic meeting. I’d asked Aren and Ansel to endure worse. I could manage a little discomfort.

“Good morning, Mr. and Mrs. Porter,” Kade said, standing and gesturing to the seats beside him. “Please, join me. Mira, make sure our guests have all they need.”

A petite woman hurried forward, cheeks flushed as she met August’s eyes. Same, sweet girl. Same.

“Coffee or tea, m'Lord and Lady?”

Still drained of power, I couldn't press into her soul—not that it would matter. Necromancers were notoriously difficult to read.

“Coffee would be great, thank you. Black.”

“Of course. And for you, sir?”

“Same, please.”

“My pleasure.”

“Thank you, Mira,” August said, dipping his chin. Her face turned crimson.

We took our seats, and August laced his fingers through mine. “Thank you again for rescuing us.”

“It’s been a long time since I hosted hierarchy royals,” Kade said, lifting his mug in salute. “Didn’t think I’d live to see the rise of King Calloway. An honor.”

We mirrored the gesture. When we lowered our glasses, he asked, “Now that you're awake, shall we dance around formalities, or dive right in?”

“Let’s get to the meat of it,” August said, matching Kade's relaxed posture. For a heartbeat, I saw the businessman in him. Calm, cool, collected, and prepared to negotiate. It was…hot, for lack of a better word.

“Excellent,” Kade agreed, his smirk infectious.

“Does your proposal for an alliance still stand?”

“You think you'd be breathing if I served Adrastos?”