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Ranna’s hand moved to her chest in mock horror. “Well, I’m sure I don’t know who Frank is, but I do declare, calling you to task would be profoundly sanctimonious of me, would it not?”
“It’s just, Belial is always going on about the rules,” Nadir replied. “And you’re an elder, so I sort of figured you might feel the same way.”
“I know you did not just call me old,” Ranna muttered. “Belial is an over-thinker. Now me? I generally ignore rules created after my birth.”
Which, Nadir noted, meant pretty much all of them. “What do you think the appearance of this new Temple of Dionysos means for the city?” she asked, searching Ranna’s face for any hints of her thoughts.
A slow, almost sinister smile spread across Ranna’s lips. “Dionysos hasn’t had a true devotee for decades, my dear. Whatever is happening here, I can assure you, it’s bound to be significant.” The air seemed to thicken with tension as Ranna’s words hung heavy, and Nadir’s concern for Erin intensified. “After so many aeons, I do so appreciate novel entertainments.”
That didn’t bode well for Erin and her temple.
“Time for my question.” Ranna leaned in, her breath warm against Nadir’s ear as she spoke, her voice low and serious. “Odd daemon deaths have been occurring in Sheol, leaving nothing behind but dust.” Her eyes glinted with unspoken knowledge, like a cat playing with a mouse. “I hope you can shed some light for me on this mystery. I know how Belial likes his games and his toys, and I suspect Belial is hiding some new curiosity from me. I’m on your side, Nadir. I may be his ally, but I’m no fan of his deceptions.”
Nadir hesitated, her heart heavy with the weight of her situation. She was acutely aware of Ranna’s mercurial nature and the immense power she wielded as an Elder daemon. Belial was leading her cabal into dangerous territory, and Ranna, being an ally of Belial, might talk sense into him where her own cabal members had failed.
As Nadir’s thoughts whirled, she saw an opportunity to reveal the nature of Belial’s new weapon, the sancre, to Ranna. She leaned in closer, her voice barely a whisper, as the rich scent of Ranna’s perfume enveloped her. “I think I know what you’re looking for.” Nadir took a deep breath. An image of Az frowning and arching a brow played through her mind. She knew he would advise her against this line of action, but someone had to talk some sense into Belial. Perhaps Ranna was just the daemon he’d listen to. “There’s a weapon that not only kills a daemon but also eradicates their entire lineage. It won’t destroy high-level daemons, but I’m not sure how far up the ancestor chain it’ll go.”
Ranna’s eyes widened, a flicker of shock quickly replaced by a steely determination. “You’re certain of this?”
Nadir held her gaze, her voice barely a whisper. “I can’t say more, but I believe you’re on the right track to finding the truth.”
A moment of silence passed between them before Ranna nodded, her expression softening. “I appreciate your honesty, Nadir. I’ll speak to Belial and try to make him see reason. Know you’ve done the right thing by coming to me.”
The relief that washed over Nadir was palpable, and she exhaled a breath she hadn’t realized she’d been holding. “Thank you, Ranna. I just want to protect my cabal mates.”
Ranna’s eyes held a rare glimmer of warmth as she reached across the table, briefly touching Nadir’s hand. The unexpected contact sent a shiver up Nadir’s spine. “You’ve done the right thing. We all have a part to play in this world, and sometimes that means making tough choices. I won’t forget your trust in me, Nadir. You’ve made a wise decision.”
As they parted ways, the sounds of the ongoing celebration surrounded Nadir once more. The laughter and music now seemed distant and hollow as the gravity of her conversation with Ranna settled in. The scent of incense and food, once intoxicating, now held a faint undertone of unease.
Nadir couldn’t help but feel the weight of her actions, as the stakes of their search for the truth became more apparent. With every step she took away from Ranna, her concern for Erin’s safety grew, and her senses were sharpened by the knowledge that something sinister might lurk within the walls of the temple.
The touch of Ranna’s hand on hers lingered, a reminder of the fragile alliance they had formed. Nadir knew she had taken a risk in revealing what she knew to Ranna, but she couldn’t shake the feeling that it was a necessary step in uncovering the truth and protecting those she cared for.
As Nadir walked through the temple, the sights, sounds, and smells of the festivities seemed to fade into the background. Her mind was preoccupied with her conversation with Ranna, her skin still tingling from their brief contact.
She passed by a group of dancers, their bodies glistening with sweat under the flickering torchlight. The rhythmic sound of their feet on the stone floor barely registered as she was consumed with thoughts of the consequences of her actions.
Nadir’s eyes drifted to the temple’s altar, adorned with flowers and offerings to Dionysos. The flickering candlelight cast shadows that danced upon the walls, and the scent of burned offerings lingered in the air, leaving a bitter taste in her mouth. She paused, her gaze lingering on the altar, a silent prayer forming in her heart for the safety of her friends and resolving the chaos that had been unleashed.
As the celebration continued around her, Nadir knew that her alliance with Ranna was a gamble, a precarious balance between trust and suspicion. But with the lives of her friends and the fate of the city hanging in the balance, it was a risk she was willing to take.
With newfound resolve, Nadir left the temple, the night air cool on her skin as she contemplated her next move. The journey ahead was uncertain, but she knew she must continue to seek the truth, no matter where it might lead her. In the darkness, the sounds of the celebration slowly faded away, replaced by the quiet whispers of the wind, carrying with it the promise of challenges yet to come.
CHAPTER37
BLAINE
Blaine stood at the entrance of the Temple of Dionysos, both intrigued and angered by Erin’s defiance and the temple’s growing popularity. The lively chatter of the people milling around the temple grounds grated on his nerves, and yet, he couldn’t help but admire the vibrant community that had formed overnight around the temple. It was a testament to Erin’s power and determination, qualities that both attracted and threatened him.
As he walked through the gardens, Blaine noted the scents and sounds that filled the air. The aroma of roasting meats and vegetables mingled with the sweet notes of wine and the earthy fragrance of the plants surrounding him. The cheerful laughter and music that echoed throughout the gardens served as a constant reminder of the influence Erin was amassing, making him even more determined to put an end to the challenge she represented to his power.
His eyes found Erin among the crowd, her laughter bright and her eyes shining with enthusiasm. Blaine’s jaw clenched as he fought back the unexpected surge of desire he felt upon seeing her. He knew he couldn’t afford to let his feelings cloud his judgment, not when the future of the city was at stake.
Clearing his throat, he stepped forward, drawing the attention of the crowd. “Erin,” he called out, his voice booming with authority. “I demand that you swear fealty to me immediately, or I will shut down this temple.”
Erin looked up, her green eyes blazing with defiance as they met his. He could feel the irritation over his interruption radiating off her followers. She was attempting to undermine him in front of them, and it was working. She didn’t seem surprised by his ultimatum, which only fueled his frustration. Instead of responding to his demand in front of her followers, she calmly replied, “Why don’t you come to my office, Blaine? We can discuss this matter further there.”
Blaine felt a mix of anger and confusion boiling inside of him. He despised the way his heart raced in response to her presence, knowing that it only complicated an already difficult situation. With every brush of her body against his as they walked, Blaine fought the urge to shove her away from him and end their discussion right then and there.
