50 Secrets (2/2)

”My Master will definitely be alright.” Jarek declared fiercely. ”The Banners will move to protect him.”

Elya barely noticed the change in his mode of address, churning at the possibilities. Calling on the Dragon Lords would be disastrous politically, but without Nikolai it wouldn't matter anyway. With her mind set she gave orders.

”The mansion's already been locked down but get that guard Captain to check everyone who came in or out. Jarek, you're the only mage we have and I have no idea what to look for so just start looking for clues. Let me know what you find. In Nikolai's absence I still retain authority over the forces deployed in town and I accept your proposal to call on the Dragon Lords.” Elya's flat tone echoed around the room and Alexis flinched. She opened her mouth, maybe to offer sympathy or advice but Elya's glare snapped her jaw shut and she gave a curt bow, dragging Jarek out of the room with her.

The timing of the attack was perfect. The Hand known as Seven had been dispatched only earlier in the day, leaving Nikolai without a bodyguard. A terrifying oversight even if it was unfathomable anyone would try to attack the Count within his own mansion.

Despair cast its shadow over her heart. The happiness they'd shared over the last few weeks so quickly shattered. Elya wanted to curl up and cry, but deep down she knew her abilities would be priceless. The quill Nikolai described as his favourite, created from the feathers of some ancient bird whose name she couldn't remember, remained in its stand, somehow surviving the struggle. Her finger caressed the soft feathers, and despair slowly turned to rage, bubbling deep within.

”Does the offer still stand?” Elya said suddenly to the empty room, not looking up from the quill. Her scar throbbed in pain and a faint presence appeared behind her.

”As long as the sssituation remainsss the sssame. The offer will ssstand.” A hissing voice wormed its way into her ear, while a small gust of wind rose in the room, gently raising her hair.

”Then tell the Savant I agree. So long as Nikolai is protected.”

”Agreed.” The voice declared, its normally dry tone containing a hint of excitement.

”So many secrets.” She whispered once the presence vanished. ”Please come back quickly Nikolai. I don't want to hide from you anymore.”

The Black Hand was tied closer to Elya than even Eva realised. After her visit to the Rose Building the… voice… appeared with an offer from the mysterious leader of the organisation: The Savant. In exchange for assisting their development in the Empire, Elya would receive access to not only the Konstanz coven but the Black Hand's entire operation in the Empire. The deal seemed too good to be true.

And it was.

For some reason the Savant had determined the Empire to be the best nation for it to utilise for its great goal and Elya and Nikolai its ideal agents. A goal which it refused to explain, only claiming it wouldn't harm the Empire. However, Nikolai's nature as a True Imperial made him difficult to approach.

Which left Elya.

She'd ignored the offer until now.

She loved Nikolai.

Somehow, in this moment, she wasn't afraid to admit it. All she knew was that without him nothing made sense. If she had to watch the nation burn for him… she would.

A fierce smile flashed across her face at the thought. Her father would be surprised at her behaviour. Not her mother though.

No.

Her mother would understand.

A few weeks could change everything you knew.

With a deep sigh, Elya shuffled through Nikolai's random notes, tracing the confusing magical terms with her eyes. She didn't care that it made no sense to her. Seeing his handwriting soothed some of the anger within, making her eyes sting and heart surge with waves of emotion.

Cradling the quill in her arms Elya curled up on his chair, pulling deeply on her aura, slowly filling every fibre of being with Draconic essence.

Whoever took Nikolai would regret it.