Page 46 of Hymn of Breath and Bone
Zephyr coughed to alert us of her presence, and we broke apart. “It’s time, Cas.”
“Noon,” I reminded Marina as I kissed her cheek. “Then name-screaming.”
Her gaze darkened as I stepped away from her. “I’ll hold you to it.”
Nordhavn was quiet asI flew over the still-sleeping streets, watching carefully for the landmarks Zephyr had pointed out on the map.
The tavern Zephyr had pinpointed was, unsurprisingly, in the seediest part of town. It had been her who discovered this place, and the back entrance that led to the room Ilya rented for his ‘business.’ He’d likely be gone by sunrise, so I didn’t have a lot of time to act.
Marina had suggested an all out attack on the place, taking out Ilya’s operation and drowning him and his cronies on dry land.
Ruthless little Urchin.
But I knew stealth was my best chance to kill Ilya without anyone intervening.
There were two males standing guard outside the back door, and I thanked my lucky stars that they weren’t sirens. One was a dwarf with bushy red hair and a warhammer strapped to his back. The other was a demon, if his horns were any indication. Both appeared to be drinking, which would make my job easier.
I sang a single low note, a lullaby, willing them to sleep.
Both guards looked up to where I was perched, and one made a valiant effort of rising before both succumbed to my song. They slumped over their drinks, asleep for what I hoped was long enough to kill my enemy.
I dropped soundlessly to the ground, drew my sword, and blew in the door with a gust of wind. It crashed open, revealing a siren male with gray wings, one bent at an unnatural angle.
He was sitting at a small round table looking totally at ease, as if he’d expected my visit.
“Fledgling,” the Stormcrow grinned, his dagger before him on the table. His voice was the same aged, gravelly one I remembered so well from my childhood, although his face was older. “This is a pleasant surprise. WhenI heard that siren song, I hadn’t dared to imagine I’d be graced with royal company.”
I grimaced at my error. “Hello, Ilya. Not dead, I see. How very disappointing. I was really hoping it was someone else using your name.”
The Stormcrow laughed, gesturing to the empty seat across from him. “Sit. Have a drink with me.”
“Bold of you to assume I wouldn’t kill you upon finding you here.”
“Bold of you to assume you could,” he retorted, filling the ale from a jug and taking a deep draw. “Turns out I’m difficult to kill.”
“Howdidyou survive?” I asked, still gripping my sword I nodded to his mangled wing. “You didn’t fly out of the sea.”
The Stormcrow grinned again, but the expression didn’t reach his eyes. “Luck, mostly. And divine intervention. A merchant ship picked me up on my second day adrift. I said sit.” He gestured again to the open chair. “Or shall I shout for my other guards to join us? Surely you didn’t think I neglected the interior door.”
I sat, unwilling to risk that he was bluffing. “Lucky bastard, indeed. So you’ve been skulking in the shadows all this time?”
“Building an empire,” He took another long drink from his ale. “Since you stole my kingdom.”
“It wasn’t ever yours.”
“No, it was your father’s,” he agreed. “Or have you forgotten,fledgling?”
My jaw clenched so hard I thought my teeth might crack. “Tell me why you came for my mate.”
“Your mate, you say.” He swirled his ale, looking thoughtful. “And you didn't even inviteme to the handfasting.”
“I don’t have time for your games,” I snapped, standing and pointing the blade at his throat before he could shout. “Goodbye, Ilya.”
He laughed. “Always too smart for your own good, Cas. I always liked that about you. But I can't tell you who hired me if I’m dead.”
“Hired you?” I stilled. If someone had hired him, there were only a few options. None of them were good. “Fine. Tell me, and I’llconsidernot killing you.”
“I’m no idiot, boy,” the Stormcrow said, wagging his finger playfully at me. “I certainly won’t tell you when there’s every chance you’ll slit my throat after. I want payment upfrontanda meeting on my terms.”
