Page 77 of The Thief's Mark

Shouts rang out nearby. Griff helped Cal keep the struggling High Scholar restrained until protectors arrived to take her into custody at the High Commander’s orders.

Griff watched them lead the defeated woman away, a sense of victory rising in his chest.Another case closed.

He turned to congratulate Cal, then frowned when he realized Cal had shuffled back. At some point, he’d abandoned his Kelsith disguise, returning to his own natural appearance.

“Come on,” Griff said, holding out his hand. “Aren’t you the one always telling me to celebrate?”

Cal managed a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes…or his drooping aura. “You’re right. I’m sorry. You…wedid it.” The smirk Cal flashed him was brittle around the edges. He bowed, tipping a hat that appeared in a burst of duskflame. “Which I guess is my cue to leave. It’s been fun, Inspector.”

Griff’s stomach clenched, his pulse quickening. “You’re leaving? Now?”

Cal offered a shrug, not meeting Griff’s eyes. “Seems like as good a time as any, now that the case is done.”

He stepped past Griff toward the stairs leading down.

Griff’s heart leaped to his throat. “Wait!” he said, holding up his hand.

Cal paused, cocking an eyebrow at him. “You’re not seriously about to arrest me, are you? Because a deal’s a deal, and I’d say I’ve more than fulfilled my end of the bargain.”

A jolt of hurt shot through Griff. “Of course not,” he huffed. Gathering his courage, he stepped forward and gripped Cal’s hands in both his own. Cal’s eyes widened, flicking down to stare at their linked hands. “I’m not arresting you, Cal. I’m asking you to stay.”

“To…stay?” Cal repeated, his voice hesitant.

Griff nodded. Recalling what his father had told him, he swallowed and finally let out the words that had been brewing there. “This has been way more than a bargain to me, Cal. I see the real you, even if you don’t. I’m not naive enough to think this will all be smooth sailing. Light, I don’t even know if it’ll work out. But I want you to stay anyway.”

Griff held his breath as Cal stared at him. For once, he found Cal’s bright aura utterly unreadable. Then, just when Griff thought he might pass out from his heart beating in overdrive, Cal broke out into a beautiful smile. Wrapping his arms around Griff, he tugged him close and kissed him until Griff worried he might collapse from lack of oxygen instead.

“Is that a yes?” Griff said, struggling to catch his breath.

Cal rolled his eyes. “Of course it is. I’ve wanted to stay for a while now. I just…I didn’t think someone like you could ever feel the same way about a gutter rat like me.”

“That’s because you’re an idiot,” Griff said.

Cal scoffed and playfully shoved his shoulder. Then, something shifted in Cal’s expression, his grin fading. Hestraightened his shoulders, a sudden look of determination gripping him.

“But if I’m going to stay, that means taking responsibility for what I’ve done.”

Turning, he strode purposefully back up the stairs. Confused and a touch worried, Griff followed him up to the top chamber. Protectors and attendants filled it now, seeing to the remaining councilors. Cal strode through the crowd, heading straight for the High Judge.

Frowning, Griff followed. When High Judge Septima spotted him, she flashed him a weary smile. “Ah, Griffin. Splendid work as always. To think that one of our own could have fallen so far…” She shook her head sadly before turning toward Cal, her brow scrunching. “I’m sorry, but I don’t believe we’ve met.”

Cal jutted a hand out toward the High Judge. “Oh, we have, even if you don’t remember. I’ve gone by many aliases, but there’s one in particular I’m sure you’d recognize: Blackjack.”

Griff’s heart froze in his chest. He stared at Cal, barely able to comprehend what the Void-cursed fool was doing. High Judge Septima appeared equally taken aback.

She glanced from Cal to Griff, seeming uncertain. “Is this some sort of joke, Inspector?”

Cal shook his head. He clasped his wrists together and thrust them out toward her. “Nope. No jokes, no tricks. I’ve come to turn myself in.”

Swallowing, Griff managed to find his voice. “He speaks the truth. This man is Blackjack.” He strode forward, resting a hand on Cal’s shoulder. “But he’s also the one who helped me solve this case. Without him, I never would have been able to recover the void orb or stop the High Scholar’s plot. He’s done this city a great service, and no matter what crimes he’s committed in the past, I’m willing to vouch for his character in the present.”

Cal shot him a grateful smile. Their gazes met and held, something unspoken passing between them. The High Judge stared at the two of them a moment longer, then cleared her throat.

“Well then…this is a very serious matter. Blackjack’s recorded crimes are numerous, and punishment will need to be served. You must stand trial before a magister and be sentenced accordingly.”

Cal bowed his head. “I know, and I understand. I fully accept the consequences for my actions.”

High Judge Septima stared at him a moment longer. “Indeed. Glad to hear it.” Her voice softened. “However, in light of recent events and your aid to Inspector Denton, I believe a certain degree of leniency might be in order. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I leave this matter in your capable hands, Inspector.”

Griff smiled at the High Judge, mouthing his thanks. Cal peered up at Griff, appearing dazed. “Did I really just do that?”

Griff pressed a kiss to his forehead, warmth flowing through him. “You really did. Congratulations, Cal. It looks like Blackjack’s days were numbered after all.”