Page 106 of The Last Syphon

Felix wound his arm through Inara’s and, without turning back, made a beeline for the staircase leading up to the last floor. Malix was so confused that he did nothing but stare after them in bewildered shock.

“Don’t look back. Spine straight, head up high,” Felix said under his breath as they ascended the stairs. “It’s 99 percent confidence. Act as if you’re doing nothing wrong and that’s how it will come across.”

Inara refrained from shaking her head at him, but she had to give it to the man. It worked. They made it to the top level and were greeted with a long, wide hallway, a single door at the other end. More shelves lined the walls on either side of the hallway, and Inara’s eyes ran over the spines as they made their way towards the door.

“Alright, we don’t have much time. It won’t take long before Malix regathers his wits and comes looking for us.” They stopped in front of the door. It was large. Heavy. Made of solid wood that was a dark brown colour. Intricate, delicately detailed patterns were carved into it. “I’ll go in first. Give me three minutes and then come in.”

“Got it.” Inara nodded. She was well aware of how his ability worked. The first minute he started singing was when he poured the most power into his notes, when his power was at its strongest. Once the subject succumbed to it, Felix would have to continue singing to keep them asleep, but the effects weren’t as debilitating. If one’s willpower was strong enough, they could fight against it. “Go. Quickly.”

He bobbed his head, and then, in an instant, his entire demeanour changed. Her friend went from the fun, easy-going man she’d grown up with to someone else entirely—someone she barely recognised, his face hardening, determination flaring in his brown eyes.

He spun, knocked twice, opened the door, and disappeared inside.

Inara blew out a breath and began to pace. The hallway was wide. It took her roughly ten paces to reach one side. She liked to pace, often finding that if she were to keep her body busy, it would take away from the chaos unleashing in her mind.

There was an excitement in Inara’s chest that made it hard for her to stand still. For as long as she could remember, she’d had this power. This dark, slightly terrifying magic that required every ounce of willpower she possessed to keep it in check. Not only that, but she’d also had to try to figure it all out on her own.

Of course, her mother had been there every step of the way. Helping her. Supporting her. Giving advice and guidance wherever she could. But Inara had never had true counsel from someone who knew exactly what she was going through, exactly what she was experiencing. She’d never had help maintaining and handling her syphon ability from another Syphon. There had been no one with the same power for her to ask questions of, like everyone else with abilities. For her entire life, Inara had been flying blind, unsure if what was happening to her was normal or a horrible side effect of her power.

The idea that she could finally get some answers…that there was information, right there, right within reach, that would bring a little sense to her realm was such a relief⁠—

“You’re new.”

Inara jumped with a start, hand flying to her chest as she spun quickly on the balls of her feet. A tall man was only a few paces away, one shoulder leaning up against the wall, legs crossed at the ankles and arms folded across his chest.

“Fates, fuck.” She blew out, catching her breath. “You scared the shit out of me.”

“Sorry.” He smirked. “I’ve been told I move like a sly fox.”

“I’ll fucking say.” She studied him closely. He was attractive, with classically handsome looks. Short dark hair, strong jaw, piercing blue eyes. His build was more lean than large, but he was tall—taller than her, at least, and she was well over six foot. Despite all that, though, Inara felt no attraction to him whatsoever. “Sorry. What did you say?”

“I said you’re new. I’ve never seen you here before.”

“Oh. Yeah. I only arrived in the kingdom about a week ago.”

He nodded, bottom lip curling in thought. “Interesting. Where are you from?”

She only hesitated for a second before answering. “The Borderlands.”

He laughed. “Wow. You’re far from home. What brings you to Arelia?”

“Many things.” Inara was inherently a very private person. She didn’t like to blab about her personal life to anyone, let alone people she had only just met.

“Cautious. Smart. Especially here.”

She was glad he wasn’t offended.

He pushed off the wall and approached her. “I’m Balthus.” He didn’t offer his hand but instead nodded in greeting.

“Inara.” She nodded back.

“Are you waiting for an audience with Head Venerable Casius? I thought I had a meeting, but perhaps I had the timing wrong.”

“My friend is just in with him now. I’ll be joining them in a moment.” Thankfully, Inara was quick on her feet. She didn’t like the word liar. She preferred to think of herself as crafty. Devious.

“I see. My mistake. I’ll return later.” He bowed. “Perhaps I will see you again. I promise not to sneak up on you next time.”

She smiled, laughing softly. “Much appreciated. I usually don’t scare easily, but I didn’t even hear you coming.”