Page 72 of Tempt

“But I am concerned,” I tell him.

We stand there a moment, then he sinks down a bit and lays his hands on the counter. “This is no one’s concern except my own, Liaison,” he says in Eretharian. “This human does not need to understand the Vorthex.”

For a creature who defied his people—who dishonored himself to save another being—he is still very much a Vorthex. I try not to smile at that, but I’m not sure I’m able to help it.

“Perhaps if you explain⁠—”

“No.”

Suddenly a small, pale hand appears, gently touching Hepyn on the arm. Hepyn freezes, his skin going just a little translucent as he tilts his head down.

“You know I hate it when you speak in that language. What’s going on?” Syl asks.

Hepyn’s eyes widen, then he swallows. “This is not your business.”

Syl doesn’t like being brushed off, his hand falling from Hepyn’s arm and curling into a fist at his side.

“It is my fucking business if you’re going to die. I need my fucking job, asshole,” Syl hisses. When he gets no reaction, he turns his gaze to me. “Tell me right fucking now. I want to know what’s going on…for job security.”

“No,” Hepyn warns, baring his fangs.

It takes everything in me not to bare mine back, to growl a melody that would cross continents because I do not take well to being threatened. But the moment is shattered when Zinni appears.

It’s like all the tension evaporates, replaced by something smooth and calm. The sun peeking out after a rainy day.

“Liaison,” Zinni greets me. He’s careful to keep his back away from me so I will not be reminded of what he is missing. It’s only fair he doesn’t trust that I’m not like the others. After all, he has not seen my imperfections under my tunic. “I do not mean any disrespect, but would you please leave? We must handle this between us.”

I bow my head. “I apologize for causing a commotion. I did not mean any harm.”

Zinni bows his head in reverence as I take a step toward the door. I almost reach it when Zinni calls out for me. “Wait!” I turn and look at him. “Luca?”

My shoulders sag. Thinking about him all day is bad enough. Hearing his name now makes me crave his touch so desperately, it’s almost unbearable. “He is doing well.”

“Will he ever return?” Zinni asks.

“Aelvorn willing.” It’s the only answer I can give. I must solve the problem of whoever wants to hurt Luca, and I must ensure he survives any encounter with Jyrion. Both seem like impossible tasks.

Zinni nods, dismissing me, so I leave the shop, hoping that in the chaos I created, there will be some solution. I do not want Hepyn to lose his life simply because he was too proud to search for what his body requires. And while it is far more…invasive than what the Vyastil need, if he understands there are some humans who would be more than willing to give it, then he will be safe.

Maybe Syl will offer himself. Because despite the way he speaks to Hepyn, I know there is fondness there. He cares more about that Vorthex than his job.

And in that, maybe they can all find some happiness.

The thought makes me smile, but it doesn’t last when my phone begins to ring and I see Davis’s name on the screen. I can allow myself hope for good news, but the feeling in my stomach is too strong for me to believe it will be.

“It’s good to hear from you, my friend. Any news?”

“Zane has been arrested and charged,” he says, not making any small talk, which I appreciate.

My hearts sink. Everest will be destroyed to learn this.

“His hearing is being expedited. The Vyastil leaders want to put a cap on this as quickly as possible. His parents were taken into custody after they got a search warrant for his phone, computer, and apartment. They’re suspected of being high-ranking leaders of the rebellion against monster occupation. The Breach Network, they call themselves. But as of right now, there’s not enough evidence to charge them.”

“Hm,” I hum, not surprised by any of this.

“In Zane’s phone, they uncovered plans for a bombing, and it seems as though that’s what Zane was doing when Luca happened upon him. We were also able to uncover a hit put on Luca within their network.”

I feel a growl creeping up my chest, but I manage to stop it before it gets too loud. “Were you able to apprehend anyone else?”