‘Yes, mother,’ Magdova said, flinching as if she’d been struck. Her mother’s gaze softened and she reached out to put a hand on Magdova’s head.
‘I can’t lose you as well.’
Kassandra had begun to cry, fear overcoming her; their mother wrapped her arms around her youngest and picked her up, holding her close as she stroked her back.
‘She’ll be alright, I promise.’
Squeezing her youngest daughter, she carried her over to set her down by Magdova.
‘Can you keep your sister company until I get back? It’s your job to keep an eye on Magdova and make sure she doesn’t run off.’
‘I understand.’ Kassandra nodded, mollified.
‘Good girl,’ their mother said, leading both from the room, Kat not far behind.
‘I’m off to see the Petrovs now. I’m sure this will all be settled before you know it.’
Magdova thought, the way her mother said that sounded like a prayer.
Jane was waiting for her when the footman opened the door and stood in the grand foyer of the Petrov manor. The woman was a beauty; Kassandra always wondered how Gerhman, the fat old miser, scored someone like her.
‘Dame Petranski.’ The other woman slid in close, taking one of her hands on both her own as she kissed Kassandra on the cheek. ‘I heard. I’m so sorry. I promise, our footmen are at your disposal. I’d have sent them already after these thieves, but I had a feeling you’d be visiting and I’m sure you’ll know how to use their efforts better.’
Well, that was easy; Kassandra was grateful. The foreign woman kept to herself outside of the big social events, and though Gerhman was an old friend, he’d become a lot more insular these last few years as well. She’d feared getting their help would’ve been like getting blood from a stone.
‘Thank you. Can I ask what they stole? I think that could be a big help in narrowing down our suspects. There aren’t many brave, or stupid, enough to break into a nobleman’s vault.
‘A spellbook, one given to me by my teacher in my homeland. I’d been studying it just that night, too. It seemed like Syline was trying to stop them, correct? I’m so sorry she’s gotten herself hurt or worse for my sake.’
‘That’s the Petranski in her.’ Kassandra said with a conflicted, sad sense of pride. ‘She’ll be alright and I promise we’ll get your book back.’
‘I appreciate that, but please, Syline should be in your mind first; I just want her to make it home safe. I’ll have my men reporting to your doorstep tomorrow morning.’
Kassandra nodded, looking past her into the foyer.
‘Would it be alright if I came in? I heard that Syline spoke with your maid that night; I’d like to ask her a few questions if I can.’
Jane shook her head softly.
‘I’m afraid she’s not in today. She had to hurry home to look after her mother. She should be back in a few days; I’ll let her know to visit you the moment I see her.’
‘Alright, thank you, Jane. Thank you.’ Kassandra sighed, the world feeling so very heavy. ‘I suppose I should get back out there. My men and I will be raiding some known criminal hot spots today to see if we can’t turn up any leads.’
‘You’re a much braver woman than I am, but I promise, however I can help, I’ll be there.’
‘Thank you, Jane, you’re a good woman. I’m sure we’ll speak again soon.’
After a little more idle small talk, Kassandra left, forcing herself to confront the reality of the situation once again. Syline was gone and she had no idea where to go. What kind of criminal steals a spellbook? Dead ones when she was done with them.
‘Well, let’s be off then,’ Laes said as he drew his own sword. It was about the length of an arming sword but was made entirely of matte black metal. Its edge was covered in serrated sections, chips and cracks, each one faintly glowing with a red light. Amberly had the feeling that, despite those cracks, that blade would probably be tougher to break than any blade she’d ever held or faced. It looked like it was worth a king’s bounty from the magic within it alone.
‘Follow my lead and don’t you dare light that torch. I can see just fine in the dark, so I’ll get us in position before the fight begins.’ Laes grinned at her before turning on his heel and walking with all the confidence in the world down the stairs, disappearing into the dark.
Taking one last deep breath, Amberly hurried after him. Catching up to the devil, she placed a hand on his shoulder and whispered to him,
‘How do you expect me to follow your lead if I can’t bloody see you?’ She could sense the blasted devil was grinning, even when she couldn’t see him. He playfully patted her on the hand and kept on walking.
‘Then stick close, paladin. We’ve got quite a walk yet.’
Amberly shook her head gently, a wry grin on her features. Inwardly, she enjoyed Laes’ playful nature, but, of course, she wasn’t going to admit that. Nor would she voice her suspicions that he only had her keep her torch unlit so she’d have to hold onto him, the flirt.
‘So,’ she began, quieting her voice, ‘I’ve always meant to ask, what kind of devil are you?’ she asked as they began down the winding stairs to the next floor. He was taking it slow, so she did not tumble, and it didn’t go unnoticed.
‘I know there are a few that make contracts and you fit the description of a Lachelnder Dieb, but the codexes said they smell like roses and honey. You smell good, but not like that,’ he said.
‘Vanilla and lavender, it’s perfume.’
‘Ah, good choice, my lady.’ She heard a snicker from him before he continued.
‘And I’m a half-devil, actually. My mother was a lovely woman, a bit too drawn by my father’s devilish good looks.’ Even he seemed annoyed by that pun, audibly groaning when he heard her snicker. ‘If that’s funny to you, I regret our partnership.’
‘Oh, come on, it’s funny because you’re the one saying it. Wait, so are you a hellblooded? I’ve met hellblooded folk. You look a bit like one, but you’ve got a totally different feeling to you.’
The man seemed to concede the point, and she felt him pat her hand with a pleased little hum.
