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Layala rolled her eyes and walked through the open front gate.Alright, this is simple. Look someone in the face and command them with your power. Maker above, taking someone’s free will isn’t what I should be doing.But she needed her journals, and if they were going to get into the vault she’d likely have to persuade a few guards to take a break or look the other way.

She walked down the gravel path leading to the house, searching for a target. It was better she chose someone alone or in a small group so no one could see what she was doing. With the amount of alcohol being consumed, she wasn’t sure it would matter either way, however. Before she chose some poor unsuspecting fool, as Hel put it, a young male approached her. His dragon’s scales were the color of brushed aluminum, and they flexed and moved like rippling fishes underwater in the torchlights. Even without the dragon scales, his broad shoulders and seven-foot stature made him an intimidating figure to stand next to. With a tilt of his head, his scales shifted to tanned skin. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen an elf.”

She held out her hand. “My name’s Layala.”

He smiled and grasped her palm, dwarfing her hand in his massive grip. “Caliban Drakonan.”

“Drakonan,” Layala murmured and kept holding his hand. They might not even need to go to the opera if she could get him to spill secrets. “Your father must own the treasury.”

“My great-grandfather does but it’s more of a family business.” He looked down at their connected hands, smirked, and kept a gentle hold. At least it wasn’t awkward.

She finally pulled her hand away. “I’m new in town and was passing by and saw the party. I thought I’d drop in. I hope I’m not intruding.”

“Not at all, Layala…” he fished for her surname.

“Black.”

“That’s a nice ring you have. Married?”

She looked down at her hand, thankful she hadn’t taken it off. They almost planned to go into this party not knowing each other but that would have ruined their story at the opera with Caliban here. She was sure Caliban would be there with his family. “Yes, he’s here somewhere.” She glanced back but didn’t see him among the crowd.

“What brings you to Akliv?”

“We’re in the diamond business and looking to open a shop on Pearl Avenue.”

“And you know you’ll need the backing of my great-grandfather to do that.” He chuckled and rubbed the back of his neck. “So your husband sent in the pretty elf in elegant clothes to meet with me first and get your foot in the door?”

Layala smiled, realizing how overdressed she was compared to the others in fine but still more casual attire. “My husband doesn’t send me to do anything, dear.”

He laughed at that. “My mum’s the same way, even if my father would never admit it.”

Layala brushed her hand against his and locked in his gaze. “I was hoping for an invitation to the opera tomorrow night. Is that something you can provide?” Her magic tingled, her voice sounded more melodic, sultry.

“Of course,” he said, looking dazed. “I can get you onto the balcony with my family.”

Alright… it actually worked.“That would be wonderful. Mr. Black will be pleased.” Layala took a breath. “I’ve been so curious about the treasury. We’ll of course need to store our money and some diamonds there. How will our goods be protected?”

He blinked and cleared his throat. “That’s not something we discuss but you can rest assured anything you keep there will be safe. It’s never been breached.”

Layala gulped, losing confidence in her ability. If he got suspicious and she couldn’t get him to forget, their cover was blown. “That’s great,” Layala said, gut sinking.Hel, the treasury has never been breached.

His voice entered her mind immediately,I’m aware. How’s baby Drakonan?

Strong willed, but I did get us an invite to the Drakonan balcony for the opera.

Excellent.

Layala searched the loud groups around them but couldn’t find him anywhere.

“Caliban!” a group of boys shouted at him, waving wildly from the roof.

“I should let you go. I look forward to meeting the rest of your family tomorrow evening. How will they know to let us in?”

“Just tell them I invited you and show the guards this. It will get you in anywhere in this town.” He wrapped his hand around hers and pressed a small round coin in her hand. “See you there.” With a wink, he spread his wings and leapt into the air.

The gold coin in her hand had the Drakonan name printed on it with a roaring dragon. If it got her anywhere, did that mean she could walk into the treasury without trouble? She still had to figure out which vault had her things in it and how to get past the wards or anything else that may be guarding it.

She started toward the house again in search of Hel.Where are you? He gave me a Drakonan coin.