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No answer. She hurried up the steps and inside. The grandeur rivaled that of Castle Dredwich even if it wasn’t half the size. Bold chandeliers, floors of pearl marbling with flecks of silver, gold vases, even some of the tables and furniture were made of pure gold. It wasn’t her taste but beautiful, nonetheless.

Hel?

Layala spotted a black lily on the ground. Then another and another, leading to a girl sitting alone in a chair. She touched her wrist and locked eyes with her. “Did you see who left the flowers?”

“Yes.”

“Where did he go?”

She looked confused. “I don’t know.”

Layala cursed under her breath. He’d probably persuaded her to forget, damn it. “Forget I asked.” Hurrying down a wide hallway lined with navy-blue carpet, she opened doors one by one peeking inside.Where in the realms did he go? No one got to him did they?If either of them would be a target, it would be him. He was the one who invaded the dragons all those years ago; Valeen fought with War and the dragons not against them.

She found another trail of blooming lilies to a lone young male leaning up against a doorframe. He hiccupped and smiled at her. Layala gripped his wrist. “Tell me where the elf you encountered is.”

“I don’t know. I didn’t see anyone.”

Layala groaned and was about to walk away but stopped herself. She could persuade just as easily as Hel. “I need you to forget what he told you and remember. You must remember.”

“He said he’s outside in the gazebo waiting for you,” he said, pointing out the window to the dark of night.

Of course, this was training. “Now forget you saw me and go join your friends.”

He simply nodded and Layala quickened her steps. When she found him outside, he sat in the gazebo with his arms propped up on the back of the bench. She would be remiss if this didn’t remind her of the night the demon attacked but with him here, she felt secure.

He watched her approach with a predatory awareness like a hawk might a mouse. “That was easy. Pretty soon you won’t need me. I think I’ll miss that.”

I might miss that too,she thought.

“Did you know this was the Drakonan’s house? I thought this was only to practice my persuasion skills.”

“Yes, and yes.” He patted his lap, a gesture for her to sit.

“Um, no.”

“I was a little jealous of the way you charmed baby Drakonan. You don’t smile at me like that.” The tiny magical lights floating above their heads reminded her of stars and gave his skin a soft glow. She noticed the darkening circles under his eyes and knew what he would need from her soon. She gave Hel an even closer inspection, glossy eyes, flushed cheeks, and he smelled of alcohol. He must have taken a few shots of strong dragon liquor. She held out her hand. “Come on. I passed your test. It’s time to leave now.”

He grasped her hand and the rough calluses rubbed against her skin. When he stood, he didn’t let go of her hand. “We’re not quite done yet. Ask me something. Persuade me if you can.”

His wasn’t a mind she thought she could crack but there wasn’t harm in trying. “Fine.” She met his stare, and the intensity of it made her insides flutter. Clearing her throat, she squeezed his hand. “How did you get the scars on your chin and eyebrow? You should have healed perfectly.”

“Well, love,” the cadence of his speech slowed, and he blinked lazily, “that’s not one I like to talk about. Ask something else.”

He was certainly under the influence of alcohol. Their elven bodies couldn’t seem to handle dragon spirits as well. “Then it’s not persuasion. It’s just you being willing. A conversation. So, tell me where the scar came from,” she pressed, adding a smile for good measure. Her magic spiraled down her arm and into him. His refusal had her more curious than before. She’d witnessed his healing abilities herself so what could have given him scars?

The corner of his mouth twitched. “You’ll have to do better than that.”

“Better you say?” She shoved his chest and he fell back onto the gazebo bench with a surprised smirk. She sat sideways on his lap, and his hands quickly curled around her hips. Her fingers brushed over the scar on his chin. “I want to know who hurt you. Tell me.”

He licked his lips and leaned in a little further. “You’re getting closer.”

Despite the cool breeze, her core felt like simmering coals. She traced the rune mark behind his ear, three lines that looked like a star, and felt his body tremble. “When do I call you by your full name?”

He smiled. “When you want me to know what you’re saying is a promise. Occasionally, when I better watch what I say next.”

“Do you still love Valeen?”

He shifted a little, gripping her hips tighter. “You’re entering dangerous territory now.”