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I turned a corner to find talking and laughter pouring from a large, obnoxiously lit building that my people hadn't used in decades.

It was so … wrong, the way she'd destroyed the stone to build her metal monstrosities! She'd claimed she'd just "modernized" our stronghold, but gods — I'd far preferred it before — the way our ancestors had worked with the curves and edges of the stone to create a settlement that blended with the cliffs instead of standing out.

Irritation bit at my gut as drunk soldiers stumbled out of the newly replaced double door, waving at the soldiers I was following as though they all belonged here … as though this place were their home.

But they didn't belong here. This wasmyfucking home.

No. Those thoughts would do me no good tonight. Ineededto focus on blending in.

Pasting a cocky smile on my lips, I pushed the feelings away, threw my shoulders back, and tugged my hat down to cover my brow.

Tonight, I was yet another newbie Agent of theEmpire. Too cocky to know any better, and too stupid to care …

The room was large, crowded, and reeked of body odor and bier.

Excitement began to pump through my veins as I took it in, and no one seemed to even care that I was there.

This just might work …

Sure, the idea was foolhardy and dangerous — but gods, it had been forever since I'd done something so fun!

A rough wooden bar ran the length of the far wall, and a gray-haired bartender worked behind it. Near him, stood a single open stool.

Perfect!He looked like the type to hear all the juicy gossip. I'd start with him.

I made my way across the bar, half-expecting someone to call me out … but no one said a thing.

My grin widened as I took the empty seat and let out a long breath. "Bier, please."

The bartender nodded. "That'll be two chits."

He retrieved a tall glass and began filling it with foamy golden liquid from a tap … and my stomach sank.

Two chits?Palms sweaty, I checked my pockets, praying my luck held.

Empty.

Damn.I'd assumed the drinks were like the food — free for the soldiers.

The bartender lifted the newly filled glass in my direction and held out an emptyhand for the money.

How strange would it look if I pretended I'd forgotten my chits in my room?

I opened my mouth to say just that, but I just gaped — tongue refusing to cooperate.

He let out a grunt and shook his head. "What's with you new recruits? Senior officers take your chit, too?"

My guts unknotted, and I closed my mouth, offering an abashed grin, instead. "I'm sorry."

"Fine," he sighed, passing me the drink. "This one's on the house. But that's it. Got it?"

I smiled sheepishly. "Thanks. You're one of the good ones."

The man just rolled his eyes and moved to serve another soldier, muttering about children in the military.

Well, that plan was a fail.It didn't seem like he was the talkative type anyways, though, so that was okay.

I looked around the nearly full room. Luckily, there were plenty of tipsy soldiers to talk to instead …