Page 171 of Bitten & Burned

“Ican do that too, and I’m older, so it’s scarier,” Anton hissed in reply.

“Okay, okay… stop it…” I said, sitting up. “Quil, why are you the one who’s going with me?”

“I’m an Ashborne. I know their tactics.”

Anton groaned. “Fuck, he’s right.”

I reached for Anton, who ducked his head so I could run my fingers through his hair, which, even though it was caked in blood, was still annoyingly perfect. “I’m sorry, Anton…”

“I just want you safe…” He turned to Quil, “You’ll keep her safe, won’t you? I’d feel better if someone else was going… just… safety in numbers, you know?”

Quil shrugged. “I’ll protect her with my life, but if she wants someone else and doesn’t mind if I ask him, I think Vael would be helpful…”

They both looked at me. I blinked and then nodded. “Ask him.”

“Consider it done.”

I exhaled. I just wanted to be safe with all of them. Was that too much to ask?

Twenty-Six

CAER VOSS

Caer Voss, Sol, Verdune

27 Ebry, Year 810

My father leftfor home when Vael, Quil, and I left for Caer Voss. He went as far as the city gate before leaving us. He gave me back the amulet, and I tucked it into my bag.

“Go to the library at Blackthorn,” he instructed. “Get books there on metallurgy. Silversmithing. I have a list here of titles I recommend…” He pressed the list into my hands and then took both of them in his. “I know you don’t want to be a part of what I do, and I understand. I don’t agree, but I understand your need for your own life. But please, for your own safety, Rowena… learn what the metals can do. Write me if you need anything, my love.” He kissed both my hands. “Anything. I’m not only the best silversmith in Verdune, I’m the fastest. I’ll make you whatever you think you might need. Just promise me you’ll get the books.”

I nodded.

“I promise, Father. I… I love you. I’m sorry I didn’t… keep in touch.”

“I love you too, Rowena. I’m sorry I made it so difficult for you to keep in touch.” He hugged me again.

We watched him board the carriage and head down the road, on his way back to Avonlynn, then we caught another carriage back to my apartment building.

Quil kept glancing out the window, up to the sky, and then peering at people out on the streets. “It’s midnight,” he grumbled. “Why are there so many people?”

“Midnight is when half the city comes alive. The foundry men get off shift, the gamblers stagger out of their holes, and the students crawl home from the Arcanum.”

“Yep, welcome to Caer Voss,” I said with a shrug. “It makes it easy to be nocturnal, but there are always people, so…”

Quil leaned his head out the window. “Well, the scent’s definitely melding in with everything else. So this was a good idea.”

Vael tipped his chin toward the streetlamps. “That’s Caer Voss’s only kindness—she hides what she doesn’t want seen. Blood, smoke, perfume… it all blends.”

I rolled my eyes. “She’s got other kindnesses as well.”

Vael chuckled. “Yes, well, you see, I’m being wistful.”

Quil shrugged. “I’d rather your wist than your arrogance, professor.” He glanced back at me. “Anywhere you need to go before your apartment?”

I shook my head. “Nope; let’s just go home.”

“I’m an archivist,” Vael muttered.