Page 20 of Death of the Glass Angel (Apotheosis #1)

Seems Talon’s plan had paid off.

* * *

Whatever coldness Chief Heras had presented to Des, she offered nothing but warm hospitality to Janus. The neatly kept woman in the brilliant red dress politely smiled and stood from her seat as Janus approached.

“Lady Janus. I hope you’re feeling alright.” Heras said. “If you need anything at all, just ask.”

“Oh, I’m fine. I’m sorry I got your son involved.” Janus presented a curtsy before knitting her hands together. “At least he seems to be doing all right.”

“Oh, Felsin’s resilient. It isn’t his first time surviving something that very well should have killed him.” Heras waved a dismissive hand. “I’m glad he was there to protect you. I would never forgive myself if something happened to one of my guests.”

“Um, did anyone manage to find the one who fled?”

“Not yet,” Heras answered. “I have my men tracking him down. If I hear anything, I’ll ensure you do as well.”

“That’s um. . . thank you.” Janus stuttered slightly.

“Take care of yourself. If you need to escape the prying eyes, you can come hide up here.” Heras touched Janus’ shoulder gently and sat.

Seeing as she was dismissed, Janus turned away, face scrunched up in thought. Felsin had survived a deadly encounter already? Why did that sound familiar?

“Little lass.” A deep, gruff voice called in an Altanese accent.

The yellow-kilted Chief Kahn approached her, one hand toying with his mustache.

“How are you doing?” He asked. “No lasting injuries?”

“No. I’m okay.” Janus assured him.

“It’s unacceptable, you two being harmed by my men—impostors or not.”

“It’s not your fault.”

“But it is, lass.” He leaned down. “Whatever you need from me to pay this debt will be given. We Altanese do not accept shame.”

Janus opened her mouth to refuse but reconsidered. “Do you have any maps of the mountains I could have? Maybe a book about abandoned tunnels or forts?”

Kahn chuckled. “I’ll deliver everything I have to your chambers.” A grim expression crossed his face. “You didn’t happen to get a good look at ‘em, did you?”

“No.” Janus shook her head. “They appeared and disappeared in what felt like an instant. I saw one’s face, but he was entirely unremarkable.”

“Ah.” Chief Kahn slowly nodded. “If you do get any inclination as to who was behind it, let me know. And I’ll be sure to do the same for you.” His eyes flicked over the crowd before he smiled and nodded at her.

No sooner had he left her side than a swarm of nobles descended upon her like hawks. She didn’t recognize a face among them.

“Heavens.” An older woman said. “You’re rather brave, showing up despite what happened.”

“Surely you must have some idea who sent them?” A man’s voice asked, but Janus’ gaze had dropped to the floor.

“Leave the lass alone.” A handsome red-haired cefra pushed through the crowd and stood in front of Janus. “Need an escape?” Brand whispered, driving her away from the swarm.

“Thank you,” Janus whispered back.

“Of course.” His eyebrows knit. “You seem different tonight.”

“I do?”

“And you never did give me a dance.” Leading her to the dance floor, Brand’s scarlet eyes flashed as he offered her a hand.

Janus tentatively accepted, though a faint voice at the back of her mind advised otherwise.

“I am sorry about what happened on the mountain,” Brand whispered as he laid a hand on her waist.

“It’s fine,” Janus said, staring at the floor. “It wasn’t your fault.”

“No, it wasn’t. It was yours.”

Confused, Janus looked up sharply. Brand spun her around, dizzying her before pulling her back to his side.

“Why didn’t you turn back after the first attempt on your life?”

“I. . .” Janus trailed off. Why had she demanded they keep going?

She had feared coming to this ball, but had she stayed home? Janus never would have left Piona’s walls again.

“It’s foolish.” Brand lowered his voice. “To willingly enter a den of wolves. If I were you, I’d go home.”

“No.” Janus blurted out, meeting his eyes. “I need to know what’s going on.”

Brand’s grip on her waist tightened. Janus couldn’t read his face at all. Did he hate her, or simply pity her?

“What would you know?” His voice hardened. Fingernails dug into her dress—into her hand. “You’ve locked yourself away, shut out the world. You know nothing of your people—what they desire, what they need, and least of all, what’s coming for them.”

Janus hung on his last words. “What would be coming for them?”

“Do you truly not know?”

Digging through her mind, Janus searched for any clue as to what he meant. “Why are you acting like this?” She blurted out instead. “Did I do something to offend you?”

“Does it delight you to be ignorant and inept?” Brand hissed. “Stay here—wait for the knife in the dark to find you. Isn’t that what murderers deserve?” He spun her, releasing her at its climax.

Janus tripped as she backed away from him, paling.

Murderer?

Did he know?

Throat tightening, Janus’ vision blurred as she stumbled into the crowd, pushing past voices and faces she couldn’t see. A black mass appeared before her. Turning to avoid it, Janus felt someone grab her arms.

“Fleeing the dance floor?” Felsin’s voice penetrated the fog. “I would too, had I been forced to dance with Brand.”

Relieved, Janus looked up into his warm, golden eyes.

His eyebrows fell. “You look distressed. Did he harass you again?”

“N-no. I’m just dizzy.”

Avalon barreled through the crowd and grabbed Felsin’s shoulder. “There you are.” She beamed. “Ready for a game?”

“Ash and cinder.” Dinu cursed behind Janus, startling her. He wandered up, fresh glass of ale in hand. “You alright? You look a little pale.”

“I’m fine.” Janus steadied her voice. “Too much wine.”

“I don’t think that’s a bad problem to have. Oh! By the way,” Dinu continued, “I convinced Paulus to sit with us tonight.”

“You did?” Avalon’s tone changed instantly. “How?”

“What is a man’s worth if not the weight of his mysteries?” Dinu chortled into his drink and sauntered away. Felsin chased after him, saying something Janus couldn’t hear.

She lingered on Felsin’s back as he hailed a servant and spoke with her. For a cefra, he had broad shoulders and defined muscles. And pretty eyes. And pretty hair. Janus rather liked the whole package.

Save for his brother. Janus bit her lip, reflecting on their dance. Brand had utterly controlled the situation, gotten under her skin within seconds. She was ashamed of herself.

“He’s not spoken for.” Avalon’s voice snapped Janus from her trance.

“What?”

“Felsin,” Avalon said with humor. “He’s unwed.”

* * *

Card games were one of many ways to quickly analyze someone’s character and find hidden details in their subtle mannerisms. Talon always invited his targets to a game upon their first meeting.

Avalon pulled her cards close and carefully shielded them from prying eyes.

She took the game entirely too seriously and refused to let anyone steal a peek, though no one was trying.

Here was a woman who did nothing by halves and did not open up easily.

She placed great weight behind every play.

Doubtless, a heavy burden had weighed on her shoulders, one where every decision mattered.

Then there was Paulus, the emerald green backs of his cards a perfect match for his cape and eyes. He reclined in his seat, lackadaisical, as though victory was assured. Or perhaps he knew this little game didn’t matter. He paid no mind to those who passed; politics mattered little to him.

Felsin hardly paid his cards any mind, his attention fixed on the others at the table. Enjoyment came not from his hand, strong or weak, but when another played a brilliant set. The outcome mattered more than winning. He prized not knowing the end, rather than relishing the now.

His brother lounged casually behind him, scarlet eyes flashing around the table and watching Felsin’s every move. Did Talon detect a hint of jealousy on Brand’s face? Not for his brother’s appearance or cards, but something unseen. Yet on the outside, he pretended not to care.

Dinu was perhaps the most interesting. He drank heavily and held his cards sloppily.

Had Janus cared to lean over, she could have easily seen his hand.

But beneath the disheveled exterior, Talon caught Dinu’s eyes darting over the other players, taking in their expressions, observing their moves.

And to most people’s surprise, he won more rounds than he lost.

He hid himself inside a useless shell, but was his intention to lower others’ guards, or to escape from his shame?

“So, Janus,” Dinu said as he sorted his cards. “How many marriage proposals have you received?”

“None,” Janus answered.

“None? I’m surprised.”

“I’m not.” Janus chortled. “Have you seen me?”

“Don’t sweat it.” Dinu laid his hand down. Another high-scoring set. “Nobody asks Avalon to marry them, either.”

If looks could kill, Dinu would be a dead man. Avalon glared over her cards before resuming her intense concentration.

Paulus chuckled. “No need to insult her. I think Avalon is a fine young woman.”

“Young,” Dinu repeated, breathing out a laugh.

“You’re older than I am,” Avalon said sharply.

“And it hurts to bend over already.” Dinu rubbed his back.

“Tell me about it.” Felsin leaned back, draping an arm over Janus’ seat.

Avalon had snickered to herself, pushing Felsin’s seat beside Janus’. The poor girl turned three shades of crimson every time their sleeves brushed against each other. Janus’ eyes pivoted to Felsin’s arm, and heat flushed her face.

Clearing her throat, Janus stared at the table. “How old are you?’

“Twenty-six,” Felsin said.

“You’re cefran.” Avalon hissed. “You have well over a century left. Stuff your complaints.”

“I’m old-souled,” Felsin said, throwing his cards on the table. “I’ll pass on the next rounds. Lady luck’s avoiding me tonight.”

“Oh, please.” Avalon encouraged him. “I’ll gladly take your coin.”

“A true man.” Brand snatched his brother’s cards. “Doesn’t need lady luck.”

Janus leaned over, studying Talon’s hand. She had opted to partner with him, though her help had been, well, worthless so far. At least she seemed to be having a good time. “Are we winning?”

“This hand’s not bad,” Talon whispered back, eyeing the coin pile as he considered his strategy.

“Besides,” Paulus shifted his cards around. “I hear Avalon helped search for the missing assassin. Such bravery and honor are commendable traits in a potential partner. You, on the other hand,” He glanced at Dinu, “Weren’t even on the hunt.”

“True,” Dinu admitted. “But, neither were you.”

“I can’t deny that,” Paulus muttered, setting down his cards. “But perhaps more interesting are those who were nearby.”

“Those who were on the mountain,” Brand looked over his cards, “Were attacked, too.” He spread them across the table, glancing at Janus.

An expression of pain flashed across Dinu’s face as hands were tallied. Talon’s cards far outstripped theirs, and he snickered as he gathered them up. “Are you going back in?”

“Cinders, no.” Dinu leaned back with his drink. “I need to stay away from gambling.”

“I’ll pass,” Paulus added, settling back in his chair with a glass of wine.

Talon pulled a new hand and let Janus sort through the cards. No longer in the running, Felsin leaned over, blatantly looking over Avalon’s shoulder, who pulled her cards from his line of sight.

“You’re taking this entirely too seriously, Avalon,” Felsin said.

“I want to win. What’s wrong with that?” She retorted, throwing her cards on the table.

Talon and Valkyrie laid their hands down, and even Janus could tell Valkyrie had easily won.

“Ugh.” Avalon pushed her cards away and leaned back. “You ruined me, Felsin.”

“And how did you arrive at that conclusion?”

Valkyrie watched Talon expectantly, and he shrugged and threw more coins into the pile. No harm in a little contest between old friends.

Dinu groaned as he stretched his shoulders. “Hey, Janus. Has Felsin told your fortune yet?”

“You all just find that so amusing, don’t you?” Felsin murmured.

Sitting forward, Talon spread his hand across the table and shot Valkyrie a triumphant grin. Felsin leaned forward, eager to see who had won.

A mischievous glint flashed in Valkyrie’s eyes before her cards hit the table, and Talon’s heart sank. Another perfect hand. Had she been cheating? The little shrew. . .

Valkyrie smirked as she leaned back. “Looks like I won.”