Page 83 of Eternal Ruin

“Of course.”

They slipped into an awkward silence, and June studied his shoes, boots laced up to the ankles. What did he want?

“I can help you, you know.” Taj offered an easy smile. “With Dranacti.”

Suspicion knotted inside June. “You’re Susenyos’s friend.”

“Proudly.”

“And he hates me.”

Taj leaned back on his palms and studied the blue sky. “The good news is Yos usually hands off people he hates to me.”

June swallowed, preparing to reach for Warde. “To what? Kill them?”

“No, that’s Iniko’s specialty.”

June must have made a sound because he chuckled. “A joke. Iniko’s actually quite gentle.”

Iniko Obu was probably as gentle as a lion. From her time with the Nefrasi she had learned Iniko was Arin’s favorite soldier, which meant she could kill with just a claw.

“It’s helpful to have a vampire on your side,” Taj continued. “You’ll have an interesting task ahead of you soon.”

That was true.

“Getting an article of clothing from a vampire?” June asked.

Taj cocked his head, chestnut eyes catching a shaft of light. “Prof doesn’t usually announce the task until the day of.”

Careful, Warde warned again, and June bit her lip. This was why June avoided talking to dranaics in Uxlay. They knew everything someone June’s age should and shouldn’t know. And it was a constant challenge to act like she didn’t know anything.

After a moment, Taj said, “It’s a shame you joined Dranacti this semester. No Gala this season but it’s still my favorite task. If you wish, I can save a piece of my clothing for you.”

June lifted her lashes. He watched her intently, with all his focus aimed toward her like he was memorizing every angle of her features. She quickly looked away.

It was more than obvious Taj Zuri wanted something from her, probably the location of the Nefrasi hideout. June wouldn’t betray them like that, but it didn’t mean Taj couldn’t help her. He seemed quite chatty.

“Okay.”

Taj’s lips stretched into a handsome smile, making her wonder what she’d said to earn such a reaction.

“And in exchange?” she asked carefully. “What do you want?”

“I have questions.”

“I can’t tell you where the Nefrasi hideout is.”

Taj didn’t lose his temper. Though she waited for it with bated breath. Sometimes, Samson would act calm before he sent his metal arm through someone’s chest.

Instead, he lifted a thick brow, making the headband covering his forehead shift upward. Quickly, he pulled it down before it revealed his skin. “That’s fine. Tell me about this book.”

The book had a ribbon and June played with it nervously. “I’m curious about what makes people want to kill.”

“Dark.” His tone was teasing. “Are you thinking of killing someone?”

A jolt went through her at how casually he asked about such a thing. “Of course not.”

Taj’s eyes lingered on her face. June hoped it was neutral. She hated how her face gave away everything she was feeling and it hurt her jaw to look so serious. Smiling was more natural.