Page 26

CHAPTER 26

Ash

I followed the dimly lit winding path to the sacred pool’s chamber but stopped short at the far end before reaching it. A knight stood guard at the entrance and another two headed down the path toward me carrying a stretcher with the body of one of Sage’s attackers.

Damn it. The Order had already taken control of the chamber, and while I could change my spirit clothes so I wore the knights’ uniform, I couldn’t change my physical appearance in the Garden. My spirit form was stuck and even if my scarred face wasn’t a giveaway that I wasn’t a knight, my short hair would be, since all knights of the Order had to keep their hair a traditional length.

I wouldn’t be able to search the pool for more clues about the attackers who got away. Goddess. I was utterly useless.

Everything within me screamed I needed to protect Sage. Scouring the area where Sage had been attacked was the only useful thing I could do for her since I’d been useless in the throne room.

The knights carrying the stretcher drew closer, and I stepped back into the shadows and let my hair fall forward, veiling my face. I didn’t recognize either of them, and I could only pray they were actually taking the corpse to the north wing to search for evidence and not some ditch outside of the Garden where no one would be able to find the body.

For a moment I considered following them, but if there was serious corruption within the Order, I doubt they’d make it obvious by not following procedure. No, once inside the Order’s private wing, as much or as little of the investigation could be conducted and no one would be the wiser. Following the grunts carrying the corpses wouldn’t get me anywhere.

But I also couldn’t gather more information in the chamber. Which left me with what?

I wasn’t sure what my next move was… if I even had a next move.

“Skulking in the shadows like usual,” an all-too-familiar voice said from down the passage behind me.

Swell. Yarrow. The Order’s most acclaimed investigator, and my older cousin.

I forced myself to keep my posture relaxed and turned to face him. He swept his magic-enhanced gaze over me, starting at my feet and finishing at my face. His magical ability to improve his vision wasn’t particularly powerful, but combined with his quick intellect, it made him an effective investigator. And he took pleasure in reminding me he was the pride of the family while I was their greatest disappointment.

A hint of wicked mirth joined his sour expression, and for the millionth time since I was punished for it when we were children, I resisted the urge to strangle him.

“Phoenix assigned you the investigation,” I forced out.

“Of course he did. I’m the best.” The man was arrogant, self-important, utterly lacking in compassion, and unmated. He’d no doubt attempt to exploit his role to get close to Sage.

Hell, he probably saw this as his Goddess-given reward as a chance to court the newest arrival.

I could just see the fantasy in his head. He’d claim he apprehended all her attackers — whether he did or not — and Sage would swoon into mating him.

Except Sage would see right through him, and I didn’t want to think what he’d do when she damaged his fragile ego.

“Her Brilliance has taken an interest in the new arrival, so I suggest you scurry back to the Gray.”

I opened my mouth to tell him the new arrival had a name, but he cut me off.

“Do you actually think you’re going to help?” He threw his head back and released a mocking laugh, loud enough to draw the attention of the knight guarding the entrance of the sacred pool. “That’s adorable. You think if you step out of the shadows she won’t scream with horror?”

She hadn’t before… but that was just shock.

My throat tightened and I struggled to keep my expression empty. Yarrow wanted me to react so he could arrest me for interfering with his investigation.

Except I could already see it. The look of horror on her face, her trembling and frozen form. And the flinch. The same flinch all the others made when I took a single step closer.

The flinch that would shatter my soul.

“You did, didn’t you?” His expression turned to fake pity. “Why do you even bother coming to the Garden? You know only beautiful people belong here? Actual candidates for providing the realm with the next generation. Not…” He gestured at my face, his lips curled in disgust. “Not whatever you are.”

I clenched my jaw and his gaze jumped straight to the flexing muscles.

Shit. If I gave in to anger, I’d hand him the exact response he was fishing for and give him reason to report me to the Order. If the whim struck him, he could have me banned from most of the Garden and then I wouldn’t be able to protect Sage at all.

I forced my jaw to relax and lowered my gaze, letting my hair fall forward to shield more of my face. “You’re right. I don’t belong here.”

“Good. Now run along,” Yarrow chuckled, his tone grating. “The real men have work to do.”

I glanced back at the entrance to the sacred pool to take note of the man standing guard and released a resigned sigh before leaving Yarrow and his smirk. If the knight guarding the entrance didn’t know me, I might be able to get him to talk about Yarrow’s investigation.

Without a doubt, the Garden was already alive with gossip, but most of it would just be speculation, and while I could listen to it all, the best sources for information were the knight guarding the entrance, any knights inside the sacred pool’s chamber, and Yarrow himself.

And while I could manipulate Yarrow into bragging about what he learned, the emotional toll was always high. It was better to save that for last and see what the knights working under him knew first.

Hell, it was better to break into Yarrow’s office and riffle through his files.

But if nothing came out of it, I’d put up with Yarrow’s demeaning attitude and cruel words. I’d do whatever it took to ensure Red was safe.