Page 40 of Alchemy of Souls

Bas opens his mouth to join in, but Naomi cuts him off.

“Oh, hell no,” Naomi says lifting her hand in protest. “Don’t you dare tell us about how you’ve already had some beautiful bonding experience in matching outfits where your parents told you that you were their perfect child.”

Bas snorts. “Are you trying to say you need a hug?”

Naomi rolls her eyes.

“She really does,” Ivy says with a grin, and Bas opens his arms.

“You’re all idiots,” Naomi quips, and pushes back her chair. “Also, Ivy and I have somewhere to be.”

Ivy stands. “Lounge. Tomorrow night, Grayson. Don’t screw it up.”

I give them a smile as they walk off.

Bas leans his elbows on the table across from me. “Good.”

“Good what?”

“You and Naomi not trying to kill each other,” he says.

“I take it that means she hasn’t told you whatever her mom knows?” I say.

“Is that even a question?” he says. “You know how she is.”

“You mean calculating as shit?”

“That’s the one,” Bas agrees, pushing back his long hair. “The minute she realized you found that interesting you knew she’d dangle it over your head. Besides, it’s a big ask”—he lowers his voice—“telling us about an ongoing Council investigation. It’s going to take more than you casually mentioning her mom over dinner.”

I exhale, frustrated, because he’s right. “I’ll get it done.”

Bas grins as I stand. “Just bat those baby blues. Maybe wear a tight shirt? One that shows off those guns and—”

“Not helping,” I say as I walk away.

“Or better yet, no shirt at all!” he calls after me.

I hear Bas belly laugh as I head for Eloise’s table by the windows.

Maggie spots me first. “Well, if it isn’t the prince with the gilded knickers and a reputation as long as my legs,” Maggie says, and I smile.

I brush imaginary dust off my chest. “I didn’t know you thought so highly of me, Maggie. I’m flattered.”

“Ye usually are.” She crosses her arms like she’s sizing me up. “And while there are some very specific things I’d say on that matter, you got your backside handed to you on Eloise’s account today. So, I’m giving you a pass.”

“Mags,” Eloise says with a healthy dose of objection. “I didnotneed his help—”

“Need? No. But did you need smashed bones and a dagger in the gut? Also no,” Maggie says, and I’m liking her more by the minute. “It’s a shame yer both getting punished for it.”

Eloise glares at her friend.

“I don’t know what Akari has planned, but I’m guessing it’ll be a right mess. You got her into this, prince.” Maggie points a finger at me. “And now I’m charging you with getting her through it. Do not disappoint me or I’ll use my invisibility to light your man bits on fire while you sleep.”

I laugh. “Given I’m fairly attached to those bits, you have yourself a deal.”

Which is when the dipshit decides to chime in. “Doing charity work now, Grayson? Because ‘nice guy’ isn’t really your brand.” Adrien’s words are so smooth, they almost don’t sound insulting. Almost. “Unless maybe you have something to gain here?”

I tense, because it echoes what Eloise accused me of earlier. But before I respond, Eloise stands.