Page 51 of Slayer

“Who?” I ask a little too quickly. Thalos studies me for a beat, then answers in a lighter tone, seeing straight through my slip-up. “The Cinder Prince. You’ve heard of him?”

“Yes.” I sit back slightly. “But I thought he was only a rumor.” The memory of the fire that scorched my skin when I saw him in the palace floods in, the embers in his eyes igniting only when looking at me. I play as if I don’t know who Roman is so I can gain as much information about him as possible. There’s so much I don’t know, and something tells me Thalos can help with that.

A low, rasping laugh slips from Thalos’s chest. “No. Not a rumor.” His gaze drifts, as if recalling something. “I’ve seen him more than once. He has one of the biggest hearts I’ve ever encountered in a man.” He pauses, considering the analysis. “Which makes him far more dangerous. He will burn anyone who touches what he believes in,” Thalos continues. “Anyone who threatens what he protects.”

“And what’s that?” I ask.

“His siblings. Above all else.” Thalos’s mouth tightens. “He loathes the king and queen, more than anyone I’ve ever met. And he cares deeply for the rebellion he’s quietly building. It’s obvious he wants to tear down the throne, but he plays the game too well. The king hasn’t killed him yet. But that king is far smarter than he lets on.”

I lean forward, elbows resting on my knees, my eyes never leaving his. “So,” I say calmly, “what does a prince like that have to do with this client?”

“This client walks a dangerous line,” Thalos says, shaking his head and tightening his brow. “He’s as close to pirates as he is to the king, which doesn’t make him sound very loyal, but make no mistake, he carries out every royal order without hesitation. He’s been trying to kill the prince for some time now, more for his own agenda. I think he eventually wants to take the crown.” A classic move, keeping your enemies close.

“And would I know who this person is?” I ask.

Thalos lets out another humorless laugh. “I’m certain you would. He once gave the Pirate Lord a real fight for his gold and title.”

Of course. The only man who ever came close to stealing the title, but then Kai Eldoris bested him by slaying the seemingly undefeatable kraken. “Captain Archer,” I realize out loud.

Thalos nods. “He’s the reason this academy stays fed and armed.” His mouth twists slightly. “When a job is too dangerous or simply not worth his own blood, he comes to us. Rightfully so. That’s what we’re here for.”

I nod slowly, sinking back into the couch. The information settles into place, pieces clicking together where they belong. “How long until he’s here?” I ask, glancing down at my attire. I don’t plan on meeting Captain Archer in my pajamas.

“You’ll have enough time to change,” Thalos says as he rises, reading my mind. “And to grab a cup of coffee downstairs. I’ll walk him up myself. I have a feeling he’ll try something foolish now that Silas is gone.”

He starts toward the door.

“I have one question,” I say before I can stop myself. I’m not fully sure I’m prepared to hear the answer. Thalos stops and turns to face me again.

“Anything,” he says.

“Who was in charge of Maddoc Brine’s death?” My voice remains level, but the moment the name leaves my mouth, a sharp ache blooms in my chest. I haven’t spoken his full name since he left this world. “Who tortured him?”

Thalos’s eyes soften. He understands why I’m asking. The simple fact that I brought it up gives me away. No one speaks of the dead this long after they’re gone. “No one here,” he says quietly. “Silas saw to that blood mark himself. He didn’t torture the boy within these walls either. I don’t know where he took him.” If Thalos didn’t see where Maddoc was taken, no one did.

His voice is as gentle as it can be beneath the rasp. “Is that why you killed him?” His eyes narrow slightly and he flicks them up and down, fearful that he’s overstepped. I nod numbly.

“Yes.”

Where did Silas take Maddoc? Judging from the marks and gashes on Maddoc’s body, he used an assortment of weapons. Did he have a secret lair where he would take certain marks to? How did he get him alone in the first place? Silas was powerful, yes, but Maddoc wasn’t exactly a sitting duck. He knew how to fight. It was one of the things that drew me to him in the first place, the reassurance that he’d be able to handle himself in my life. How wrong I was.

There was something darker at play, something about Silas that even I failed to see. Just as he failed to see what I am. So many fucking secrets.

“Well,” Thalos says after a moment, “if it’s any comfort, we’re glad he’s gone. Thankful, even, that you’re finally where you were always meant to be.” A slow smile touches my lips and some of the pain in my chest eases.

Thalos is already positioning himself at my side, whether he realizes it or not. He’s inching his way toward being my right hand in this academy. I’ve been a lone wolf my entire life, but it might be useful to allow someone to watch my back when my attention is elsewhere.

He gives a sharp nod of respect. Then he turns and slips out, closing the door firmly behind him.

I move to my armoire and pull free my slayer uniform. Autumn has fully settled in, bringing with it a biting chill, the crunch of leaves, the shortening of days.

The leather is cool as it slides over my skin. I fasten it piece by piece, then drape my cloak over my shoulders and tug on my boots.

Making my way down the long stairway, old memories resurface with every step. There was a time when, every day, I climbed these stairs half alive, half dead, blood drying on my skin, bones aching, vision swimming.

Always the same routine. Report to Silas. Prove the kill. Collect the coin. Keep my title and my life.

Then I’d take most of my earnings straight to Zorren so he could survive another week. Nyra rarely needed any support from me. She’s a talented herbalist; many travel to see her. The rest of the coin I’d lock away in my safe, untouched, unless Mira or Bleu needed it. The cycle was brutal, endless, and suffocating. I grit my teeth and stomp down the last few steps with confidence. I will never work for anyone else ever again.