Page 100 of Wolf of Ashes
The way the fire jotunn’s amber eyes spark with molten flames as if he’s ready to summon his power is another indication that he isn’t happy to see the newcomer.
Jonah takes a glance at the oblivious humans before he rises from his seat and speaks more plainly than I was expecting. “Why are you here, Lucian?”
“Isn’t it obvious?” Lucian replies.
“Not to me.”
Lucian scoffs. “I’m here to ensure Elijah reaches his new home safe and sound.” And in the next breath, he adds: “That would be the home the Ultima Nostra arranged for him. In case you’re confused.”
“Obviously, we’re on our way there,” Jonah replies without blinking. “The Ultima Nostra’s allies in Boston are ready and waiting to receive Elijah.”
I fight the crease in my forehead. Vanguard made it clear that the people we’re taking Elijah to are enemies, not friends. Of course, the false Ultima Nostra’s allies may be Vanguard’s enemies, but I don’t think that’s what’s going on here. Not if I’m judging Jonah’s tension correctly.
My teeth grit and my gaze flicks to Diavolo as I put two and two together.
Vanguard must be defying the Ultima Nostra. He’s attempting to get his son to safety while appearing to follow orders. Because, of course, the Ultima Nostra would also love to use Elijah as leverage, ensuring Vanguard’s complete cooperation for years to come.
What unsettles me is the question of how helping Vanguard in this situation will get me into the inner circle?
Oh… fuck.
I smother a sigh as I realize I may have been played. Vanguard was never going to get us in. I can see it now, and it explains why Vanguard would trust this mission to two strangers: We’re the fucking scapegoats.
When the boy doesn’t get where the Ultima Nostra wants him to go, Vanguard and Jonah can blame it on us. Maybe they’ll say we stole Elijah or killed him. We’re powerful enough that it’s a real possibility.
Of course, it’s all just a theory on my part for now, but hell, if I were trying to get my kid to safety and didn’t want to blow my cover, it’s what I’d do.
I glance across to Diavolo, wishing I could tell him my thoughts, but I can see his thoughts churning, the way he’s quietly scrutinizing Jonah and the newcomer. Even the way he’s sitting back in his chair and smoothing out his features, somehow making himself look less threatening.
Just like a predator would.
Don’t let your prey know they’re in danger.
Well, we’re here now, and for now, I’ll play along, too.
I squeeze Elijah’s hand.
This child is the only one not playing a game. If there’s any truth in all this, it’s that Vanguard loves his son, and Elijah loves his father.
I’ll find a way into the empire.AfterI get Elijah where he needs to go. Wherever the hell that safe place actually is.
At Jonah’s reply, Lucian has given a dismissive wave, his fingertips grazing the air near my face. If he cares about my presence, he makes no sign. “Well, obviously, that’s where you’re headed because only a fool would defy the Ultima Nostra.”
He inclines his head sharply at the empty seats on the other side of the aisle and it takes me a moment to realize he wants Jonah to move there.
The fire jotunn hesitates. He hasn’t left Elijah the whole time and he promised Vanguard he wouldn’t. Stiffly, he obeys, stepping into the aisle, but he doesn’t go so far as to sit in one of the other seats.
My attention returns to the newcomer.
Who the fuck is this guy anyway?
The shadow he casts is like an aura, but I can’t make heads or tails of it.Whatis he?
Lucian slips into Jonah’s seat opposite me, moving with the confident manner of someone who never encounters resistance and doesn’t have to work hard to get his own way.
He ignores Anarchy, who hasn’t stopped staring at him.
She’s awfully restrained in her reaction. Her nostrils flare as if she’s dragging his scent into her lungs, but she doesn’t bare her teeth. If anything, the flicker of her brown eyes to me indicates that she’s confused.
