Page 36 of Shadowborne: Reckoning

The entire ballroom turned with an intake of breath that caused the candles to flutter.

Bren and I both whirled. I gripped her hand, reaching for her in the bond as her fingers went cold.

‘Bren—’

She shook her head, but didn’t respond, her eyes locked on the dashing figure at the top of the stairs.

Ruin dressed in clean, perfectly-cut, black leather that hugged him like a second skin from throat to toe, his burnished hair tousled as if he’d been riding—though it was clear to any Furyknight that he had not.

He trotted down the steps and towards the same cluster of nobles we approached, his eyes locked on someone behind us, though to my surprise, he stopped a few feet away from where we stood, and saluted me.

“Permission to enjoy the evening, sir!” he barked with a charismatic smile.

With no other choice, I gestured to him to continue, and he bowed to me, ignoring Bren completely, then strode past us both.

We turned to follow his passage, only to see him warmly greeted by Hanson halfway across the ballroom floor, then ushered back to the others who crowded in to receive bows and greetings.

“What… the… fuck?” Bren breathed. I felt the lurch in her, the return of her fragility, the sickness in her stomach.

‘Do you need a moment?’ I asked her seriously. I thought I could use one.

But Bren shook her head, her eyes never leaving Ruin’s back as he was greeted and slapped and cajoled by the very men and women who’d welcomed me so warmly. ‘Absolutely not. I need fucking answers.’

She started after him, but I caught her forearm. When she turned on me, her eyes blazed and I stared a warning at her.

‘Donavyn, don’t fall back into—’

‘I’m not stopping you from going to them—either of them,’ I said, though I could barely believe I said it. ‘But take a second and breathe, Bren. This is it. This is the turning point. From here, it all begins. Don’t stumble into it. Breathe. Think. Plan. Make certain you’re ready.’

She took a deep, sharp inhale, then blew it out.

‘Good,’ I commended her, then tucked her hand into my elbow and stood casually, one leg bent, as we perused the group. ‘We need a plan of attack.’

We stood there, heads tilted together as if we were merely chatting. But I felt Bren stiffen the moment Ruin was introduced to a young woman I hadn’t seen before.

‘That’s Grace!’ she hissed in the bond, and tensed as if she’d stalk off.

‘Have a care, Bren. Think this through.’

‘I am! I won’t let him woo her—she’s lonely, and romanticizes the dragons and adventure. He’ll eat her alive!’

Shit. I nodded once, nostrils flaring as I sucked in a breath. ‘Then, let’s go. But you follow my lead.’

‘But—’

‘He’s my subordinate, and I’m going to remind him—and the rest of them—of that fact. I’ll watch after Grace. Leave him to me. You go after Hanson.’

I felt her bristle, but she nodded once as we approached the others, both of us pasting smiles on our faces at the chorus of greetings and sharp-eyed smiles.

“Why didn’t you tell us that your charming Officer had arrived, Donavyn?” Lady Faye fluttered.

“I’m as surprised as you, my lady,” I said through a clenched jaw. “Ruin’s orders took him elsewhere until recently, didn’t they, son?”

Ruin bowed his head, but I saw his jaw flex. “Yes, sir.”

“So, you do know each other?” Lady Faye’s eyes widened with delight.

“Of course!” Ruin said jovially, turning to include the entire group in his address. “I’ve always admired the General and wished to emulate him. I couldn’t tell you how grateful I am for his training. I would never have reached where I am today without him.” A quick glance turned the statement into a jab, but I ignored the blades in his eyes and nodded as if he’d complimented me. “Of course, every young Furyknight admires the General—all of us yearn to one day earn his respect.”