Page 38 of Seas the Reckoning

Starla’s fingers spark.

“Huh? You mean we need to just go along with all my father’s ridiculous, controlling demands?”

“Yes. But I am going to be by your side as well. The coven leader instructed you to make use of friends, and if I’ve been pulled into the situation, removing myself would go against her instructions. Plus, having someone else there keeping an eye and ear open for gossip and clues shared by your father’s guests only makes sense. And I won’t be someone he’s looking for. It is my belief that this will tilt the situation in our favor. A small detail here and there can make the difference between victory and defeat.”

“True,” Jackal says, nodding along, “but you also aren’t invited. Just how are you expecting to land an invitation?”

Feral shoots the hyena a flat expression.

“Simple. I’m going to bribe him, compliment him, and insult him, all while elevating my own importance. A lethal combination that is bound to work.”

Starla grimaces.

“Look, I’m not trying to question the god of wisdom here, but you don’t know Councilman Azriel Taylor. He does not respond well to insults. He responds to getting his way immediately and without question. Expanding his guest list will not count as getting his way.”

“Allow me to demonstrate?” Feral asks.

“Fine.” Starla doesn’t look convinced.

Feral points to Ji-hwan.

“You be whoever Councilman Taylor has working the door.”

Ji-hwan steps into place.

Feral takes a few steps back and then begins a fake approach. At once, his demeanor changes. If I thought he was formal before, it’s nothing to this. His entire bearing is straight and regal, and he moves with grace that suggests he’s a king from times gone by, not a modern aristocrat in a suit. Although being a devastatingly handsome supernatural in a fitted suit probably won’t hurt his cause.

When he reaches Ji-hwan, he doesn’t even glance at him.

“Inform Councilman Taylor that Founder Feral has arrived.”

Starla sighs.

“Yes, yes. Very pompous. But I’m here to tell you that either he’ll ignore your request, or stomp out piping mad at your presumptuousness.”

Feral flashes her a half-smile, his vampiric fangs showing.

“He will come out. Have you all ever heard of Founding vampires?”

Starla and I shake our heads.

“I can guarantee Councilman Taylor has. From everything you’ve described, he’s too in the know on important supernatural lineages not to be aware. We are the original vampires who started all others. And we’re a dwindling breed. He’ll be intrigued enough to come.”

“And when he does?” Starla asks.

Jackal jumps up from behind me, throwing an arm into the air.

“Let me be Councilman Taylor, please? I’ve got his countenance down to a T.”

Feral dips his chin, and Jackal’s mischievous expression shifts to one of haughty disapproval as he slinks out from behind me and over to the god.

“Founder Feral. While I am honored by your visit, this is unfortunately an inopportune time. As you can see, I am hosting a private event.”

The way Feral’s expression shifts is expert. Just a minor change in the way he holds his mouth, and the lift of his eyebrows, displays his faux displeasure.

“That is indeed unfortunate. I was led to believe by a few of my associates that you would be the one to consider for an upcoming partnership, but perhaps I misunderstood their praise of you. Someone described as a keen businessman with a mind for intricate and lucrative deals doesn’t often turn away an esteemed supernatural from the gates. Particularly not one who has information of the kind I had intended to relay.”

Starla’s leaning forward, and I find even I am curious, until I remember the entire exchange is fake.