Page 45 of Seas the Reckoning

“I’m Carolina Bonet,” I volunteer, using the version of my name Councilman Taylor has been using in his introductions, “and I’m a siren, not a witch. Although I would say my song is superior to nearly any key.”

I smirk, and one of the nearby women scoffs. I’m not making any new friends.

I note a single woman who is watching us with an expression that isn’t sour. Her eyes are a stone grey, and her posture is neutral. She’s wearing a form-fitting dress with gold and orange accents. And she’s focused on me, not the god. Similar to the deity, she appears to be perhaps in her mid-thirties. But one never knows.

I don’t have time for curiosity.

Feral is still talking.

“I’m so sorry, I didn’t catch that,” I say.

I look again, but the woman has disappeared into the crowd. I don’t recall seeing her last night. Perhaps Feral isn’t the only late arrival.

“I was asking if you’d do me the honor of the next dance,” the god says.

“Oh, yeah. I mean, yes, I would love to.”

Arloc’s smile tightens, but he doesn’t try to stop us.

“I was hoping we might speak later?” I say to him before the god can lead us to the floor.

Arloc’s expression relaxes a hair, perhaps thinking he’s back in the running and might soon woo a siren to his coven.

“Of course, Carolina. I look forward to it.”

The Founder sweeps me onto the dance floor as the next song begins. I am no trained dancer, but one difference from more historical times is that people are not all synchronized here. Thank the tides.

Feral swirls me expertly around the floor, and each time I get close he speaks in snippets. Just a few words. For anyone nearby, he could be complimenting my dress, or my physical features. With our similar dark hair and green eyes, we must look like a matched set.

“We spoke about your information, and we agree. Starla needs to get in that office,” he whispers.

“Why Starla?” I ask as I step closer.

“She will go in with the councilman’s permission.”

“How?”

“There’s going to be a large-scale distraction that will end tonight’s festivities early. The councilman is a shrewd man. He will be suspicious.”

I’ll just bet.

“He’ll want to check on what is most important to him,” Feral continues.

“If you’re thinking that’s his daughter⁠—”

“His money. His reputation. And we’re betting whatever dirt he has on the people here, which he undoubtedly has. He does not strike me as a man who gained this level of respect by earning it.”

“You think he blackmails people?” I ask before spinning out and then back into Feral’s arms.

“I think he has a backup plan for everything. If he suspects an attack—and any man in his position probably would, with what we’ve got prepared—he’ll search for suspects and check the items he would most hate to lose.”

“I’m supposing the suspects will be you all?”

“The suspects will be gone before he can find them, and everyone in here will be in the clear. I called in a favor of my own.”

My muscles ease as he indicates that Jackal and the others won’t be put in a position of scrutiny. I’m sure the councilman would love an excuse to throw my mate out.

“How does Starla get into the office, then?”