Page 51 of Seas the Reckoning

“We wanted to stick around long enough to make sure none of you all needed backup,” Danger answers at the same time Never blurts out, “Why set a fire if you’re not going to watch it burn?”

Never clears her throat.

“I caught Jackal outside a little bit ago. Once he was sure the guests had spotted him at the scene of the crime, he went looking for … whatever it is you all hope to find … and then found me to let me know you all were good. We were just prepping to portal out, drop the dog back off with the young hyena shifter, when we heard you. I’d be more than happy to storm the manor if you need assistance?”

Never cracks her knuckles. I reach up and place my hand over hers.

“No, thank you. It may be hard to believe this with the fire the guys had you set, but we’re trying to be somewhat incognito about our investigation here. They just needed enough of a distraction to poke around without looking suspicious. And we did find some clues.”

“Clues you need me or Hugh to look into?”

I tilt my head, considering.

“Maybe.”

I mention the crest and remind her of its connection to Ivyrn Works.

“We know Leon was working with some supernatural being whose real identity he didn’t know. I’m not understanding how the crest could be from Claude’s family but also be hanging over the door to Councilman Taylor’s study. As far as I’m aware, Starla’s never mentioned Claude or other family here, aside from her father. It’s not as if she’d like this side of her family, but it would be odd she hadn’t brought it up when she saw Claude and his sister in attendance, if they’re related.”

Never taps her chin.

“We’ll do some digging. Sure there’s nothing else you need? I love to make a scene.”

I laugh.

“If anything, I need to sneakily get back inside and rendezvous with Starla once she’s out of her father’s office. I can’t very well go back in the same way, and if I go around to the main entrance most people will probably be trying to leave. They’ll notice me coming from elsewhere and trying to barge in. I was seen inside when the flames started, but if I come in from either garden now, they could assume I was meeting whoever set the fire. Which, I guess I am.”

Danger’s eyes gleam.

“This calls for a pocket portal! Single use. I’ll set it here, and have it open up inside the manor. I’m not familiar with the layout, but if you can describe it and how you got to the office, I can put you in an adjacent hall. You can wait for Starla there.”

My heart gives a squeeze. I’m still slightly wobbly on my feet from siren-songing my way into the office, a feat I still don’t fully understand.

But the door was magic, and I was desperate.

I do my best to describe the second floor to Danger. I still haven’t explored all of it, so I just have to hope I come out somewhere close enough to Starla to spot her when she leaves the office but don’t end up somewhere even more dangerous, like Councilman Taylor’s personal rooms.

When I’m finished, the valkywolf removes a small, dark circle from her pocket and sets it on the ground. It begins to grow in size, glowing and shimmering.

“Just step through, but be quick,” she tells me.

“One last thing. You’ll make sure Pickles gets home safely?” I say, missing the dog already.

Never salutes me.

“Course I will. Hero of the downtrodden, right? Not to mention, Jackal’s niece seems quite taken with him. I’d wager that girl will be asking for her own puppy on her Christmas list this year.”

I groan, even as relief hits me. I hope Zyra doesn’t, because I might get held responsible for that one.

I give Pickles a squeeze and pass him off to a beaming Never.

“Thanks again, guys. See you soon?”

“Count on it,” the Were responds.

“You never know,” Danger adds, pressing a spare pocket portal into my hands. With nowhere else to put it, I tuck it into my dress.

I step into the portal, hearing a snippet of Never’s response.