Page 68 of Seas the Reckoning

If he’s stealing information from the councilman’s office for us while the warlock in question is out here celebrating a victory, that would be poetic justice.

Unfortunately, Jackal is out here. And I’ve had no chance to tell him what is coming next.

“Before we continue the festivities, I am pleased to announce another piece of excellent news. As some of you are aware, I am fortunate to have not just a daughter, but a talented nephew as well. Claude?”

The warlock raises his glass to Councilman Taylor.

“Not as great as you yet, Uncle, but doing my best.” The two chuckle, as if they’ve been bosom pals their entire lives.

Whispers break out, and from the snatches of conversation I hear, the news of the familial relationship is shocking to man of them as well. I suppose Councilman Taylor has chosen to charge forward with the information, and treat it as though it’s not novel in any way.

The sheer level of deceit here is enough to bury a person. I’ll be happy to be rid of it.

“Claude has also chosen to take a bride, and some of you may have had the honor of meeting her this weekend. A gifted siren and my daughter’s dear friend, Carolina.”

Claude presses through the crowd, grabbing my hand and leading us to the front without even a word to me. The crowd applauds again, some craning to get a good look at me. It’s not as if they’ve all had the opportunity to get to know me, but Councilman Taylor’s mention of my abilities has likely lifted a few curious ears.

I stare out at the crowd as Councilman Taylor finishes his speech.

“For now, please enjoy the rest of the festivities. Happy Christmas.” He lifts a glass, and now the snow does begin to fall. The flakes are soft and white, but not cold.

Fake.

Just as fake as everyone here.

As I scan the people gathered, I see Ji-hwan lifting his glass to me, a merry smile on his face. Feral is even off to the side of the crowd, conversing with a random warlock and looking unbothered by the news.

But Jackal is genuine.

He keeps up the act, but his eyes glow, a beacon that I can’t help following.

He’s looking in my direction, but his gaze lingers on Claude as the warlock puts an arm around my waist and squeezes me close to him.

It’s highly possible that Claude has signed his own death sentence, at least if we don’t get out of here before the vows.

As the last guests leave, we are ushered upstairs by a few maids. The councilman personally invited a few people to remain for the event, and I note that Ji-hwan, Jackal, and Exos did not warrant an invitation.

“I’m sure we’ll see them again soon,” Starla says when I point it out.

The maids are monitoring us, but I catch her intention. They’ll be waiting when we leave.

Feral did snag an invite on the coveted guest list, although I think that’s just so Councilman Taylor can get back in the Founder’s good graces after the garden-fire debacle. I have no idea what details Feral gave the councilman regarding his entirely fictional business deal, but he must have dangled something very tempting indeed.

There are four warlocks outside the room when Starla and I reach it.

“Dennis, we’ve got to stop meeting like this,” Starla flutters her eyelashes at Councilman Taylor’s favored muscle.

He sneers.

“You’ll be off to your husband’s house soon—and out of the councilman’s hair. Have you any idea the resources that man has wasted on you over the years?”

“Enlighten me,” Starla challenges.

Dennis presses his lips together and Starla shrugs.

“No matter. I’m worth every single one, I’m sure. And now I’m going to be married into one of the most powerful families in England, and you’ll still be here running errands for the councilman. Who’s superior in that situation, do you think?”

He steps close to her, blocking the door. One of the maids gasps, but the other men don’t stop him. They wait to see what he’ll do.