Page 19 of Secrets of the Six

"The Soberano, of course," she declares. "Well before he became what he is now, we both sat on King Armando's council. He strongly opposed the Venturans being welcomed into our city, and I was firmly in favor. We were adversaries on many other issues but with my family name established, I knew how to throw my weight around. I served my king and city with all the fight I had in me. Unfortunately, about a year after the Wings joined our society, my husband suddenly turned up dead. It wasn't an accident. It was a message. It was then I knew I needed to be alone. Family was seen as a weakness, and I couldn't bear another innocent's death on my hands."

My shoulders hunch forward, her story a surprising burden. "You never had your revenge?"

She presses the cane against my chest, forcing me to straighten. "I could never prove the Soberano was guilty of Hector's murder, but I know it was him. Soon, I will have my justice. Soon, after decades of plotting, scheming and planning, the Soberano and his minions of cruelty will find themselves at my mercy and I will ensure none survive."

I bite my bottom lip, but I can't help myself. I have to know. "So, you've been alone all this time?"

"I was unable to bear children. Not for lack of trying, mind you. It just wasn't meant for me. And once Hector was taken from me, I had no room in my heart for another." She plants both hands on the pommel of her cane in front of her. Her eyes are fixed on the endless sea. "The Otero line might be at its end, but we will not leave this world without dragging others down with us."

"You aren't alone though." Her eyes fly to meet mine. "You have your niece, Elena."

"She is the Lozano heir, child. That is her priority."

"What about Salvador?"

Doña Otero doesn't respond. She simply stares at me as if what I said was the most preposterous suggestion she's ever heard.

"He might not be your blood, and I know you never adopted him, but clearly he is loyal to you and would see to it that House Otero continues long after you pass," I explain my reasoning but instead of hearing me out, she clears her throat and stands.

"I believe I've had enough time in nature." She heads for the house. "I will see you at dinner."

I leap to my feet. "Doña – "

"Good work today, mi querida."

And just like that, she slams the door shut on our conversation. Why she was ruffled by the idea of Salvador taking over House Otero is beyond me. Sure, he's not her son by blood, but there's no doubt in my mind that the phantom would make a deal with the devil if it meant keeping Otero safe. Maybe one day I'll understand their dynamic and his heritage, but it certainly won't be today.

Enjoying the peace and quiet, I settle on the bench and allow myself a moment to daydream of all the riches that will be mine if I do my part in Otero's schemes. I won't necessarily have a view like this in the Silver District, but at least I'll be able to breathe and enjoy the sunshine that the unfortunate souls in the Brogratto are denied. I won't go back. No matter what happens to me now, I have tasted heaven and won't ever find myself back in hell.

Chapter 7

Ines

With Salvador noticeably absent for dinner and not inside the casa when the butler locks up for the evening, I decide tonight is the best, and possibly only, opportunity to sneak out and pay Señor Montenegro a long, overdue visit.

It's torturous to wait until the house is dark and everyone is tucked warmly into their beds before I don the black pants, blouse and cape I was wearing when I first arrived to sneak over the garden wall. All I want to do is crawl under my blanket and doze into a deep, restful sleep, but I know if I don't go tonight, I might not get the chance to later. And I hate tossing and turning every night knowing he's sleeping peacefully in his mansion, while those he believes are beneath him live and die in misery due to his cruelty.

Unlike Doña Otero, I am not patient enough to bide my time for decades before enacting my revenge.

With it nearing midnight, I slip out onto my balcony and give the property a once over. I don't spot any of the workers and the lights inside the house all appear to be snuffed out. Apart from a few lanterns lighting the garden pathway, the only source of guidance comes from the city itself where the Night and Entertainment Districts are still in full swing.

Carefully and quietly, I sit on the iron guardrails before swinging my legs over to the other side. Being on the second floor makes it easy for me to slip down the metal bars and drop to the ground below. I've learned, after years of practice, to be light on my feet even when I fall, so when my boots hit the gravel there's barely a sound. Waiting a second to ensure no one is stirring in or outside the house, I walk through the manicured garden, past shrubberies in forms of animals and rose bushes that even the Soberano would covet. I find myself standing in front of a private sitting area with an eight-foot-tall adobo wall covered in ivy.

The hair on the back of my neck stands at attention. I scan the garden, sensing eyes on me but find I'm alone.

I twist my fingers around the ivy vine and begin my ascent. If all goes well, I'll be back within a couple of hours, and no one will be the wiser. My hands curl over the top of the smooth stone surface and just as I heave myself upward, a voice slices through the darkness and draws a long, exhausted sigh from my lips.

"Going somewhere, Vibora?"

I could make a run for it, forgo permission and ask forgiveness upon my return, but I know from our daily interactions how tenacious Salvador is. He'd hunt me down and drag me back to face Otero's wrath.

I slide down the wall and rest my palms against the stone, close my eyes, and inhale deeply before turning around to face him. "I thought you were out."

"I was. I'm back now." He tilts his head to the side, hands clasped behind his back. He takes a heavy step toward me. "I'll ask once more, are you going somewhere?"

"Thought I'd get a little fresh air."

"I see." He brings his arms forward and presses the tip of his rapier – which was hidden from my sight – into the gravel. "Perhaps, it would be easier to open your window than scale walls at midnight."