Page 71 of For the Ghastly and Beautiful

“So, this is what we’re doing?” I ask. “Everyone is in agreement that mov—”

A frantic knock cuts off my words. It’s too heavy to be Ada. I bounce my gaze to each of the guys, checking to see if they were expecting anyone, as Talodus strides to the door. Connak stays in his chair, and Imy leans against the wall, both of them out of view.

I recognize the man on the other side, though I don’t recall his name. Talodus knows him. Imryll and Connak are as lost as I am until they hear Talodus speak.

“Cotear,” he greets. “What brings you here?”

“I was a few doors down and saw your light on.” He shrugs, but it looks forced. “I stopped by the general store to grab a few things, and they told me you were looking for me earlier today.”

“Yeah,” Talodus drawls, then lies. “I had some questions about a guy you work with. He wants to be a guard, and I like to know things about the people I train personally. I talked to a few family members before I went to the store. Sometimes the family exaggerates, which is why I try to ask others the same questions.”

“So, you weren’t looking for me specifically?”

“No. Should I be?”

“Not that I’m aware of, but my friend has had a few issues with the woman he’s courting and your doctor. The others, too. I thought maybe you had questions about those incidents, since you’re the only one who hasn’t overstepped.”

Imryll looks murderous as Connak holds him back. And I begin to wonder if Cotear hasn’t noticed me either.

Talodus blinks a few times. “Who is your friend courting?”

“She hasn’t told you?”

“Are you talking about Rinya?”

We freeze, waiting for his answer. Imryll settles down slightly, though his expression remains as rigid as his shoulders.

“No.” He chuckles uncomfortably. “The red-headed human she’s befriended.”

“Why don’t you come in?”

“I’m okay. Thanks. I just wanted to stop by and see if you still needed me.”

“Tell me more about this courting,” Talodus prompts. “Because she hasn’t told me anything.”

How is he so fucking calm right now?

I hate hearing this asshole lie about Ada. The only reason I’m not losing my mind right now is Imy. We shouldn’t both be mad at the same time. Someone needs to keep the peace, and that’s me tonight. I’m still livid, but I can tamp down on it for a little longer.

“Nothing?” the irritating Mongrel questions. “That’s strange. She’s with him quite often.”

“Like when?” Tal asks curiously.

He scratches his chin. “They meet in the village square all the time. She even took him to the clinic a few weeks ago when he was injured.”

Imryll breaks free of Connak’s hold, barreling around the corner into view. We struggle to grasp his arms, attempting to restrain him.

Cotear takes a step back, triggering the hunter’s instincts. So, I’m left grappling the enraged doctor into submission, which hasn’t ever turned out well for either of us.

“I didn’t know you had company.”

Talodus widens his stance, demanding the Mongrel’s attention. “They’re fine. Why don’t you come in and tell us more?”

“That’s really all I know,” Cotear stammers. “If you want to know more about who she’s courting, then you’ll have to talk to Poko.”

“Poko?” Imryll snarls, completely losing the tight grip he keeps on his temper. “Are you fucking joking?”

I barely hold Imy at bay, grunting when he tries to ram through me. He hasn’t been this furious in years, and he’s stronger than I remember.