Chapter 8 Kyra 🔥

Kyra marched through the throng of people toward the stage side of the great room. Her breath came fast. The air was thick. The music too loud. She leaned her back against the wall, braced her hands on her thighs, and forced it steady.

How dare she. And I… I almost…

She considered leaving entirely. Just walk right out the door, head back to the estate, and admit to everything she’d done. Kat would have her head for this. That would certainly be easier than being here, right now, with the thought of Jysarra’s hand on her, her lips just a breath away.

Kyra shook the thought away. She needed a drink. A proper drink. Something strong. She reminded herself of her duty, of her job. Just… stop thinking about her. She pushed off the wall and immediately turned away toward the band. Jysarra had emerged from the hallway and scanned the crowd.

Kyra went still.

Those violet eyes staring at her.

Fixed on her.

And then.

You’re beautiful.

That was unfair.

She doesn’t get to say things like that.

She was insufferable.

And yet–

Kyra pressed back against the wall and slid down just enough to keep an eye on her through the sea of bodies between them. After several tense moments Jysarra shook her head, walked past the bar, and headed up the stairs.

She’s going to see Vairë.

A fresh spike of anger flared up in Kyra. Jysarra was going up to see Vairë after she had lectured her about not doing that very thing? Fine. Let her. She could charm someone, anyone, just as well as Jysarra. Better. A drink first, though.

Kyra pushed through the press of people to the bar. The crowd had thickened in the short time she had been gone, making it challenging to find any space, much less a seat. She spied a spot at the very end of the bar where it turned into the wall. Her back would be to the entranceway, which gave her pause, but she figured the bartender was her best bet for information. She slid into the cramped space, rose up on her toes, and leaned onto the bar. The Tiefling spotted her and sidled over, close enough to speak low.

“Well hello there red,” he said with a drawl.

“That makes two of us.”

Kyra flashed a smile.

“Could you suggest something strong for a lady?”

“Well that depends. Does she want something sweet or...?”

Kyra locked eyes with him.

“I want it to burn.”

The Tiefling grabbed a bottle of thick, dark liquid off the shelf behind the bar and poured a finger’s worth into a glass. Kyra lifted it to her lips. It smelled of oak and tasted bitter on her tongue.

“Strong enough for you?”

Kyra thought back a moment to Jysarra’s many flirtations. She dragged her tongue across her bottom lip, slow and deliberate.

“It’s just right.”

The bartender leaned in a little closer.

“I haven’t seen you around here before. What’s your name sweetheart?”

Got him.

“Cassie.”

He extended his hand, each finger adorned with a different ring. Kyra took it with a squeeze of her own.

“I'm Matthias,” he said, bringing Kyra’s hand up to his lips.

“Pleased to meet you, Matthias.”

He released her hand. Kyra traced the rim of her glass, never breaking eye contact.

“Busy night?”

“No more than usual.”

“You see and hear a lot back here, I imagine.”

Matthias gave a noncommittal shrug.

“It comes with the job.”

Kyra’s voice dipped. “I’m looking for someone.”

Matthias’s eyes narrowed.

Kyra slid a platinum across the bar.

“Help me and I won’t waste your time.”

He placed his hand over Kyra’s and slid the coin away. Kyra picked up her glass and took a drink.

“I need to find someone that doesn’t want to be found. Someone that doesn’t want to show their face .”

Matthias went still. His eyes darted around the room. Kyra placed her hand over his.

“I just need to know which way to step.”

He gave a thin smile. Matthias stepped away to field drink orders. His gaze kept drifting back to Kyra. She polished off her drink and signaled for another. Matthias bit his lip, glanced around the room, and walked back over to her.

“Have you ever been across the sea to the old world?”

“I have not had the pleasure.”

“When you head west, be on the lookout for nightingales.”

The hair on the back of her neck rose.

Kyra heard them before she saw them.

“Where the hell is he? Said twenty-three hundred hours.”

“ They could be anywhere. We’ll just have to grab a seat and wait for them to come to us.”

Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fuck!

Otto and Liese. She had completely forgotten Captain Dallmann had told them to be here tonight. Kyra glanced for an exit, but any move would be obvious. If they spotted her, it was over. Her breath came fast. A tremor started in her fingers.

Kyra drained the rest of her drink in one hurried motion, wiped her hand across her lips, and set the glass down carefully.

“You look like you’ve seen a ghost,” Matthias said.

Kyra motioned back to Otto and Liese, mouthing the words city guard . His eyes went wide. He swallowed hard. She leaned in again.

“Another, please,” she said, sliding another few coins over the bar.

He refilled her glass and motioned to someone she couldn’t see behind her. There was a flash of blonde hair in her peripheral vision and she turned away.

Don’t look.

She could feel their presence looming over her. If she turned even slightly…

Don’t.

Otto’s voice carried over the music, far closer than she liked. “Make it something strong.”

Liese leaned across the bar, grabbed two glasses from behind it, and stared at Matthias. “Two oakfire whiskies. And don’t let your devil-blood touch the glass.”

Kyra saw Matthias’s face twitch at the slur. Liese was worse than Kyra gave her credit for. Nevertheless, he grabbed a bottle from the shelf and poured the amber liquid into the glasses. Liese tossed a few coppers his way, handed Otto his, and scanned the room.

Kyra was trapped. If the couple next to her left she’d be exposed instantly. She knew she couldn’t hide in the corner forever. The Goliath that had guarded the door when she and Jysarra had arrived lumbered into the room. Matthias motioned to Otto and Liese.

“Do we have a problem here?”

Kyra couldn’t see Otto, the Goliath was between them, but Liese didn’t even acknowledge that he spoke.

“Mind your own business, rockhead,” Otto said.

The Goliath leaned onto the table, the wood creaking under his weight. Kyra could see Otto now.

“I’m going to ask you to leave.”

Otto set his drink down, flashed something at the Goliath, and smiled. The Goliath took one look at it and backed off immediately. In fact, Kyra thought he looked genuinely frightened. She needed to get out of this corner. The man and woman next to her were making ready to leave and the Goliath was backpedaling from Otto. There wasn’t going to be another opportunity.

She threw back her drink and pushed away from the bar with the couple. They moved around the bar toward the private rooms. Kyra slipped behind the Goliath.

Wait. Not yet.

A larger group was coming through the entrance hall. Kyra stepped in cadence with them, letting them carry her directly between Otto and Liese. Liese was still sneering at Matthias, and Otto was too busy dismissing the Goliath to notice her. She stepped behind a pillar as the group continued onto the dance floor. Kyra dared a peek. The Goliath was retreating into the entrance hall. Otto had brought his feet up to rest on the table. And Liese was looking in Kyra’s direction. She darted back behind the pillar.

Shit. Did she see me?

Kyra held her breath. Then forced it steady. Now. She peeked out again and instantly regretted it. Liese was rising from her seat and walking toward her. She looked around the room. Pressing further into the crowd wasn’t going to help. She needed to get away from these two.

She glanced around the other side of the pillar.

The stairs. Kyra would have to get past Otto again.

She’d need to risk it.

Kyra took a deep breath. Held it. Let it go. Move.

She slipped from her hiding spot, skirting the space between the pillar and the wall, just as Liese passed by in the opposite direction. Kyra threaded herself through groups at each table, keeping a close eye on Otto. He was busy draining his drink. Until Liese’s voice cut through the din of the room.

“Thought I saw a cat in here. Probably nothing.”

Kyra’s blood ran cold. Liese had seen her. Otto set his glass down and turned toward Liese, putting Kyra directly in his sight. She had to think fast. A group sat at the next table. Kyra steeled herself, popped the buttons on her tunic again, and placed herself directly onto one of the men’s laps.

“Hi. I spotted you from across the room and I knew I just had to come meet you,” she said, putting a playful lilt into her voice.

She batted her lashes and tipped her head slightly.

“So… what’s your name, handsome?”

Kyra dared to look around him. Liese was stalking back toward Otto.

“Lukas. And you are?”

She turned back to him.

“I’m Cassie. Please forgive me, I realize this is terribly forward.”

She placed her hand on his chest.

“Not at all,” he said with a smile.

Lukas took her hand in his and rubbed his thumb along the back of her hand.

And now I need out of this situation too. Great.

She needed a distraction. Fortunately for her, and unfortunately for Lukas, she knew how to get it. She drew in slightly, feigning bashfulness, then slowly looked back up at him.

“Would you get me a drink? I’ll make it worth your while.”

Lukas’s expression brightened. Kyra slipped off his lap. He rose from his chair and stepped toward the bar. Kyra hooked her foot around his ankle. Lukas went tumbling straight into Otto. She’d ask forgiveness later. Otto threw Lukas off him, rose to his feet, and began yelling obscenities. The other patrons at the table rushed over to help.

Kyra slipped through the chaos toward the stairwell. She paused at the turn of the stairwell and looked back into the great room. That was a mistake. Liese was looking directly at her. Kyra rushed up the stairs and onto the second floor balcony. The only light came from the faerie fire glow below and the occasional wall sconce. A few dancers held the attention of the handful of patrons upstairs.

This was a mistake. Kyra tried one of the doors, but it was locked. So was the next. And the next. Of course they were. She heard heavy footsteps coming up the stairwell.

“Was that you I spied, little kitten?”

A surge of unadulterated panic welled up in Kyra. She hurried along the walkway to the far side of the balcony. There was a small, recessed alcove that she slipped into. She watched as Liese emerged onto the balcony and slowly scanned the few people with them. Then she started toward her. Unless she wanted to plunge over the railing to the crowd below, Kyra was trapped. She lost sight of Liese as she turned onto Kyra’s side of the walkway, but Kyra could still hear her heavy footfalls.

Moments. That was all she had. Kyra braced for the inevitable. A hand wrapped around her wrist and pulled her into a corner. She hit the wall with a thud, vision flashing white. Then, she opened her eyes to piercing violet.

“Jysarra?”

“She won’t think twice to check who I’m having my way with.”

Kyra risked a look around Jysarra’s shoulder. Liese was mere feet away now. Jysarra’s hand came up to her cheek and gently brought her focus back to her.

“Breathe, Kyra. I need you to act natural right now.”

Jysarra traced down Kyra’s jaw to her chin and lifted it.

“Wrap your hands around me. I promise I’m not taking advantage, we just need her to believe it.”

Kyra wet her lips. Slowly, her arms came up, her hands settling at Jysarra’s hips.

“Good. Now, just go with it. Okay?”

Kyra peered up into those violet eyes. She gave a weak nod. Jysarra leaned in and nestled her face into the crook of Kyra’s neck. She expected lips against her skin, but only the ghost of her breath brushed her. Jysarra braced an arm against the wall, blocking any view of Kyra’s face.

“It’s okay. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Kyra’s breath hitched. Her arms wrapped around Jysarra, pulling her close. The floral scent of violet oil washed over her. She breathed it in. Her eyes fluttered shut, her shoulders loosened, and she focused on Jysarra’s fingers threading gently through her hair.

This is so unfair.

Boots hit the floor, heavy and close, snapping Kyra back to reality. Liese clicked her tongue, muttering under her breath. Then the footfalls retreated down the walkway. Kyra exhaled. Jysarra stepped back and reached into her satchel, pulling out a lockpick.

“We don’t have much time.”

She slipped the lockpick into the door beside Kyra, twisted it once, and the door popped open a few inches. Jysarra grabbed Kyra, pulled her inside, and shut the door quietly before locking it. Kyra drew in a breath and let it out slowly.

“Thank you.”

Jysarra ran her hands along the wall, searching.

“Don’t thank me yet.”

“What are you doing?”

Jysarra didn’t answer. She moved along the wall until a soft click broke the silence. A hidden doorway opened to reveal a darkened passageway.

“Emergency exit, of a sort. Come on,” Jysarra said, offering her hand.

Kyra furrowed her brow.

“You went to Vairë. Why?”

“Can’t this wait until we’re out of here?”

Kyra set her jaw, folding her arms across her chest. Jysarra sighed, her gaze falling to the floor. She pulled the silver bangle from her left wrist.

“I found this at the docks where you fought last night. It belongs to your attacker.”

Kyra shook her head. “I don’t understand.”

Unshed tears welled up in Jysarra’s eyes. She swallowed hard.

“Her name is Mairen. She was my… I knew her.”

Her eyes snapped shut and she shook her head, as if trying to shake the feeling loose. Kyra took a step forward. Then another. She reached out and took Jysarra’s hand into her own.

“You care about her.”

A derisive laugh escaped Jysarra.

“I rescued her when she was a child. And it’s my fault she became what she is. If I hadn't left…”

“Jysarra, you can’t blame yourself for her actions. I’ve had plenty of people leave in some form or another, I didn’t become a killer because of it.”

Jysarra looked down at her hand in Kyra’s.

Then at the bangle in her other palm.

“I’m sorry. I know she tried to kill you, but I have to find her. Vairë told me she’s working with the Faceless. If I find them, then I find her.”

Jysarra’s fingers tightened once around Kyra’s. Then she pulled her hand free and slid the bangle back onto her wrist. She stepped into the passageway.

“Wait. The bartender, when I pressed him for information on the Faceless, he told me to be on the lookout for nightingales when I travel west. Does that mean anything to you?”

Recognition flashed in Jysarra’s eyes.

“The Nightingale is only a few blocks from here. If that is where they’re hiding–”

“Then that is where we need to go,” Kyra said, finishing Jysarra’s sentence.

Jysarra shook her head.

“No. I can’t place you in any further danger.”

Kyra stepped past her into the passage.

“Then it’s a good thing I wasn’t asking permission.”

A quiet breath escaped Jysarra, something close to a laugh. The edge of a smile tugged at her lips.

“Vairë was right about one thing.”

Kyra arched a brow.

“You are persistent.”

Now it was Kyra’s turn to smile.

“You have no idea.”

Jysarra closed the secret door, and Kyra’s vision went dark. A moment later, Jysarra’s fingers threaded into hers.

“Isilalcarë.”

An orb of soft violet light sprang into existence between them. It made Jysarra’s eyes sparkle like stars. Kyra breathed in deep.

“Do you know how distracting you are?”

Jysarra’s eyes shot to Kyra’s. “What?”

“Do I need to repeat myself? Or is that statement news to you?”

A nervous laugh escaped Jysarra. “I…”

Kyra took a step forward, closing the distance, and stared right back into those violet eyes. Jysarra stepped back and found herself pinned against the stone wall. Kyra’s hand came up, bracing against the stone beside Jysarra’s face.

“This is a good look for you. Flustered, off guard. It’s quite attractive.”

Jysarra’s breath quickened. Color rose in her cheeks, her lip trembling.

For a moment, she didn’t move.

Then her gaze fell to Kyra’s lips, just briefly.

She leaned in.

Kyra rose up on her toes.

Close enough to feel Jysarra’s breath.

Jysarra’s eyes fluttered shut.

They hovered there.

Then she hesitated.

Kyra watched her expression pull tight, sharp and sudden.

And just before their lips met Jysarra turned away.

Kyra didn’t move at first

Her brow furrowed, just slightly.

She nibbled at her lip. Something in her chest twisted tight.

“We… we should go.”