Page 75 of Forsaken Secrets

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Kaiya

I'd slipped off my wet blouse and Lynk's leather trousers and traded them for a walking gown when Sylvie came in.

"What are you doing, miss?" She rushed to my side and helped button the back of my blouse, staring pointedly at the pile of wet clothes by the door.

I grimaced. "Just don't tell Aunt Grace. Please?"

"Fine, but she's worried, you know. I don't think I've seen her sleep since that viper visited."

My heart lurched. Damn stubborn aunt of mine. "I'll talk to her soon. I promise."

Sylvie just nodded and slipped my corset on, tightening the stays loosely. Just how I liked it. Any tighter and it was too hard to move, let alone breathe!

"What have you found? Anything that will help?" Sylvie combed her fingers through my hair and tsked. "What in the seven hells have you been doing to get your hair into such a mess? Have you been swimming again? Don't you know how dangerous those waters are?"

I shrugged. "You know me."

I wasn't going to tell her I'd ridden on the back of one of the supposedly ‘dangerous creatures' that everyone always went on about, and she was definitely not the terrifying monster they described.

She wrinkled her nose, then shook her head as she pinned the last twist in place on the back of my head. "Well, that's as good as it will get today."

I grinned. "Thanks, Sylvie. Magic, as always. Where is my aunt?" I needed to avoid her for a bit longer.

"In her office. Silly woman is still trying to figure out some way to get enough sewing done to make the payment."

Perfect.

I grabbed my shawl and took a deep breath. "I'll go out the back, then."

"Fair enough, miss. Be safe, though. Please?"

I nodded and stepped out, rushing downstairs and out into the fresh air. It had warmed since the morning … or maybe it was just the dry clothing. I looked up at the clear sky and smiled. We were going to solve this. I was sure of it!

It didn't take long to get to the general store, and I grinned at the sight of one of Aunt's gowns hanging in the window.

"My lady. You certainly clean up nice!" A warm hand on my shoulder made me turn around. Eli stood there, once again dressed in a morning coat, just like a proper gentleman. You'd never know he was a Reaper by looking at him. Though, you probably wouldn't know by watching him work, either.

A commotion behind us made me turn around, and my stomach dropped. A Seeker …

"Kaiya, get inside." Eli's whispered warning made my heart tighten. I shook my head, though, and pasted a smile on my face before stepping in front of him.

The Seeker was coming towards us, his black cloak swirling over the ground unnaturally and the king's mark across his cheek visible even from here. I wanted to feel sympathy for him, but all I saw was danger …

"Miss Maderoth." The voice was low and rumbling, and I had to look up to meet his eyes. I knew to expect the darkness there, but it surprised me nonetheless.

"Seeker." I forced the words through gritted teeth and held my hand out. It was always better to offer than to have them force it.

He just shook his head and looked behind me.

Eli. Lynk had said that his shields weren't strong enough to protect him! Panic filled me as Eli stepped up to my side and offered his hand as well.

"Elimri Westin. I'm here visiting my aunt and uncle — the Harlsteds?" He pointed behind himself at the store with his free hand, then withdrew a small paper from his pocket. His Reaper's license.

The Seeker narrowed his eyes as he read it, then nodded and placed his hand on Eli's.

My heart galloped so hard I thought I'd pass out, but Eli stayed calm.

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