Page 82 of A Curse of Breath and Blood

We hurried to an alcove, scanning the room for any signs of Gideon.

I released the breath I had been holding in. “He’s intimidating.”

Caiden slid a reassuring arm around my shoulders. “Would you expect anything less from an ancient god?”

“I guess you’re right.”

He twirled his index finger in a circle. “Alright, everyone, spread out. You know what you must do.”

We dispersed, each carrying a tiny smoke bomb in our pockets. A familiar silhouette appeared as I climbed the wooden stairs to the balcony. Ursula. I’d recognize the curve of her body anywhere. Her fish-like face lit up at the sight of me.

“Glad to see you made it out of that shithole town in one piece.” She kissed me on the cheek.

“You’re looking lovely, as usual.” I meant it. With blue hair pinned back in waves and a dress of woven scales, I couldn’t help but put my hands on her waist.

“Care for some bubbles?” She handed me a flute of sparkling wine.

“Thank you,” I said, taking the flute from her and downing it in one gulp.

“Someone’s thirsty,” she said, giving me a wink.

My eyes darted around the room, looking for any sign of Gideon, Erissa, or Baylis, but found nothing.

I leaned over the polished balcony. The false wings were heavy on my back, straining my core. I watched Tharan presiding over the line of kingdoms, who had yet to pay homage to the king. His playful demeanor replaced by a regal one.

“Care to tell me what you’re doing here, Springborn? Council Courts don’t attend Wild Court revelries.” She slid her arm around my waist. “This dress looks beautiful on you,” she whispered into my ear, her breath on my skin, pricking the hair on the back of my neck.

“Thank you.” My cheeks flushed. From across the balcony, Caiden gave me a warning look.

I rolled my eyes at him, removing Ursula’s arm.

Ursula frowned. “This is a job, isn’t it?”

I studied my nails. “Everything is a job, Ursula.”

She ran her pearlescent hand down the side of my face. “Even on a holiday?”

“Mercenaries don’t take holidays.”

She leaned closer, the smell of wine heavy on her breath. “What about a break?”

“I think that could be arranged.”

She pulled me in for a kiss.

I leaned into her, savoring the briny taste of her lips.

Remember why you’re here, Aelia.Reluctantly, I pushed her away.

“You’re no fun.” She pouted. “Come and find me when you’re ready to party.” She kissed my cheek before disappearing into the revelry.

I shed the pair of heavy wings, stashing them in a closet, then returned to the balcony, where Caiden waited for me. “Everything alright?”

“Just old friends catching up.” I pulled him in close, kissing his ear, dropping the smoke bomb in a nearby plant.

“Clever.”His hands gripped my waist, igniting a fire in my chest.

I clicked my tongue. “Don’t get distracted, Lord.”

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