Page 30 of Of Flame and Fury

Kel and Coup glanced at each other. Coup’s amber eyes hardened to copper, a fire in them that made Kel admit that, even if they had nothing else in common, neither would abandon those they cared for.

“Understood,” Kel said.

Coup pulled his tele-comm from a pocket and dialed a number. He handed it to Kel.

“Savita is your phoenix,” Coup said. His voice was low, almost reluctant. “Make the final call.”

Surprise rattled through her, parting her lips as Coup handed her the tele-comm. She hesitated for only a moment before grabbing the device and pressingdial.

It was late enough in the evening that she doubted the recruiter would answer. Yet, after just one ring, a voice asked, “Hello?”

She cleared her throat. “This is Kelyn Varra. You approached Warren Coupers and me about a job.”

A brief pause. Then, “I’m very glad to hear from you, Ms. Varra. Can I assume this call means you’re accepting our offer?”

“Yes—on one condition,” she said, voice unwavering. “You take my entire team.”

PART TWO

One Alchemist loomed, named Landon Ryker

And hailed Deja, a bird of grim fire

The King’s right-hand knight, she smote all with ease

But not bold Ryker, a bond they did seize

Theirs was a concord forged through baneful light

Racing ’tween the stars with such iron might

Dawn saw only them, phoenix and rider

The first pair in lore, Deja and Ryker

VERSES 3–4,“THEGILDEDLULLABY”

TWELVE

By the time a blazing dawn had scared away the night’s chill, the Howlers were halfway to Vohre.

Dira, Coup and Kel hadn’t packed much. Dira’s guitar took up the most space between the three of them, while Bekn’s bulging suitcases were nearly too heavy to heave onto the overhead silver railing. Aside from the bags he’d seemingly stuffed half a house inside, the rest of the train carriage was bare; a handful of cushioned armchairs, floor-to-roof windows, three marble tables and a small cabinet with fizzy Asciran drinks. The opposing glass walls protected them from Cendor’s persistent heat, and Kel rubbed her arms against goose bumps.

Bekn paced the length of the carriage, speaking into a well-abused tele-comm. Coup sat against the window opposite Kel, legs propped up on a polished table, indifferent to the glass bowl of sweets his feet knocked. His head was tilted toward the window, an open book in his lap. She watched as his eyes fluttered closed, so at ease in their new surroundings.

Decorated with a rich, earthy palette, Cristo’s private train merely hinted at his wealth. Kel shuffled down the carriage’s caramel carpet toward Dira, huddled over a table with a tablet in front of her. She didn’t look up as Kel perched on the arm of her chair.

Kel wiggled a finger under Dira’s ticklish chin. “How long are you going to be mad at me?”

Dira swatted absently at Kel. “I haven’t decided.”

Kel sidled a little closer, nudging Dira with her elbow. “Are you open to bribery? New sheet music, a new meat-free recipe book, a voucher for Vohre’s best fashion boutique?”

Dira lowered her tablet. “I’m allowed to be mad, Kel. You made this decision without even talking to me. Part of the reason I left Dresva was to stop other people making my choices for me.”

A lump formed in Kel’s throat. “I’m sorry, D. Really. I just— I didn’t know what else to do. But I should’ve talked to you first.”

Dira sighed. “I care about Sav just as much as you do. I came to Cendor because phoenixes…magic… it’s all so much more tangible here. I loved Sav before I even met her. She’s the reason I don’t want to do this. You don’t know how Cristo will treat her.”

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