Page 53 of Suspicions on the Stage
Morgana looks at me curiously, but Slade nods as he sits up straighter. He definitely understands how this situation is supposed to go, so I believe he has to have been forced to take part in them at some point. “Most brokers can give highlights of their skills via highlights if we sign a non-disclosure agreement. Is that your practice, Celestara?”
“I would do that if all your friends will sign,” the broker replies as she produces a scroll. “This is very standard, drawn up by my sponsors in Hell, and outlines your commitments once I reveal my past successes. You may peruse it before you sign, even with magic or Fae enchantments.”
That gets Liam’s attention, and he scoots forward to take the parchment from Celestara. His brows furrow as he mutters under his breath the second he touches it, creating a dark red tinge on the paper. Iggy watches in fascination, while Morgana keeps her eyes on our ‘host’. I don’t blame her for not trusting someone with this background and ego, but I also wonder if she’s feeling unsure about the entire process. It’s magic-heavy,and that’s where she feels the most insecure because of her mother.
“Lady M, the prince and professor will make certain it’s kosher.”
“You’re Jewish?”
I shake my head at the dragoness. “Not even a little, but I guess some words got into my vernacular in prep school. Many of my classmates were, and the school was quite ecumenical for a supernatural academy.”
Celestara’s eyes narrow. “You attended Miyako, yes? They are the most free-wheeling of the major supe schools in this realm. They have excellent sports programs, which is why you are so talented, I imagine.”
Damn, this chick is good.
“I did—for elementary, at least. My grandmother brought me back to the States for high school to make sure I’d be considered for the best programs in colleges here. That’s when I was sent to Arcanum.”
Iggy blinks as his head whips toward me. “You? You went to Arcanum? But you’re a shifter.”
Celestara laughs before I can respond to the distressed academic. “Arcanum is out of reach for even the Briartons, it seems, but not Frau Wolfenberg. Thatisamusing.”
“There were very specific reasons I was accepted, much like the many types of supes there, Iggy.” The look I give him is to shut him up, and I’m grateful when he does it.
“Security and money,” the broker says simply. “They take immensely powerful, talented students with security concernsand loads of money. No need to be shy about it, young bear. Between your parents’ escapades and your real name, you were not safe at normal schools while still young.”
Liam interrupts, coughing, so we all look at him. “The contract is not a trap. We can safely sign it to view her qualifications. I’m certain because I believe I know who helped write it.”
How can one statement be so good and so bad simultaneously?
bargain
MORGANA
Not loving the idea of this broker using a contract created by a Fae well-known enough that the Prince of Daybreak is familiar with the style. However, Li wouldn’t recommend that we sign it if he didn’t have a strong sense that it’s safe to do so. Indecision wars within me, making me grit my jaw as I try not to let my innate distrust of legally binding documents written by one of the two species celebrated for their ability to fuck supes and humans alike with them. There are only a few hard and fast rules everyone knows, and they’re pretty simple.
Don’t steal from a dragon’s hoard. Don’t say you’re better than a deity. Don’t trust a vampire with blood. And never,eversign a contract or shake on a deal with a Fae or a demon without serious examination.
It’s not the ‘holy grail’ of lists, but it’s the most basic things you have to remember when dealing with those outside of your circle. Notice I didn’t say species, either, because even those who areinthose designations don’t trust their own people with innate natures. Common sense says that beings will ultimatelydo what benefits them the most and if pressed, that will be their instinct at a base level. I’m a firm believer in good people doing good things, but I’m not naïve, especially since Magnus.
“You’re absolutelycertainabout this, right?” My gaze flicks to the Prince, making sure I don’t give away my emotions with my face. “Noneof us will be trapped in ways we regret by this damn parchment?”
Liam nods, holding my gaze so I can read his sincerity. “I wouldn’t advise it if I had even a scintilla of doubt, Morgana.”
Gathering my courage, I turn back to the seductive hybrid, watching us as she swings her crossed leg impatiently. “What is required to sign, Celestara? Blood? Ink? Magic? Fingerprints?”
The gorgeous woman laughs throatily as she shakes her head. “No. I prefer something more… intimate for my exchange. It allows me to taste the level of truthfulness in your commitment while forcing you to witness one another doing the same. No one can claim they didn’t take part in a court of disputes.”
“How frequently does anyone win a fight with the demonic courts over a bargain, anyway?” Iggy asked doubtfully. “I can’t imagine those on the panels ever side with the unfortunate soul.”
Celestara grins toothily. “They do occasionally, and when that happens, it reversesmajorchanges in the annals of time. I believe it sometimes causes what humans call ‘The Mandela Effect’. It also allows for lessons that have been learned at the expense of blood, death, and suffering to be forgotten and repeat themselves.”
That explains a lot about the world since that stupid virus, though I don’t have the slightest clue what might have been reversed in order to fuck things up so thoroughly.
“Tell us what it is already,” Lucas huffs with an eye roll. “I hate this bullshit dicking around stuff. Rip off the Band-Aid.”
“My contracts are sealed with the lightest of kisses, young polar bear. I am not hiding anything from you… only explaining the reasoning before someone in your group accuses me of untoward behavior.” A forked tongue flicks over the demoness’s lips briefly as she leans back in her chair. “I am ready to seal the bargain any time, by the way.”
I look at her for a moment, my lips pressed into a hard line. Celestara can claim anything she wants aboutwhyshe uses this method, but I’m not stupid. She can likely choose her forms to appear any way she wants, but a sex kitten is the one she uses. This is about power and dominance—nothing else. The only way to put a stop to the bullshit is to call her bluff.
