Page 34 of Prisoner of Steel and Shadow

“There. That’s the Lady Dovina, the High Lord’s Raven.”

Ronan followed his gaze and spotted the woman whose black hair was pulled back in a severe bun. She appeared deceptively serene, her expression wiped clean, her hands gathered loosely in front of her. But her dark eyes scanned the room, noting every detail. It was easy to see how she’d come to earn her title, both as a raven and as the High Lord’s spy. It was clear nothing went beneath her notice.

“And that man there, that’s her twin, the Lord Dominic.” There was a slight edge to Sebastian’s voice that hadn’t been there prior. Apparently he didn’t think too highly of the man he’d dubbed the Vulture.

Ronan shifted his attention to the man Bast indicated. He matched his sister in height and build, both regal in bearing with an innate grace that spoke to their upbringing. These two had been born for court. According to Sebastian, they’d served the prior High Lord but had been so taken by Erebos’s heroics that they’d devoted themselves to his reign. As had many who served alongside them. After what he’d witnessed with Reyna in the marketplace yesterday, Ronan was willing to bet there was more to the story than that.

Whereas Dovina seemed calm, Dominic had the coiled energy of a loaded gun. He was ready to spring into action at any second, which made sense given that he was the head of Erebos’s military. The scar running along the left side of his face from temple to jaw was a testament to just how hands-on he could be.

The twins were definitely two people to watch out for.

“There was a third bird you mentioned yesterday,” Ronan murmured, offering bland smiles to passersby as he continued to study the crowd.

“Bird?”

“Raven, Vulture...”

“Ah, yes. The High Lord’s flock. Dovina, Dominic, and Dmitri. Those three make up his inner circle, along with the Lady Shadow, of course.”

At her name, Ronan had to force himself not to immediately search for her. He knew she was here somewhere. His entire body vibrated with the need to go to her. To speak with her. To help her remember who she was. But this was a recon mission, not a social visit. He wasn’t here to see her. He needed to focus.

“Dmitri. Right, and he was what, The Rooster?”

“The Peacock.”

Well, he’d gotten the cock part right.

Ronan shook his head. He much preferred the simplicity of Helena’s Circle. That naming convention at least made sense. A circle surrounded and protected. No explanation necessary. But a flock? What message did that send? That they were a squawking nuisance liable to shit all over you?

“And what does he do?”

“He’s the Master of Ceremonies. You’ll meet him soon enough. He’s overseeing the tournament.”

“And how does Rey—Shadow fit into the flock?” He barely suppressed an eye roll.

“She’s the High Lord’s most loyal supporter.”

Ronan clenched his jaw. If ever there was proof of foul play, that statement was it.

“There’s your bird now.”

He should have known from the phrasing that Bast wasn’t talking about Shadow, but his body braced in anticipation of seeing her anyway. At least there wasn’t anyone to notice his exhale of disappointment as he watched a reed-thin man with pale blond hair and dark eyes ascend a set of stairs onto a raised platform on the other side of the room. Despite his moniker, he was plainly dressed in a pair of fitted black trousers and a matching jacket. Sebastian looked like more of a peacock than him.

As he took center stage, the orchestra fell silent, drawing the notice of the other guests, who began to clap and cheer as they recognized him.

“Welcome, welcome.” Dmitri held up his hand, quieting the applause. “Tonight marks the official beginning of a historic event. It has been decades since a Contest of Champions has been held, and I am humbled to bear the supreme honor of overseeing it.” He bowed to more enthusiastic applause, which he again silenced, this time by holding up both his hands. Beaming, he then said, “We will open, as always, with the Parade of Honors.”

There was a trumpet flourish, and a set of doors opened, but Ronan was still stuck on what the man had just said. His entire body stiffened. “Did he just say parade?” Beside him Sebastian snickered, causing Ronan to grasp the other man by his shirt and pull him in close so he could bite out, “What parade?”

“Oh, didn’t I mention it?”

“No, Bast, you definitely did not mention anything about a fucking parade.”

“It’s less of a parade and more of a presentation. You’ll just walk across the stage, stop in the center to honor the High Lord, and be formally recognized as a contestant.”

“What happens if I don’t?”

“Don’t what?”

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