He was, once again, dressed from head to toe in black, a color that suited the dark caress of his energy. His silvery hair and eyes glimmered like ice in the brightness of the room, and his mouth—oddly lush and eternally kissable—was painted black to match his rather devilish mask.

I blinked at the direction of those thoughts, and thrust them firmly from my mind. Part of this man’s personal magic was that of enticement and seduction, and knowing that placed the power of it in my hands more than his.

So I held my ground and took a sip of the wine, watching him approach with what I hoped was an expression of disinterest.

He stopped and bowed politely. His energy was a darkly seductive wave that had pinpricks of heat skittering across my skin. While I couldn’t control the reactions of my body, I gave it little heed, and simply did the required curtsey.

“Lord K, what a pleasure to see you again.”

“Indeed, Lady N. You are looking much more—” He paused, his gaze scanning me, a leisurely caress that felt so real it stirred desire and made me ache. When his eyes finally returned to mine, they burned with heat. But whether that was real, or merely part of his power and whatever he was trying to pull from me, I couldn’t say. He smiled. “—delectable in that outfit.”

“My Lord T has very good taste in dresses, it seems.”

“Indeed.” He swirled the wine in his glass, the movement languid—a sensation that seemed to echo through me. “I have to admit, I was rather surprised to learn you were an item.”

There was something in his voice that made me think it was said more for those who might be listening than me. I raised my glass, took another drink, and then licked the remaining droplets from my lips. I might not have his power of seduction, but I could certainly play his games. His gaze followed the movement and something flared within his eyes. Something that wasn’t desire, but rather an acknowledgment of my resistance and a spark of even greater determination.

“Why?” I murmured. “You should be well aware that restraint isn’t practiced where I come from.”

“Indeed. But Lord T is not known for his hedonistic tendencies.”

“Then perhaps you don’t know as much about him as you thought.”

“Perhaps.” He stepped into my personal space, an impolite act that would set tongues wagging. But that’s exactly what Trey wanted—and something I could certainly twist to my advantage.

Or so the wind assured me.

I raised my free hand and placed my palm against his chest. His skin, even through the black silk, was unusually warm under my fingertips, the muscles taut. From a distance it would look like an act of desire; only Kiro knew it wasn’t.

“How does the lady S recover from her trials in Tenterra?”

“Is that what you were asking young T about?”

I raised an eyebrow. “Of course. What else would I be seeking?”

“I fear I don’t know.”

He placed an odd emphasis on the word “fear.” I was under no illusion that he in any way feared me, but he certainly didn’t trust me. And while I might be holding a secret, he seemed to think it was bigger—and far more dangerous—than it actually was. It was time I called him out on it.

“And I fear I do not understand your suspicions of me.” I cocked my head to one side and studied him for several seconds. “Perhaps you have walked too long in this world, and see secrets and dishonesty where there are none.”

He laughed, a warm and surprisingly real sound that caused heads to turn. And, no doubt, set tongues wagging even harder. “Perhaps you are right.”

His tone suggested otherwise. I gave him a cool smile and murmured, “Whatever you think of me, Lord K, believe one thing—I would give my life for the protection of Winterborne. How many in this room do you think would do the same? Would you?”

“I have given over my entire life to that very practice.”

Which didn’t answer the initial part of my question, but I let it slide. “Then perhaps you’ve been jaded by a lifetime of such service, and see wrongs where none exist.”

“Lady N, you are an intriguing woman.” He paused, and added with an edge that spoke of suspicion, “I can see why Lord T is enamored with you.”

“Perhaps he merely sees what is there, and what is not.”

It was a response that addressed what he hadn’t said, and his gaze narrowed. I smiled, stepped back, and said in a slightly louder tone, “It has been a delight talking to you, Lord K, but I’m afraid I must move on.”

With a perfunctory bow, I turned and did just that. His heated gaze burned into my back even as whispers and surprise followed me. I ignored them and continued to the area that held the musicians and bards. I passed the remaining hours there, talking to many but promising little. It wasn’t just men who approached but also women, young and old. Many of these were openly inviting of a sexual liaison, and it took me by surprise. Fluid sexuality was common among those of us who were deemed unlit or who held no magic, but I’d honestly expected it would be more frowned upon here amongst those who held power or who lived in the shadows of it, especially given the relentless pursuit for children born of magic. Although perhaps—if what Trey had said was true and Lord Kiro did apply his dark energy to both men and women—it was not so much frowned upon, as given official blessing only at such events and celebrations as this masque and the summer solstice.

If that were the case, then, for the first time in my life, I felt sorry for them.

When the hour of three finally approached, I unhurriedly made my way back to the nook. But before I could reach it, fingers caught my arm and pulled me to a gentle stop. I turned, one eyebrow raised in query, and discovered it was a woman rather than a man. Her dress was the rich gold of the Hawthorne line and it hugged her curves delightfully, while the mask did little to hide the perfection of her face. But it wasn’t just her beauty that had my heart pounding, but also the two very familiar silver bracelets that decorated her wrists. This was none other than the younger of the two women I’d noticed talking earlier.

I bowed my head and murmured, “I’m sorry, my lady, but I don’t believe we have been introduced.”

“I’m Lady P, and I was most desirous to talk to the woman who has intrigued half the masque this night.”

She was tall and lithe in build, with pert breasts, silvery hair, and ice-colored eyes. What I could see of her face was both intriguing and captivating.

She held out her right hand, as if in invitation. I hesitated, unsure what was expected of such an offering. A kiss, most likely, but there was a stubbornness within me that refused to abide by such haughty expectations.

Something flared in her eyes; determination most certainly, but something else also. Something that was deep, dark, and foreign.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady P.” I gave her another formal half nod. “What can do for you?”

“I was wondering if, perhaps, you would be available for a discussion of a more personal nature?”

She dropped her hand, letting it skim down my waist and exposed left hip in a flirtatious manner. Her touch was light, her fingers warm, and the desire that stirred within me was strengthened by not only her closeness but also the richness of her scent—a heady mix of wildflowers and lust. Lady P was definitely out to seduce. And while the strength of my reaction would normally have made me a more than willing partner, suspicion nevertheless stirred. Because despite the desire, there was a coldly determined light in her eyes, one that suggested she wasn’t here of her own volition.

It was a suspicion the wind agreed with.

“Alas,” I said softly, “I’m now late for such a meeting with my lord.”

“Then perhaps,” she murmured, her hand slipping to my rump as she closed the space between us. Her breasts pressed against mine, allowing me to feel the racing of her heart. There was no doubt she wanted me, even if the suspicion there was more than lust at play here lingered. “We should make it tomorrow night, at a time when your lord is well occupied with others.”

Suggesting she didn’t only want our liaison to be unofficial, but also that she was aware enough of Trey’s movements to be certain he wasn’t going to be around the following night. And all of that just deepened the suspicions.

I hesitated and then shrugged one shoulder, as if it was of no importance to me.

“Perhaps I shall agree to such a meeting out on the balcony at midnight, and perhaps I will not.” I let a seductive smile tease my lips. “Shall we see what the night brings, Lady P?”

“We shall.” Her lips brushed my cheek, leaving my skin tingling as she stepped back and bowed lightly. “I wait in anticipation, Lady N.”

So, she’d certainly been asking after me, given I’d never mentioned my name.

“Indeed you will,” I murmured, then bowed and continued my journey. And once again was aware of a heated gaze watching my departure.

I was somewhat relieved to find Trey already at the nook, waiting for me.

“Lady N,” he said, offering me another glass of red, “I’m delighted you managed to find your way back to my side.”

Amusement touched my lips. “Did you doubt it would be otherwise?”

“Oh, yes.” He pressed a hand to my spine once again, and guided me toward the internal balcony and the staircase down to the guest accommodation area. “It seemed your attention was in much demand. Just as it would seem I’ve won our wager.”

“I wouldn’t be so confident about that—not until after the equinox unveiling.”

“Oh, I have every confidence an unveiling will only increase the intrigue.”

I didn’t bother replying. Only time would tell which of us was right. A footman met us at the bottom of the stairs and proceeded to guide us through the myriad of lushly decorated halls until we came to an elegant silver and glass door situated toward the rear of the building.

“We’ve taken the liberty of supplying you with a range of food and drink. If you desire anything else, please ring the bell, my lord.” The footman opened the door and then stepped aside to allow us entry.

“Thank you,” Trey said. “But I think we shall be all right for the rest of the evening.”

“As you wish, my lord.” The footman bowed and retreated.

I walked inside. The suite was of a simple design, consisting of a large lounging area, a plush bathing area that could be curtained off or not, and the offset and partially walled bedding area. There were also several large glass doors that led onto a balcony. Beyond that lay the sea. I could hear her call through the whisper of the wind. The only other door in the area, aside from the entrance, was into what I presumed was the privy. There were a number of paintings and tapestries on the walls depicting scenery, and a multitude of colorful rugs on the stone floor.

That floor was warm against the soles of my feet, and contained an odd sense of power.

I frowned and walked across to the long, kneeling-height table that sat in the middle of the main room. It held trays of sweetmeats, breads, and cheeses, and there was also a decanter of wine and an ornate silver coffeepot set atop a heating pad.

Trey stripped off his belt and mask, tossing both onto one of the well-padded blue-velvet chairs as he headed for the coffeepot. “Drink?”

“Please.”

I took off my mask and stretched out on one of the fur-covered cloudsaks, crossing my legs at my ankles. It was a position that revealed the long length of my unstained leg and a good portion of my right buttock. Trey handed me a coffee then sat down on one of the hassocks to my left—an optimal position to view what was on show. If he noticed, there was no immediate evidence of it.

“So, what did the night and this celebration reveal to you?”

I took a drink, winced at the bitter taste, and then quickly updated him. “I guess the most intriguing is the fact that although Lord Marcus is hosting this event to celebrate the return of his lady, neither of them appeared.”

“A curious anomaly many commented on. Any theories?”

“No, but I did talk to Tavish briefly. Saska apparently keeps to her rooms and sees no one. I got the distinct impression Marcus isn’t pleased about her return.”

“Which is far more information than I managed,” he said. “Although I did learn Marcus has a hetaera who has given him three sons, one of them born long before he and Saska were committed.”

A hetaera was one step up from a mistress. It basically meant she was treated as the lady of the house by everyone within it, but wasn’t formally acknowledged as such. Saska’s return would have been a great blow to her hopes and her standing in this place. “Was she there tonight?”

“No, but she’ll apparently be in attendance tomorrow night.” He smiled. “Which is rather fitting, given it is the night of knives.”

“Really? Why?”

“It’s a symbolistic representation of the cutting of old ties and the forging of new. That knife you threatened to plunge into my heart will be a most appropriate adornment.”

“And an appropriate response if Lord Kiro decides to test the boundaries of my patience.”

His smile grew. “Did you glean anything else from young Tavish?”

“No, but only because Kiro intervened.”

He raised his eyebrows. “Did he indeed?”

“He seemed rather determined I should not flirt with that young man.”

“Perhaps that’s because he has designs on him.”

“No. There was nothing sexual in his interference.” I hesitated. “He did try to seduce me, however, even though he does not trust me.”

“Neither is surprising. He knows you keep secrets.”

“Everyone keeps secrets. Most are not worth worrying about.” I shrugged. “Besides, I’m not one of those women whose lips are loosened after a tumble, however exceptional it may be.”

“I’m guessing, then, you have not been bedded by a man such as Kiro?”

“No, and I have no desire to be, either. No matter how much his personal magic might push such onto me.”

Something glittered in his eyes, something that almost suggested satisfaction. But all he said was “Anything else?”

I hesitated. “I saw two women wearing bracelets similar to the ones Saska gifted to us.”

An eyebrow rose. “And this caught your attention because?”

I took another sip of coffee but it was far too strong for my palate. I wrinkled my nose and placed the cup back onto the table. “Because you said you’d not seen their like before.”

“That’s hardly surprising given I’ve been absent in any real capacity for just over seventeen years.”

“Seventeen?” I blinked. “How young were you when you went to Blacklake? You can’t possibly be more than a few years older than me.”

“I would wager I’m at least five years older,” he said. “As for the reasons—isn’t that part of our wager?”

“It is indeed.” Five years would make him thirty-three and that was a very young age to become commander. Given the respect he generated from his people, it wasn’t a position he’d been handed, either, but rather one earned.

He stretched his long legs out until his toes touched my lower thigh. It was little more than a light press of skin against skin, and yet it caused a reaction more intense than anything Lord Kiro, with all his sexual prowess and magic, could ever hope to achieve.

If Trey felt a similar reaction, he was doing a damn good job of concealing it.

“That’s not the only reason the bracelets caught my interest,” I said, in a vague attempt to concentrate on the reason I was here. “Out in the desert, when Saska asked me to remove them, she said they were a gift from the queen, and that she could be tracked through them.”

He leaned forward at that. “There haven’t been royals in Gallion for eons.”

“Precisely.”

“I suppose she might have been delusional. It’s possible she was out in the Tenterra sun for too long.”

“You saw her skin, Commander. Did it look like she’d been out in the sun to you?”

“No.” A smile briefly ghosted his lips. “Describe these women to me.”

I did so, and he frowned. “The older woman sounds like Lady Hedra Harken—”

“Who is?” I cut in.

“Saska’s mother.”

“Meaning it’s even odder Saska went on to deny seeing the bracelets before she woke in the desert when they’re identical to the ones her own mother wears.”

“Yes.” He rubbed his chin, expression thoughtful. “The other lady would probably be Pyra. I haven’t had much to do with her but I believe her to be the youngest of Brent’s five daughters.”

“She made some effort to seduce me.”

“Did she now?” Speculation lit his eyes. “And why is that, do you think? Because your tone makes it obvious you don’t believe it’s simple attraction.”

I smiled. “Oh, she was attracted. But her overtures were a little too deliberate, and I don’t believe she was there of her own volition.” I hesitated. “Is possible that Lord Kiro set her onto me?”

He laughed. “No. Kiro sees your resistance to his wiles as a challenge. He wouldn’t send others to do what he can’t.”

“Meaning you didn’t tell him to back off?”

“No.”

“Why not?” I picked up the waist belt and waved the green end of it lightly. “Is that not the purpose of this thing? You know Kiro is an unwanted suitor.”

“Yes, but that doesn’t apply in this case. Kiro believes someone within Winterborne’s ranks is responsible for both Saska’s disappearance and her mysterious reappearance. He has full approval from the Forum to do whatever might be necessary to uncover who that person—or persons—might be.”

“I’m not that person, Commander.”

“He’s well aware of that, but you nevertheless keep secrets, and until he uncovers them, he’ll keep up the pursuit.”

“Even though he knows I’m here to assist you?”

“Yes.”

I grunted unhappily. Putting up with Kiro’s heated overtures on top of everything else was not what I wanted—or needed—right now. “What should we do about Lady Pyra?”

“I shall discreetly inquire about her.” He hesitated. “Although the best means of finding information would be from the source itself. If you could lure her away with the promise to spend time—”

“‘Spend time’ being a polite plateau term for have sex?”

“Yes.” His smile flashed again. “We’ll provide you with a quick-acting draught that’ll make her talk and then sleep. She’ll wake with no memory of what went on.”

I raised an eyebrow. “And what if I actually want to have sex with her?”

“Then we’ll provide a slower-working draught.” He studied me for a moment. “Which would you prefer?”

“The latter.” Not only because I did desire her, but because it’d be safer. She might not remember being questioned but the lack of satiation might well raise suspicions.

“Ah, good.” He paused and took a long drink. “I’ll give my blessing to such an interlude when she seeks it.”

“Oh, she has no intention of seeking permission.”

“Indeed? Intriguing.”

“Yes.” I paused. “Should I be expecting to approve a liaison for you?”

“I haven’t agreed to such as yet.”

Meaning he’d certainly been approached. I couldn’t help but wonder who he was waiting for.

He took another drink, and then said, “It would seem our targets tomorrow night—aside from Pyra and our so far absent hosts—need to be Lady Hedra and Marcus’s mysterious hetaera, whoever she may be. Whatever is going on, its epicenter revolves around this house. I can feel it in the stone of this place.”

The only thing I was feeling right now was the unacknowledged thrum of desire that seemed to burn between us.

“And what of Lord Kiro?”

“He’d provide no future problem if you’d tell him what you conceal.” There was the faintest hint of reproach and annoyance in his voice.

“Kiro may be investigating whatever dark deeds are being played out in this place, but I don’t trust him.”

“Kiro is many things, but he’d never betray either the Forum or Winterborne.”

“Are you sure of that?”

“As sure as I’ve ever been about anything.”

Which only made me wonder all the more about the relationship between the two men. I doubted it was in any way sexual, but there was certainly something that bound them.

I pushed to my feet. He made no move to follow. “If the game proceeds tomorrow night, I’d best be fresh for it.” I hesitated, and raised an eyebrow. “Are you coming to bed, Commander?”

It was both an invitation and a dare, and I wasn’t entirely surprised when he merely shook his head.

“For intrigue’s sake, it’s better if I don’t.”

Because, I knew, many of those in the ruling house had as much Sifft blood in their veins as magic, and would therefore note the unfulfilled desire that rode me. It would increase the questions surrounding us, given we were an acknowledged pairing, however informal, and perhaps make the hunters within the ruling ranks even more determined to ensnare.

And though I understood all this, I couldn’t help asking, “For intrigue’s sake, or is it more an aversion to my stain?”

He didn’t immediately react. He simply studied my face in such a way that heat began to infuse my cheeks.

“Your face,” he said eventually, his voice soft. “Is exquisite, staining or no. Whoever has made you believe otherwise is a fool.”

The words made me smile, even though I’d heard their echo before. I’d believed it back then and it had led to heartache. It wouldn’t be in any way smart to believe them again, no matter how genuine they sounded.

No matter how much a part of me wanted to believe.

“Any intrigue I might hold will be of no matter once I meet with Pyra. The race to see who will be the first to taste my so-called delicacies will have been won.”

“On the contrary,” he murmured, “the mere fact you’ve chosen Hawthorne’s youngest daughter to bestow your first favor on will only enflame determination.”

“And so, the wheels of deviousness continue to turn.” I shook my head. “I hope you don’t regret your decision in the long hours of sleep to come.”

“Trust me, I’m not made of stone, Neve, even if I bear it for a name.”

“That is yet to be seen.” I kept my tone light. “I hope you realize I have no intention of making your vow of celibacy easy.”

“And another challenge is presented,” he said. “It’ll be interesting to see who wins this particular battle.”

“It will, won’t it?”

With a nod good night, I stepped around the large cloudsak and headed for our bedchamber. When I was halfway there, I caught the end of the dress, tugged it over my shoulders, and then tossed it lightly to one side. A soft groan followed me as I disappeared behind the half wall.

But he didn’t follow me in. Not then, and not in the restless, hungry hours that followed.

Lord Marcus appeared at the masque early the following evening, but Saska was again noticeably absent. He was a tall, much older man than I’d been expecting, possessing a receding hairline and silvery eyes. He wore a long loose tunic in the rich hue of his house, and an ornate longsword strapped to his waist. I couldn’t help but wonder if the length of that sword was any indication of a determination to cut ties with his newly returned beloved. His expression—or what was evident of it through the mask—certainly spoke of discontent and anger combined.

“Our host does not look happy,” I murmured.

We stood near the far edge of the dance floor, watching the occupants move to a slow and sensual melody. It wasn’t a dance I knew, so I was glad when Trey made no fuss about my refusal to take part. I had no desire to reveal the awkward truth about my education—or lack thereof—when it came to things such as formal dances and manners, which were undoubtedly taught here from a very young age.

I sipped some wine and ran a hand down the silk of my dress to hold it in place against the teasing wind. Trey had rather generously ordered me an entire wardrobe. The evening outfits were all in the same pale lavender, but the daytime items were a softer, grayer tone. The dress I wore tonight had two full sleeves that ended with gloves, and a high neck that acted as a collar. The lavender material skimmed my waist then fell from my hips in a series of sheer loose panels that provided teasing glimpses of calf, thigh, and rump with every movement. It had also been designed with no back—the material at the front simply wrapped around my hips and skimmed across the top of my tailbone. Trey had one hand wrapped rather possessively around my waist, and it was causing all sorts of internal havoc. Which, I knew, was precisely his intent. The man was evil. And, despite his protestations, he really was made of the material whose name he bore. Certainly none of my overtures this afternoon—be they naked or not—had borne any fruit.

“We should go introduce ourselves,” he murmured. “It would be impolite otherwise.”

“I imagine it would.”

He guided me through the crowd toward Marcus, whose gaze skimmed past us and then abruptly returned. Recognition stirred in his eyes—he was well aware of who we were, masked or not. And if the glower he all but threw my way was anything to go by, he was certainly unimpressed with my presence in his house.

So why would he go to the trouble of inviting me?

“Lord M,” Trey said smoothly as he bowed. “May I present to you—”

“I know who she is,” he snapped, and then seemed to remember where he was. He drew in a breath and offered the required formalities. “Lady N, welcome to my house. I hope the goddess gifts you with a bountiful harvest for this coming year.”

I curtseyed. “And you, my lord.”

“Is your lady not present, my lord?” Trey asked.

“No.” There was much fury in that single word. Again, he struggled to compose himself. “She has taken ill since her return. Mayhaps the babe troubles her.”

And maybe, the wind whispered, it is something else.

“Do you think she might see me?” I asked. “It’s unseemly she spends such a time of celebration by herself.”

Marcus studied me for a moment, and then nodded abruptly. “It is worth a try, I suppose. If you can convince her to come out of hiding, even if only for an hour or so, I would be appreciative.”

He snapped his fingers, and a blue-clad pageboy instantly appeared. “Escort the lady N to my lady’s rooms.”

Trey released me. I bowed to Marcus, and then followed the page out of the ballroom. In the colder silence of the halls, the wind’s chatter seemed to increase, whispering of dark secrets and even darker actions in play. Details, however, remained scant.

The Rossi family’s private accommodation consisted of one entire side of the V-shaped house, and its halls were even more ornate than the guest and entertainment spaces. It was a place of gold and silver, with rich hues on the walls and the floors in the form of tapestries and carpets. Lady Saska’s apartments lay at the rear of the building, in what would be a wide, blunt end of the V-structure.

The page stopped at the ornate silver-and-blue door and pressed a buzzer. After several seconds, footsteps approached.

“Yes?” The woman who opened the door was middle-aged and friendly looking.

“The lady N is here to see Lady S.”

Obviously, even though we were now beyond the boundaries of the masque, initials still had to be used in public.

The maidservant hesitated. “One moment, and I shall ask m’lady if she wishes to be disturbed.”

The door closed again. The page shuffled his feet from side to side, looking rather impatient—at least until he caught my amusement and remembered his manners. I felt like telling him not to bother, but refrained. In this place, my attitude had to appear no different to any of the others here.

The footsteps approached again. Although I’d half expected to be turned away, the maidservant rather surprisingly opened the door wider and bid me to enter. “Please, Lady N, come in.”

I thanked the page then entered. Saska’s rooms were—unsurprisingly—far grander than the one I shared with Trey. The lounging room was vast, and filled with enough cloudsaks, hassocks, and divans to seat several households. To my right, there were three doors—the sleeping quarters, bathroom, and separate privy, from what I could see of the rooms beyond—but to my left, there was an entire wall of sliding glass partitions, several of which were open. The wind whistled in, filling the room with the salt of the sea and a feeling of anger. Whatever was going on in this place, she did not like it.

The maidservant led me out onto the balcony. The wind was even fiercer out here, her touch cold and almost violent, tearing at my dress and mask as if she meant to strip me bare. I hastily slipped off the mask and handed it to the maidservant, who, after announcing me, curtseyed and rather sensibly went back inside.

Saska leaned against the stone cap railing, her silver-touched black hair streaming out behind her like a wind-torn thundercloud.

For a minute I wasn’t even sure she was aware of my presence, but then, in a voice that was little more than a whisper, she said, “The wind admonishes me.”

I stopped beside her and leaned my forearms against the rail. The stone was as cold as the wind, and just as furious. This close to Saska, I could see the paleness of her lips and the shivers that assailed her.

“And why would the wind do that, Lady Saska?”

“I do not know.”

The wind battered her, forcing her to grip the railing tightly to prevent being flung backward.

After a moment, she whispered, “She’s angry with me.”

Obviously. The question was, why?

“You’re her voice in this world,” I said carefully. “What is it that you’re not saying for her?”

Saska’s gaze came to mine. Her silver eyes were remote—distant—and I had a vague feeling it wasn’t me she was seeing or hearing. There were others—others who might or might not be real—who had her attention right now.

She stared at me for so long I didn’t think she intended to answer, and then she swallowed heavily. “I can hear them, you know.”

I frowned. “The whispers of the wind?”

She waved a hand almost impatiently. “No, the other voices. The ones that belong to her.”

“Her?” I hesitated, gathering skirts that threatened to end up around my ears. The wind spun around me, her voice filled with amusement. She might be angry with Saska, but it seemed she was feeling very flirtatious with me. “Do you mean one of the women at the masque?”

“I’d thought that by taking them off,” she continued, as if I hadn’t spoken, “it would break our connection. But I was wrong. And she is very angry.”

So she wasn’t talking about the wind as much as that other, nebulous she—the person who’d given her those bracelets. The woman she had designated “queen.”

“Why would the queen be angry with you, Saska?”

“Because I ran. Because it makes communications difficult.” She shivered again and rubbed her arms. “I cannot do what she asks. I simply cannot.”

A sliver of alarm ran through me. Was Lord Kiro right—was the epicenter of whatever was happening to be found right here in this house? With Lady Saska herself? “And what does she want, Saska?”

She blinked, and that odd remoteness disappeared. Whatever had momentarily possessed her had fled.

“Neve,” she said. “What a surprise.”

I curtseyed lightly. “I came to see if you’re okay, Lady Saska. You are missed at the masque.”

She snorted. “Certainly not by my whore of a husband. He has his hetaera to accompany him in my place, after all. Did you know the bitch has borne him three sons?”

“So I heard.” I touched her arm lightly. “I’m sorry for the position you’ve been placed in, Lady Saska, but it’s not unexpected given your length of time away.”

She glared down at my hand for a moment, but she didn’t shake me loose and something within her oddly seemed to relax. “I guess. But it rankles nevertheless.”

“Then why hide in your suite? Why not go out there, into that masque, and show everyone who is the true mistress of this house?”

She stared at me for another lengthy amount of time. The wind continued to stir around us, but its force was gentler against me than her. And for once, I could hear what it said to her; it wanted her to do as I suggested. That the whispers would be lessened if she were not alone.

The wind knew what afflicted her. It just wasn’t ready to tell me. Which was frustrating but not unexpected. She was beholden to Saska, not me.

“You don’t stand on ceremony around me, do you?” she said eventually. “You give your thoughts and opinions honestly, and that is rather rare around here. The wind says I should trust you.”

I half smiled. “The wind is wise. And I didn’t save your ass in Tenterra, Lady Saska, to threaten it in any way now.”

“Indeed.” A small but nevertheless real smile touched her lips. I had a vague feeling that didn’t happen all too often. “Then let us get out of the chill of this wind, and go create some havoc at the masque.”

I smiled and turned to walk alongside her. Once inside, her maidservant hastily smoothed her hair and dress, and then placed the mask upon her. Once I’d donned mine, a pageboy was summoned and we were escorted back to the ballroom, where she was grandly announced.

The hush that fell upon the room was deep and rife with speculation. It ran across the silence like electricity, and oddly seemed to take in me as much Saska. But that was no surprise given I was by her side, acting as escort.

It was a position she entrenched by holding out her hand for me to take. I did so, and we walked down the stairs at a slow and regal pace. If Saska sensed the tense anticipation in the room, she didn’t show it. Indeed, what little could be seen of her expression through the mask was serene and remote.

Marcus approached us as we reached the bottom of the stairs. He bowed slightly, and then said, “Lady S, I am so glad you’ve decided to join us.”

“Are you indeed?” Saska murmured. “Here I was thinking you’d rather be rutting with the cow who coveted my place.”

It seemed I wasn’t the only one who wasn’t afraid to speak their mind.

“There has never been anyone else in my heart, m’lady,” he returned, just as softly. The fury and distaste I could see in his eyes did not spill over into his expression or his words. “But no man would or could have remained celibate for such a length of time. Nor, indeed, any woman.”

It was a none-too-subtle reminder that she was pregnant with another man’s child. It didn’t infuriate her, as I’d half expected. It did the opposite. Waves of horror seemed to flow from her and, just for an instant, I thought she was going to turn and run.

Then she glanced at someone over his shoulder and abruptly straightened her shoulders. “Just so, my lord. Perhaps if you’d be so good as to reintroduce me to everyone?” She slipped her hand from mine, but not before she’d squeezed my fingers lightly and whispered, “Thank you.”

As the two of them walked away, I found my gaze searching the nearby crowd, wondering who Saska had glanced at. There were no familiar figures and no one that stirred unease, either in me or in the wind.

I frowned and went in search of Trey, but once again found myself being stopped by the young Lord Tavish. “Lady N,” he said, with a grand flourish. “It is the following night, and I am eager to resume our conversation.”

He was, I couldn’t help but note, rather intoxicated. He’d obviously been gathering courage in the richness of wine, and it made me rather suspect he had not indulged in the type of conversation he was hoping to get from me. Perhaps virginity was more highly prized here in the Reaches than it was in the outer bailey.

I tucked my arm through his and lightly guided him forward. His body was trembling at the light contact and I couldn’t help but wish Ava were with me. She would have relished teaching Tavish the fine art of seduction.

“I am afraid, my dear Lord T, that I am not the woman you should be seeking for the type of conversation you desire.”

I said it as gently as I could, but nevertheless felt the surge of frustration and annoyance in him.

“But you must, because if you do not, my father—” He clammed up suddenly, and heat touched his cheeks.

“Your father will what?” I prompted.

He took a deep breath and blew it out softly. “My father sees the benefits of having Lord Kiro in his debt.”

“But why—?” I stopped abruptly. Trey had mentioned rather casually that Kiro might fancy Tavish for himself. He obviously knew far more than he was admitting. “Your father surely wouldn’t agree to such a liaison if you yourself are not amendable.”

“You don’t know my father,” he said, rather gloomily.

“Then get yourself to both a lady and lord of ease who have studied the finer arts of Astar or the god Drago; lose that which your father plans to barter and enjoy yourself in the process.”

Astar was the goddess of female sexuality and empowerment. Her followers believed a woman should fully explore the pleasures of both her own body and those of her sisters before ever indulging in those of the opposite sex. Such intimate knowledge empowered us in the presence of a man, and made us more able to guide him toward greater pleasure for us both. Her counterpart was the god Drago, whose followers not only believed that a man must spread his seed as far as possible, but that pleasure could and should be taken in whatever form it presented, be it man or woman.

I’d undertaken Astar’s initiation rites as soon as I’d come into puberty, and while I was no priestess, neither I—nor indeed, anyone else in the Nightwatch—could ever be accused of not following the teachings of either god as fully as we were able.

“Laying with a lady would not temper Lord Kiro’s desire.”

“Perhaps not, but there are plenty of gentlemen within that quarter who would offer a similar service.”

He frowned. “I know, but I dare not—”

“Then choose someone within this room other than me. I’m sure there are plenty here, of both sexes, who’d be willing to spend time with a Rossi lord.” I paused, and then added softly, “And after all, does your brother not have a hetaera?”

“Lida?” He snorted. “Even I know that woman is nothing but a schemer. Marcus had best watch his back, because she’s not one who’ll take being scorned lightly.”

That raised my eyebrows. “He no longer lies with her?”

“Not since his lady’s return.”

“He must love Saska greatly.”

Another snort greeted that statement. “He does nothing of the sort, but there are formalities that must be observed, and my brother has always fallen on the side of doing what appears to be right.”

“Have you managed to talk to her yet?”

“No. But she’s come back mad if the whispers of the serfs are anything to go by.” The drink, it seemed, had loosened his tongue greatly.

“What do they whisper?”

“That she hears nonexistent voices, and goes on and on that she can’t do what they ask.” He shook his head. “It was bound to happen, of course, given she was lost for so long.”

“She can’t have been too lost if she carries the child of another.”

“That’s true.” He considered this for a moment, and then said, “Do you think, perhaps, she was not lost but rather sent to a sanitarium?”

Given Kiro was suspicious of her sudden reappearance, I very much doubted it.

Someone cleared their throat behind us. I looked over my shoulder, and was somewhat unsurprised to see Kiro himself. Tavish went red, bowed to us both, and yet again retreated.

I raised an eyebrow as I turned to fully face Kiro. “You seem to have an unusual effect on the young Lord T. It’s almost as if he doesn’t wish to be in your presence in any way, shape, or form.”

“That’s certainly not my wish nor my desire.”

“And yet it’s your desire that scares him.”

His gaze narrowed. “The young Lord T has obviously been very loose of lips this evening.”

“Drinking too much fine wine will do that.” I tilted my head and studied him. “Tell me, Lord K, what does it take to loosen your lips?”

“More than you have, my lady.”

“And yet, here you are, dogging my steps because of some ill-defined secret you think I keep. A lesser woman might perhaps believe that you merely use it as an excuse.”

The smile that teased his lips hinted at amusement, but it failed to touch the darkness in his eyes. “Your Lord T is right—you are an unusual woman. I look forward to further ripostes.” He retrieved a small vial of reddish liquid from his pocket and offered it to me. “Place this in Pyra’s wine. It will release any disinclination to answer questions, but will take an hour to make her pliable for questions.”

Once I’d plucked it from his hand, he bowed lightly and disappeared. I caught a fresh drink from a passing tray waiter, downed it quickly, and then claimed another. It made my head buzz a little too much, but at least it went some ways to drowning the knowledge that Trey had been discussing the possibility of my seducing Pyra with Kiro.

I scanned the crowd, looking for Trey, but the room was too big and had far too many shadowed corners. The wind stirred around me, whispering it was time to seek the lady P. I took a deep breath and released it slowly, but it didn’t really ease the sudden uncertainty about the path I’d chosen. My attraction to Pyra was real enough, but this place—these people—were leagues above me, and I suspected the games they played might be too.

If I seduced Pyra, I’d be in great danger, of that, I had no doubt.

And yet, the danger to Winterborne was even greater. I was a Nightwatch soldier, trained from a very young age to do whatever it took—to step willingly into death’s path if necessary—to protect this place. And if bedding Pyra to uncover her secrets gave this city a chance to survive the darkness hinted on the wind’s whisperings, then there really wasn’t a choice.

I downed my drink, gathered two more, placed Kiro’s drug in one of them, and then went in search of her.

She was waiting in the far shadows to the left of the doors, her back resting against the railing and her mask dangling idly from one hand.

“Lady N,” she said, her voice warm, “I was beginning to suspect you’d decided against our liaison.”

“I have to admit, it is only the intrigue of what you might wish to discuss with me that has brought me here.”

She laughed softly and accepted the glass of wine from me. “I think we both know talking is not what I desire.”

The wind stirred around me, whispering the need for innocence. “Indeed, we do not.”

She studied me, her gaze suddenly speculative. “Tell me, lady N, are you acquainted with the teachings of the goddess Astar?”

More than just acquainted, I wanted to say, but once again the wind urged against it. “I’m afraid not.”

“Ah, then you are in for such a revelation.” She paused, her anticipation sweet on the air. “Perhaps we should retire to your suites so that I might enlighten you?”

“Lord T might well interrupt—”

“Your Lord T is well and truly occupied. I’ve made sure of that.” She drained her glass, then stepped forward and linked her arm through mine. “Shall we go?”

I hesitated, and then nodded. She guided me down the stairs and—obviously well acquainted with the layout of this place—waved away the pageboys who would have guided us to the suite I shared with Trey. Once we were inside and the door locked, she poured us both another drink then handed it to me gravely. “To the revelations and pleasures of the flesh.”

I echoed her words and silently hoped the truth serum wouldn’t take any longer than an hour to work. While I had no doubt I’d enjoy my time with her, the vague sense of uneasiness I’d felt earlier had returned twofold. What I learned here tonight might well be a key to solving the mystery of what was going on, but it was also about to place me in great danger.

If the wind agreed, she wasn’t saying.

Pyra smiled. “Are you ready, Lady N?”

“I think so.”

“Good.”

She stepped forward and kissed me. It was a gentle thing, little more than a promise of the heat to come. Then, with a prayer to the goddess, she stepped back and began to undress.

Initiation was never hurried. It was an unveiling, a blooming of both the senses and sensuality, one designed to heighten the experience and the pleasure for a first-time initiate. Which I wasn’t, of course, but it was nevertheless beautiful to watch her slow dance to nakedness.

Then it was my turn. I echoed her movements, my body tingling with expectation and the knowledge of what was to come. She gasped when my stains were revealed, but it was a soft sound of surprise and perhaps even passion rather than horror.

She stepped closer and our dance continued, filled with reverent touches that became ever more intimate, until it was no longer just hands, but also tongue. And so it continued until sweat sheened our bodies and desire was so sweet and heavy on the air it was almost liquid. Only then did the goddess allow completion, and while it might not have been what the deeper recesses of my body truly desired, it was nevertheless a more fulfilling initiation than what I’d experienced the first time.

We retired to the bed and continued to worship the goddess for nigh on an hour, after which Pyra murmured a prayer of thankfulness and closed her eyes, a smile teasing her well-kissed lips. I fought the tiredness pounding through my body, fought the need to drift into sleep right alongside her, and said softly, “What secrets do you keep, Pyra? What is your involvement with Lady Saska?”

“She’s my sister.”

I yawned hugely, and then said, “Sister of blood, or sister of the flesh?”

“Neither. She is my apiary sister.”

I knew an apiary was a hive, but had no idea what she meant in this situation. For all I knew, it might have been some sort of secret sisterhood here in the Upper Reaches. “And who else is a member of this apiary?”

She mumbled something I couldn’t quite catch, and then added, “But there’s no one else currently in Winterborne.”

Meaning there were others elsewhere? “What of Lady Hedra? She wears the same bracelets are you.”

Again, I didn’t catch her reply. I leaned closer and said, “Repeat that.”

She did, but even softer. The drug seemed to be working faster than Kiro had implied. And I had to wonder if perhaps I’d accidentally ingested some of it via her lips, because the need for sleep was pounding through my body.

Instead of trying to clarify Hedra’s position in whatever was happening, I asked, “And what is the aim of this apiary?”

“To obey.”

My eyes closed. I forced them open again. “Who is it that you have to obey?”

“The queen.”

So this queen, whoever she was, wasn’t a figment of Saska’s imagination. “And where can we find this queen?”

“Everywhere and nowhere. She’s in our minds and under our very feet.”

Meaning we were dealing with a witch capable of using both air and earth magic? Hadn’t both Kiro and Trey claimed that was impossible?

I yawned hugely; it was becoming a struggle to remain awake, to think. “And does she use the bracelets to communicate with you?”

“Yes.”

I closed my eyes for longer this time, and tried to think of another question. But my brain was fuzzy and unfocused. Alarm ran through me, but it was a distant thing and couldn’t reach past the fog that was encasing my mind. Whatever question I might have asked died unspoken as sleep finally claimed me.

It was the wind who woke me. She reached through the fog with little courtesy or gentleness, her whisperings harsh and cold in my brain. I stirred, swearing at her, only to become aware of the slight dip in the bed; someone had either climbed in or out of it. I reached out sleepily and realized Pyra was no longer tangled in the sheets with me.

Move, move, move, the wind whispered urgently, tugging at my hair, my arms, and my legs. I rolled over compliantly and forced my eyes open.

To see a flash of silvery white as a knife plunged toward my heart.