It was as if she were completely unconcerned about it all. Here we were in a councilman’s home, hours after she had had me kidnap his younger brother. I hadn’t asked her what she decided to do with him, and I wasn’t sure I had the nerve to. The more I knew, the worse I was sure to feel. For my own gain, it would be better if Fallon were dead. From what I knew of Councilman Ere, he would never accept a deal with the murderer of his little brother. He cared too much. He was a good man.

She sighed, again.“Ridiculous. Where is he?”

“A moment, Madam,” said the doorman.

I can feel my muscles tense as Daya lets out a chuckle, a beautiful combination of rich and dark. Somehow, the doorman hardly seems to have noticed the shift in Daya’s composure. Soft to prickly. “Madam Daya,” I begin, “would you like some tea?” I nod towards the teapot.

“Don’t worry, darling, I can get some myself. You take yours with two sugars?” The rings on her fingers catch what light filters through the curtains dyed in hues of green, a sharp contrast to the gold, barren desert they cloak. She raises one of those long, slender fingers of hers and twists it around, her big brown eyes focusing on the teapot. The teapot lifts itself up, pouring tea into the cups around it. Once filled, one of the cups floats steadily over to me.

“Please refrain from using magic while on the premises, Madam. It goes against Arden’s rules.” Does he know who he’s talking to? Or does he have a death wish? Daya’s lips twitched. Whether it’s a smile or anger, I couldn’t say for sure.

“Perhaps he’s having second thoughts,” I proposed.

Daya laughed at the idea. “Not a chance. You are my best and he knows it.” She lifts her hand and grabs my chin lightly, examining my face for a few seconds before letting go and brushing off some invisible piece of dust from her dress skirts. “You’re twenty and therefore plenty mature, you’re literate, you know how to hold a conversation. What more do they need? Besides, I’m the best in quality. Unless he settled for cheaper, and subsequently worse…” She pauses. “He also knows that with you comes a protector. He isn’t dense. He wouldn’t pass this offer up. He’ll be here.”

As if she had spoken it into existence, Councilman Ere stepped into the room, his hair disheveled. “My apologies. I didn’t intend on keeping my bride-to-be waiting,” he spoke quietly, endings and beginnings of his words nearly melding into one.

“Not until papers are signed, Councilman Ere.” Daya rose to her feet, presenting her bejeweled hand for a kiss. He didn’t disappoint. At least he had common sense. “Aumee,” Daya snapped. I rose to my feet, presenting my own hand.

“A pleasure to see you, Councilman.”

He kissed my hand, but I could see that his mind was elsewhere. They stared at me intently. Knowingly. He had gotten my hint. When he straightened up, his eyes flitted between me and the dealer. “Madam Daya, I hoped you would consider rescheduling. Something seems to have come up.”

The silence in the room was unbearable. Daya was not one to reschedule. She was watching him with narrowed eyes and stern lips. Daya, you see, doesn’t wait. “For what reason?” Her voice rose sharply, head tilting. If she had a tail, I’m sure, it would have been prepared to strike.

“I’ve just received word that my brother is missing. He was to accompany me here but… it’s no matter for you to know of. It’s uncharacteristic, that’s all it is.” He made sure not to look at me. Perhaps he knew that if he did he might betray our secret. He was a politician, but Daya was more than that.

“Your younger brother, Fallon?” I spoke out of term. Daya wouldn’t approve. But, I would rather feign innocence than stay silent.

“That’s him, yes. I’m concerned that he may have gotten himself mixed up in something he shouldn’t have.” The Councilman looked directly into Daya’s eyes, but she was unflinching.

“An unfortunate matter indeed. Would you like to wait until your brother can be present?” She didn’t place her hand on her heart, didn’t give any apologies. Daya, whether it was her fault or not, never apologized. She had work to be done, and if something got in the way of that work, then it was to be dealt with. I did the handling, of course. I was used to cleaning up the messes of everyone beneath her. I wonder who would clean up the mess I made if she found out about it.

“I would like to wait for him, yes. I wish to know what sort of… business led him astray.”

“Well, hopefully he turns up. Until then, I’ll suspend our primary meeting. Is that agreeable?” Daya began fixing her head scarf. Of course she would just move past it all. “Another time, though, Councilman?” Daya’s sickly sweet voice didn’t leave room for discussion.

“Of course.” He nodded, tucking his hands behind his back, the beige fabric of his robes swishing.

“We’ll be on our way now. Do have a better day.” Daya placed her hand on my back, the rings upon her fingers cold against my skin.

“To you ladies as well.”

The doorman showed us out, weaving us through the halls of the Councilman’s home. Daya stayed silent, allowing me to admire the carvings in the sandstone. If only she were always this quiet.

“Aumee, dear, do keep up.”

“Yes, Madam Daya.”

As we left the manor, guards watched as we unhooked our saladassi and made our way over to the top of the staircase. At first, I had thought that Daya was making a bold move by requesting that we held the meeting at the council manor, but she assured me that Councilman Ere was the one who had made the decision. She suspected that he was paranoid, and wanted people to know that he had dealings with Daya. But who would want everyone to know that a politician of Arden was in bed with one of its most feared witch? It seemed like a disaster waiting to happen, whether I had put my hand in it or not.

Our saladassi made their way down the staircase with ease, flicking their tongue at every person standing by. As we made our descent, Daya spoke up. “I may need to rethink my next move. What are your thoughts?”

“To make the next move I would need to know the last one.”

“He’s still alive, if that’s what you mean,” she sighed. I nodded, but I could feel Daya looking hard at me. “I thought you said you wouldn’t need the… adjustment… with this one.” She chose her words carefully.

There were rumors that she had managed to bind a Baurpei to herself, but she would only expose that truth when necessary. Riding down the stairs of Arden surrounded by rumor-hungry citizens was not necessary. Normally she wanted their fear, but this was different. Binding a Baurpei asked for too many eyes, and too many bounties.

“I don’t think I do.”

“Then why do I sense that you feel guilty?”

“It’s hard not to after meeting his brother.”

“Your future husband, you mean.”

“Depending on your next move,” I reminded her.

“Depending on my next move.” she smiled brilliantly. “You’re growing keen, Aumee. Try not to.”

“You’ve taught me well.” I smiled and raised an eyebrow at her. Daya was terrifying, yes, but I knew she had a soft spot for me somewhere inside of her. I had been with her since I was a child and she had no reason to keep me around for as long as she did. As Via would say, ‘She could have made a pretty coin a long time ago if you weren’t like her daughter.’ Perhaps she was right.

We didn’t say much more until we had returned to the sanctuary. As I was placing Durabi back into his pen, Daya motioned for me to follow her. “Let’s make a visit to my friend. I’ll fill you in on it all. It seems like you may be around longer.”

I tried to contain my excitement as I fell into step behind her. We made our way down into the cells, and I strained my ears for any sign of life. Wherever Fallon was, he was being quiet. As we came to the door, I saw him through the barred window as he sat on his knees, arms still chained to the ground by the dazzling black sand of the Baurpei. Daya stood before him, eyes calm.

Upon entering, the Baurpei took on the shape of a man, towering before Daya and prepared for her next command. When I entered, though, its piercing white gaze turned on me. It always had a taste for me. My mind froze. Daya said something in deorcalo, and the Baurpei shifted its form into a staff. Daya wrapped her hand around it, tapping her finger against its rock hard surface. “Fallon, what will we do with you…” Daya spoke softly, using the staff in her hand to tilt the man’s face up towards me. “He’s so handsome, isn’t he? More so than his brother, but, you can’t marry them both.”

I did my best not to look at Fallon. I did my best not to look at many of Daya’s victims, or mine. It made my life easier. It allowed me to avoid the Baurpei. It allowed me to breathe. “You speak as if I’ll end up marrying Councilman Ere for certain.”

“Yes, yes. We’ll discuss that later.” Daya waved her hand in the air as if I was speaking off topic. I needed to do something. Anything. Not only could I not be sold off, but seeing Fallon on his knees was beginning to make me feel nauseous. If I did end up being married to the Councilman, I would see Fallon’s face in his every single time. I wouldn’t be able to go a day without thinking about it. “Look at him. Those eyes… you’ll remember those eyes.”

Fallon’s voice broke our conversation, rough and dry. “Madam Daya, please, give me a chance-”

Daya pulled the staff back and smacked it across Fallon’s face.

“I did not permit you to speak. But, since I’m feeling generous, you may do so now.” Daya stepped back, and I watched as blood dripped from Fallon’s lips. “Try not to get too much blood on the floor. It’s a bother to wash away. Fill your sister-in-law in on your crimes.”

Fallon looked up, his face contorted in disgust. “I should never have gotten Sander involved in any of this. He deserves better than the filth you are. You’re a murderer and a liar. I hope he finds out what you’ve done to me. He won’t let you go a day without reminding--”

Daya rushed towards the man as I stood in front of the door. In the darkness, no one could see my eyes well up or my knuckles turn white. In the darkness, I was safe. Daya was crouched in front of him now, holding the head of her staff close to his face. “If you speak to her like that again, you can be sure that I’ll subject you to much worse a fate than rotting away in this cell. Am I understood?”

Fallon pursed his lips, but nodded.

“Use your words.”

“I understand,” Fallon said through gritted teeth.

“Good. Now, make a case for yourself. But, do remember, we will use everything against you so far.”

“Daya,” I tried to cut in, but Fallon had begun speaking.

“Madam Daya, please. I had no idea the book was being protected by a witch. My own informants only told me that a book matching your description had been traced to a family from Waystation 20J, and that the only family members remaining were two kids. Twins. I sent my men according to that information, and they were met with much more force than expected.” The black curls atop Fallon’s head fell just above his eyes, and with the moonlight behind him, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for him. He looked pitiful. His face was bruised, but underneath he seemed young and unprepared. Daya hated unprepared.

“There it is again. Kids.” Daya’s lips warped themselves in disgust. Gone was the soft and elegant woman that was presented to buyers and many of the girls in the sanctuary. The dragon I knew was preparing to burn someone alive. “You sent your men after a relic I made clear to you must be handled with complete care. I made clear to you that you were to tell me the location of the relic before taking any action. Instead, you sent people who couldn’t protect such an important item from two kids!” With a flick of her wrist, the staff transformed once more into the Baurpei and it swarmed Fallon. “You cost me much more than you could imagine!”

I watched in horror as black sand sped around the man, tearing apart his clothes and cutting into his skin. By the time the Baurpei settled, it was within an inch of Fallon’s face, and had his throat in its hands. “You asked what I would do in your situation,” I spoke up. “I know what your next move should be.”

Everyone froze, and the Baurpei released its grip on Fallon, allowing him to breathe once more.

“I did,” Daya said thoughtfully. “Your answer?”

“If I were in your position, I would give him one last chance, which, I’m aware, is the very opposite of what you wish to do. If you give him a second chance, perhaps he may be more driven to find the book for you.” After a second, I tacked something on. “I could ensure that he is.”

“You could, I suppose, if you weren’t being sold off.”

“But, the problem is… you can’t sell me off.”

Daya narrowed her eyes at me. “You’re becoming rather bold, little bird. I suggest your next words be carefully chosen.”

“Councilman Ere knows his brother is not just missing, Daya. You have to see that. He knows Fallon is yours, and he won’t be making any deal with you until he is completely assured that his little brother is safe. From you. So, you can either return Fallon in this condition and perhaps be able to persuade Councilman Ere into keeping your contract. Or, you could wait for him to heal before returning, but how long will that be?” I crouched down to examine Fallon’s face. “Too long. Those bruises will take forever to heal. The gashes… who could even say? You truly did a number on him.”

Daya laughed. “Don’t be ridiculous, Aumee. I can wait for him to heal before selling you off. I can bide my time.” She pretended to examine her nails in the moonlight.

I shrugged. “I mean, yes, you could do that. But what use am I to you if I’m just sitting here? Your spellbook is out in the Waystland, who knows where, and it is traveling further and further from you with every minute that passes.” I watched as Daya finally began paying attention to me. “I have always been your best spy and your best assassin,” I pointed out, “so allow me the chance to prove my usefulness to you in the field rather than behind closed doors. I know having a Councilman in your arsenal sounds irresistible, but training a replacement for me will take time. And, by the sound of it, not time that you have. I have no idea what your plans are for that spellbook or what you plan to do with it, and I am not going to ask, but I’m sure you could benefit from having me involved.” My breathing was coming fast now, and I felt like no matter what I said she would shoot me down.

“If you’re such a keeper, then why should I spare him his death?” Daya flicked one of her fingers and the Baurpei shifted to where it was standing behind her like a starry shadow. “You said a fitting punishment for him would be a second chance. How? He has already failed me once.”

I thought for a second, but I found myself looking to Fallon for a hint. I could hardly tell, but he had tilted his head up ever so slightly to see me. He was battered and bruised, but I could see his brother in his face. His brother, who held one of the strongest positions in the Waystland. I could hardly manage to hide my smile.

“You should spare him his death for the same reason that you haven’t killed him yet. You know that he’s still useful to you. If he were to disappear completely and Councilman Ere found out that you were the reason, not only would you lose the deal, but you would lose your business in Arden. You’d be driven out. The Ring would be more heavily restricted. If Fallon dies, you lose one of your strongest bargains against the Council. If he dies, you lose your strongest connection to the Ring. If you spare him, what would keep him in the business with you? What is a better punishment than making him retrieve what he has lost? Make him prove himself to you, Daya. At least give him a reason to stay with you. If he succeeds, then everything goes back to normal.”

“Clearly not everything would, little bird.” She moved closer to me, her eyes taking my face in. “You want something. You’re making a deal.”

“If we find the book and bring it back to you, Fallon goes unharmed and can return to his status as your informant without any further punishment. I will earn freedom from contracts. Any and all.”

“You’re currently under a contract.”

I felt my heart sink. “I’m aware.”

Daya laughed. “You want me to forgive this fool and release my best assassin?”

“You said it.”

She grinned. “Little bird… Aumee… I recognize that you’re trying to stand your ground. Unfortunately for you, the ground is not solid. I can’t give you what you want. I can get you out of marriage contracts only. Via will make a suitable replacement.” I thought about it for a second. If I let it stay this way, that would mean my freedom from ever being sold off. I would still be under Daya’s wing, but even that felt preferable to being the wife of some man I would meet just a week before marrying him. The thought of some strangers' hungry hands on my body had always frightened me. Daya was harsh and asked for a lot, but at least my body was my own. Except it didn’t have to be that way.

I clung tightly to my last argument. “It wouldn’t take much for me to show Councilman Ere the loophole you wrote into the contract. The same one you would put in Via’s. One finger point is all it would take for him to know not to sign. You may have Via married off to a Councilman of Arden, but you would have no access to her. She would be untouchable. Is that what you want?”

“You snake.”

“I prefer bird.”

“I knew you had rummaged through my office, but I couldn’t figure out why.”

“Do we have a deal or not?”

Daya’s shoulders fell just enough that I could tell I had swayed her. “If you and Fallon can bring back the spellbook I am after, you will be free. Of any and all contract-binding arrangements from me. Fallon will have his position and trust restored. Via will be married off to Councilman Ere. I will gain ownership of the book. I can agree to that.”

Just as I was about to agree to the deal, she spoke again.

“You will have a month to track the book down. She picked at her nails as if what she was saying wasn’t anything I should be excited about.

“I’ll take that deal--” I started towards Fallon, but Daya rose her hand.

“Not so fast. I have one condition. Though, I will give you until tomorrow morning to plan for your journey and set out.”

“What’s your condition?” I asked, my eyes jumping between Daya and where she had her eyes trained on Fallon.

“He’s useless in his current state. Even if he were healthy… he’s not a trained fighter the way you are. More of a brute. More… animalistic.” A wicked look came over her, and I watched as she muttered under her breath, black and purple smoke drifting from her fingers to surround Fallon. He didn’t even move as it enveloped him. “Consider it payback on behalf of all the desert orcs whose lives you’ve bartered away.” She muttered something under her breath, a white glow faintly coming off of her eyes. When nothing happened after a few seconds, she turned to me with a smile.

Daya held out her hand. I thought about her words carefully. There was no loophole that I could find. I reached forward and clasped her forearm.

I had been looking at Daya when I heard his scream. It was piercing, and sounded as if he were being torn in two. From the smoke, a huge figure rose up onto its feet. There wasn’t much light in the cell except for a few flames at the entryway, but those flames illuminated the creature before me. Its craggy-like skin was the same shade of the canyon rock Arden was made of, and aside from the black, spiraling horns protruding from its head I would have said it looked like a human. Fallon’s eyes were still there, dark and panicked in a face that was all too unfamiliar. He let out another scream that turned my blood to ice.

She was right. I remembered his eyes.