GHOSTSOFSHATTEREDLIVES

 

Karinachuckled.“Heisproudofhowit’scomingalong.HeneedsonlytheArcanyxcrystalsforthespells. Ifitworks,we would benefit from it.”

Gwynsippedherwine.“Whatdoyouthinkaboutgivinghimtimetofinishitbeforeourfullinvestigation?Hecanwork on it while…” Gwyn paused and exhaled. “While youandIgathermoredetailedinformation.”

Karina leaned forward and wrapped her hands aroundGwyn’s.“Ifyouarecertainyouwishtodothis,thenyes.”

Gwynlookeddownatherhands,chuckled,andthen returnedhergazetoKarina’seyes.“Igotoutalive.Iwas lucky.Luckshouldnothaveanythingtodowithchildren living to adulthood.”

“I never doubted your resolve and honorable motivation, HertogiaCaoilfhionn.”KarinasqueezedGwyn’shands.“My questionwaswithyouremotionalstate,giventhatkillingthe woman who abused you will be a criminal action.”

Gwyn nodded.“I won’t do anything that might draw the attention of the assassins who failed to kill me.”

“Tellmewhotheyare.Iwillprotectyouandprosecute themshouldtheyattackyouwithinourborders.”

Gwynclosedhereyesandsmiled.Sheshookherhead.“Youcan’t promise that, and I can’t ask that of you.”

Karinalookedhurt.“I’mnotincapable.”

“I never said that.I’ve seen your impressive capabilities. You have your duty and obligation to your family and the Empire’s citizens. And I’m—”

“Ohthereyoutwoare.”

Courage’svoicecamefromthebar.Thetwowomenreleasedthegriptheyhadontheother’shandsandsatstraightin their chairs. Courage raised an eyebrow.