“Is it a tree growing in a bucket of dirt?”
Valek’s grip tightened. “How did you know?”
He sounded accusatory rather than impressed. Strange. “The gossip network. Why else do you think I was in the kitchen?”
“Oh. Well, now you’ll get a chance to see it up close.”
He hurried through the hallways, dragging me along and going the long way. I stumbled and his nails dug into my skin as he yanked me upright. “Ow. Valek, slow down.”
“No time.”
I glanced at my arm to see if he broke the skin and I almost tripped again. The long thin fingers clutching my wrist were not Valek’s, but a woman’s. Yet when I focused on the rest of the body, it appeared to be Valek, which meant...
An illusion! And only one person in Ixia had that ability. Rika.
After a brief moment of panic, I settled my nerves. Illusions couldn’t harm me. As long as she didn’t have any surprise talents, I wasn’t about to let her haul me to her cohorts, where I’d be outnumbered. I dug in my heels, slowing our progress.
“Come on,” she said.
Recalling my self-defense lessons, I broke her grip. Then I kicked her in the ribs with a side kick. Rika flew back, and I took off. She yelled, but I ignored her. However, at the end of the corridor, Owen and Tyen stepped into view, blocking my escape. Oh no. My pulse jumped in my throat as fear zinged through me.
I glanced over my shoulder. Rika clutched her side, but she stared in my direction. They wouldn’t get me without a fight. Increasing my speed, I aimed for the space between the men, hoping my momentum would allow me to break through.
Except they were also an illusion. I sailed right by them and slammed into the far wall. Pain spiked my shoulder, but I didn’t bother to slow or to look back as I ran all the way to the main entrance of Valek’s and the Commander’s suites. Valek’s rooms were the safest place for me.
The guards reached for their weapons when they spotted me. I stopped and gasped for breath. It had been a while since I’d had to run for my life. Guess I’d need to add that to my training schedule.
When no one appeared behind me, I explained about the illusions. “Even if it looks and sounds just like Valek or the Commander, don’t let them pass unless you inspect their key for the diamond insignia. Understood?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And the same goes for me.” I dug my key from my pocket and showed the row of diamond shapes etched into the round, flat section. The Commander’s paranoia came in handy from time to time and I doubted Rika would know about the symbols.
“Yes, sir.”
“Has the Commander retired for the evening?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“Is Valek with him?”
“No.”
“Have you seen Valek tonight?”
“Yes. He was here briefly with his second-in-commands. But he hasn’t been back since.”
“Thanks.” I debated if I should search for him, but decided it’d be too dangerous. He’d return to his suite eventually.
When I entered, I spotted four empty glasses and a bottle of whiskey. I considered pouring myself a large portion, but Medic Mommy advised me to avoid alcohol. Too bad.
Instead, I stirred the fire to life and filled the teapot with water. Waiting for Valek proved difficult, so I rummaged through his piles of books for something to distract me. I found one titled The Art of the Lie, by Hedda Bhavsar, that instructed readers how to lie convincingly and how to spot liars. Useful information.
Once I had a steaming mug of tea in hand and the book in the other, I settled into a comfortable position on the couch and used my cloak as a blanket. Since it was longer and heavier than she was used to, Reema had been happy to return it to me. She liked the new one I’d purchased, and it fit her much better.
Despite the fascinating subject, I didn’t read too long before my eyelids gained weight and the words blurred together on the page. Head nods came next. Giving up, I set the book down and stretched out. After all, Medic Mommy had lectured me on getting the proper rest. I’d finish reading later.
A shuffle woke me, sending fear zipping down my spine. Valek wouldn’t be so noisy. Under the cover of my cloak, I reached for the switchblade strapped to my leg and grasped the handle. I peered between slitted eyelids. Embers glowed from the dying fire. I’d been asleep a couple of hours. No other sounds disturbed the quiet. I waited for an attack, but nothing happened.
Unable to remain still any longer, I jumped to my feet, brandishing my weapon. The room was empty. Or so I thought.
Valek sighed my name. He stood by the door, blending in with the dark wood. He hurried over to me, but I backed up and assumed a defensive stance. His expression of relief transformed into confusion and he stopped a few feet away.
“What’s wrong?” he asked.
“What shape did you make with the napkins for Leif’s wedding?” I asked.
“Are you—”