7 Deadly Instincts (The Sinfire Chronicles Book 1)

Settie took him to a narrow street between the pleasure markets and the dice markets—it was called Gluttony Row with taverns on either side of the crammed street. Vendors grilled meats outside, trying to tempt people inside.

There was a place—Frann’s Fill, and she pointed. “There. She’s in there. The rest of Squad 23 is on their way. Be fucking nice to her.”

“I’ll wait for the rest—”

“No,” the captain snapped. Her short-lived good mood was gone. “You’ll go up there, explain yourself, and be friendly. If she gives you shit about the past, you tell her the past is gone. She’s here for magic. So be fucking magical.”

He laughed. “Fine.”

He marched inside. An elven woman saw him and hurried over. “Take off your shoes. Then go upstairs. I know who you are. She’s waiting for you.”

She. Her. Princess Lilian Everheart, the daughter of Cradleport’s sea king.

The place was packed with people, mostly elves, who recognized him and whispered amongst themselves. The food was a mixture of fish, rice, and vegetables. Some of it stank like old seaweed. Far more pleasant was the odor of hot booze in the air—each table had a little kettle resting on a single small lust rock.

He took off his boots and set them in a little cubby by the door.

In his bare feet, he started up the steps, his heart hammering. Maybe she’d lied about Blind John. Maybe she’d lied about hating him. Maybe she would smile at him and kiss him. He’d have to tell her about Rynn and Ames. Maybe she could forgive him.

He was going to give the ruby necklace back to her. He didn’t need it anymore.

He reached the top, turned the corner, and it was an attic room with a low ceiling and a single table with cushions on the floor. Three burners held lust rocks, burning away. One window showed the restaurant across the street. The other had a view of the Hellbinder Barrier, painted red by the failing light.

And there was the princess, sitting on a cushion, looking up at him.

She was in pink traveling dress. Her legs were under her, but he could see her lacy stockings. While the hem of her dress was flecked with mud, her golden hair was perfect. Her face was bright red from the warmth of the lust rocks after the chill air outside. She had three trunks stacked up close to the ceiling.

For a second, they just stared at each other.

For the first time, maybe in his life, he didn’t have a plan. He didn’t know what to say. He’d betrayed her and she hated him for it. What was there to say?

He was shocked when she bounced to her feet and stepped lightly across the room.

She threw her arms around him and hugged him tight. “Grayson Fade! I was right! I was right about every little thing.”

She stepped back, her blue eyes bright. “And you said there wasn’t magic, or dragons, elves. And here we are, in an elvish restaurant, about to eat some kind of fish roll. I do not understand the cuisine, but I will try everything!”

She laughed a little.

He hadn’t expected this.

He was thoroughly confused, but he didn’t want to show it. “Hello, Lilian. How as your trip in?”

“Unexpected,” she said with a laugh. She pulled him down, so they were both sitting on a cushion.

An elvish waitress came and set three kettles on the three burners in the table. She also set down piles of little wooden cups and little wooden plates along with delicate silver forks. A second later, she was gone.

“Can you believe we’re here?” she asked. Then, she didn’t pause. “You have to wait for the kettle to heat, or so Captain Sevanya said. When she suggested I had magic, I didn’t believe her, but she was adamant. And so mysterious, right? The hat, the mask, the cane, all of that. It was strange, but I was ready for strange. We talked about it, didn’t we?”

“We did,” he said. “But—”

She waved a hand through the air. “Yes, yes, yes. The letter. I know, you want to talk about the letter, but do we have to? I was angry. I’m sure you can understand why.”

He didn’t speak. She was angry. She was a princess, rich beyond belief. He’d been a weak arena slave, who might’ve been sent to fight and die at any moment. But she was angry.

She sighed. “You’re not saying anything. Why aren’t you talking? Does this have something to do with your resonance? Can you use words to fill your core? You always were so very interesting to talk to. I hope that hasn’t changed.”

“No, it hasn’t.” He paused. “it’s a surprise to see you right after my trial. I’m still trying to come to terms with, you know, my possible execution.”

Lilian giggled. “It was never going to happen. Captain Sevanya wouldn’t have allowed it. She said it was all so much seacow cud and that she would take care of everything. And she did, it seems. I can’t wait to meet the rest of the squad. I really hope they like me.”

She laughed more, but Gray couldn’t tell if it was real or not. She seemed all ease and comfort, but what was she feeling? He glanced at her core—it was a strange dark red color, like dried blood, tacky to the touch. It burned within her. Was that a wrath resonance? It seemed like it.

“Talk to me,” she prompted. “Tell me all about your life in the Belly of the World. Captain Sevanya says you are really powerful. I knew that. Always so smart, powerful, and crafty, so very crafty. It was your mind I fell in love with because your body, well, let’s just say you look much better now. Still a little thin for my taste, and your features could use some work. I’ve been with far more handsome men than you.”

She laughed even as she threw her barbs. “But then, you could say the same thing, I’m sure. I’ve heard stories of the ribald life of Grayson Fade.”

Her core burned more, absorbing mana, but from what?

She laughed. Did have a fucking laughter resonance.

He got mad, and he felt the mana. “I need to know about Blind John. Is he dead?”

She stared into his eyes, growing serious, and then she fucking laughed in his face. “I have no idea. I knew it would hurt you, though. He’s not in the market anymore, but is he dead? Who can say? He was just a blind beggar man.”

“That’s not what you said before. You said he had a power that even your father respected. He had connections.”

She shrugged, that fucking smile on her face. “Did I say that? I would’ve said anything to get you to like me. But those days are behind us.”

“I’d like for you to reach out to your father. I need to know if Blind John is still alive.”

“Certainly. I shall do that first thing. But I do have to train, don’t I? There is this Redemption Midnight to Midnight coming up, and I have to pass. That shouldn’t be a problem. I’ve able to push the mana into my meridians. Captain Sevanya said that you had trouble with that. Poor Gray, always so weak and fragile, even down here.”

“Stop,” he said firmly. “I know what you’re doing.”

“What?” she asked with such fake innocence.

Before he could answer, Rynn came charging into the room. She flung herself onto him, knocking Lilian backwards. The table shook but none of the kettles fell.

Rynn peppered his face with kisses. “You’re free! You’re alive! No executions!”

He finally had to push the elf girl off him but she was still rambling. “It was so horrible that I couldn’t go home last night. I just couldn’t. So Ames and I slept at Third Barracks, and it was so bad, and Blonko and Kabe were there, but they didn’t get within ten feet of us. Because, well, you know, we have what I like to think of as needle fingers. Ames did tease him about shaking hands but he didn’t even really give us all that much guff. Oh, and we saw Froggy, and she was worried about you, but it was probably fake, since we know how well she can lie. She stole my trunks and then lied to our faces. Blythe was probably the worst, though, because she said they had proof of poaching, but then, they only arrested you, and we knew they didn’t, but I was still so scared. Me and Ames were. And Pinch, she was with us at Third Barracks. She pretended to not care but we knew she did.”

By that time, the rest of the squad were in the room with them.

Ames came over and knelt down, brushed some hair out of his face. She then kissed him on his lips, long, slowly, tenderly, before moving her mouth to whisper into his ear. “She’s not the demon. She’s just frightened and angry.”

She moved back, touched his face, but then Tomi was laughing. “Don’t worry, Lilian, no one else is going to slobber over him.”

By that time, Rynn realized what she’d done to the princess.

Rynn blushed. “I am so sorry. I was just, Gray was just…he was on trial. He could’ve been found guilty and executed. I mean, no, he couldn’t have, because we never poached. Can we start over?”

Lilian nodded, her cheeks rosy. “Yes, very much so. It’s very touching to see someone so in love with someone so in danger of failing.”

Rynn tilted her head.

Lilian laughed easily. “Failing at the trial. That didn’t come out right. It’s fine. Captain Sevanya said that Gray has two wives. Good for you. Good for you all. And you must be Ames.” The princess crawled over and stuck out a hand.

Ames shook it, but it wasn’t long before Lilian was hugging her. “I’m sure we’ll be best friends.”

Pinch sat across from the table, scowling.

Lilian turned to her.

The fae held up her hand. “No hugs. No kisses. I’m new as well. But I doubt I’ll be as popular. By the slut gods of old, I sure as hell hope I’m not.”

Tomi laughed and sat down next to her. “We call her Pinch. Not sure she likes it but she was our enemy for a bit. We’re still trying to figure things out. I’m Tomi and not in Gray’s harem. I like sarcasm, history, and naps, but not necessarily in that order.”

Midj went over and held Lilian’s hands in both hers. “I’m Midjara Munch, but you can call me Midj. I’m the most normal of the recruits, so if you need anything, just let me know. I’m sure you’ll fit right in. We’re crazy, but we’re also nice.”

Pinch snorted.

Midj wrinkled her nose. “Most of us are.”

They each took their seat at the table, and Gray was relieved not to sit next to the princess. He had Rynn on his right, and Ames on his left.

Midj started pouring whatever was in the kettle into the wooden cups and passed them around. “This is hot rice wine, manafied of course, and I have to warn you. It’s potent. I hope it’s okay, but Ames and I ordered everything. This place is known for the fish noodles, which are so good, so rich, but we also needed a variety of Saelimi. It’s one of the world’s great foods. The captain gave us gold, so we can splurge. We have so much to celebrate!”

Gray took his and sipped it. At first, he thought it was just a strong tea, but then the taste of alcohol hit him. A moment later, his head was swimming. His lunch had been cold canteen hash. He hadn’t eaten very much of it. He knew drinking on an empty stomach wasn’t wise, but he couldn’t stop himself. He found the hot rice wine enchanting.

“Do you eat out at taverns often?” Lilian asked.

Midj snorted. “Almost never because I’m the better cook. Except for Gorgonzola. But we wanted something special and indoors tonight. Don’t know why Gorgonzola doesn’t buy a building and move inside. Says he likes the open air. Weirdest goblin you ever met, but the most talented. Do you like Alastrian food, princess?”

For the first time, Lilian seemed unsure of herself. “Please, I might be a princess back in Cradleport, I’m just one of the girls down there.” She glanced at Gray. “One of the squad if you will. I’m sorry, I’m not familiar with Alastrian food.”

Lilian kept on staring at Gray, so much so, that Rynn noticed. Her eyes went back and forth between the two.

When Lilian glanced over at Rynn, her core flared up, sucking in mana even as her cheeks whitened.

Tomi snorted, shattering the moment. “Another angel head on the team? Does that make us lucky or demon bait? Demons love to kill angels.”

Again, Lilian’s smile failed her. “I’m not following…”

Rynn sighed. “She means our golden hair. Where I grew up, being called an angel head wasn’t very nice. I got teased.”

Lilian’s eyes widened. “Really? It was prized in Cradleport, right, Gray? All the boys wanted the blonde girls. Even the little slave boys.”

Again, the minute she threw the barbs, she changed subjects. “Gray and I were friends back home. I told him there were dragons and elves and beastkin. He didn’t believe in magic, and yet, here we both are. It’s like something out of a story.”

“Nightmares are stories,” Ames said abruptly.

Lilian squinted at her. “What are you trying to say?”

Gray winced, but he was powerless to stop what was going to happen. He sipped more wine and enjoyed the feeling of the alcohol. As for the mana, he easily channeled it to his core, which was already full. Being around Lilian had made him feel any number of emotions.

Ames then fell into an old ramble. “Nightmares are stories, scary stories, or awkward. I sometimes I dream I’m trying to get a torch lit because there is something in the darkness, something that’s want to devour my core. But it will me first. It will rip out my throat, and I’ll bleed out, and then, I can see the thing—it’s some kind of demonic dog thing. Sometimes. Sometimes it’s a man but he has the teeth of a dog. I see him ripping into my belly, eating my entrails, pawing, pawing at me. My body rocks, my eyes are open, but I am dead. And he devours my core. If only I’d gotten the torch lit. In the dream, I forget I could probably channel mana into the torch. I’m trying to light it with a matchstick.”

There was a long moment of awkward silence.

Tomi started to clap. “And that is why we bring Ames to dinner. Always such interesting conversation. Don’t worry, we only understand about half of what she says.”

Ames frowned. “I’ve tried to be better. I believe I described my dream in such a way that it was easily understandable. I would like to think you all understand seventy-five percent of what I say?”

Pinch growled. “Let’s agree that one third of all your talk is idiotic.”

Ames laughed. “What you call idiotic, I call prophetic. Did I not say that Gray would be found innocent?”

Midj wrinkled her nose. “Uh, I think you mentioned the tiger would leave all of his stripes behind. Something about a tiger, caged, but running free.”

“I think that’s very clear.”

“Very clear,” Lilian agreed. “You all are such fun. I can’t believe I’m here. I have so much to learn. Thank you, thank you all, for giving me a chance.”

She didn’t give Gray another look the entire night.

That was a relief.

Several elven maidens delivered them food, more kettle of rice wine, and plate upon plates of food. The fish noodles were actually surprisingly good—the noodles made out of a combination of rice and noodles with a doughy texture. The broth had a beefy flavor which complimented the noodles nicely.

The rest of the meal was equally as foreign.

There were fishy-tasting greens, which turned out to be a kind of seaweed. Gray was used to that. What did surprise him were the little strips of sticky rice and the various wonderful things they put on top. There was raw fish, and sauces, and little crispy things, and he couldn’t name one thing he ate. But with every bite, the flavor changed. That was the little strips of wonderful rice snacks were called SailimiI, and each one was manafied, and as they ate, the spiciness filled them.

Eventually, Gray had to stop drinking the rice wine because he might not be able to walk home.

But walk home they did, helping Lilian carry her trunks.

They made it back to Ruin Manor, and they heard Settie up in her room, but she didn’t come down. They put Lilian on the second floor, and she thanked them profusely for helping carry her trunks, but at one point, she did laugh and say, “It is a joy to see Gray isn’t as weak as he was when I knew him before. His color still isn’t good, but it is winter. Who knows? Maybe in the summer he’ll look a bit healthier.”

Before he went to bed, where Rynn and Ames were waiting for him, he went and collected the ruby necklace.

They stood outside in the hallway, where there was still a bit of dirt and grass. They’d fixed the roof—well, Pinch had—but they hadn’t gotten around to cleaning up the debris in the hallway.

“Lilian, before you go to bed…”

Her eyes flashed with anger. “What?”

“Here is your necklace back.” He dropped it into her palm.

That anger was gone, replaced by an uncertain and probably fake sweetness. “That old thing? I hardly knew it was gone.”

“It’s magical—”

She laughed. “I doubt that. You have to get to your room. Your wives, plural are waiting for you. It’s so sweet that they share you. Not one woman in a million could do that, and yet, you have managed to dupe them into thinking you are man enough to satisfy them. Good for you. Good for you both.”

She then walked away before he could confront her.

He did hear her sob the minute she shut her door.

He crept over and listened.

Yes, without a doubt, he could hear her sobbing in her room.

Over what, he didn’t know, but he also knew the barbs weren’t going to stop. She was all smiles and kindness one moment, a demon throwing spears the next. A quick change of conversation then made everything all right.

Gray knew she was trying to get to him.

He wouldn’t let her.

Let her cry. It wasn’t his concern. He’d given back her very powerful necklace. He’d made restitution. And now he could be done with her.

In truth, he forgot all about her when he reached his room.

Both of his wives were sitting on the bed, in very tight, very revealing outfits, all lacy and pretty.

It felt like he’d been hit by a lust demon.

“Where did you get those?” he asked.

Rynn did a good imitation of Captain Sevanya. “Fucking questions. Get over here, precious Gray, and let’s make you forget all about your…problems.”

Right then, he didn’t have a problem. Not a one.