Pyromancist (Seven Forbidden Arts 1)

Maya poised gingerly on the edge of the bed facing Clelia. “Relax. I’m not going to pounce like a lion.” She crossed her legs and folded one hand over the other on her knee. Her movements were graceful, making even the simple act of sitting look sensual. “Just ask me.”

“Excuse me?”

She swung her leg, appearing both relaxed and bored. “Just ask the question that’s on the tip of your tongue. I can see you trying to swallow it down.”

“What question?”

“You’re wondering who the hell I am and where I come from. Most importantly, you’re asking yourself why I’m here.”

“You’re a hydromancist, you’re from South Africa, and I know why you’re here.”

Maya drew her tongue over her teeth. “Impressive. I see you and Joss have actually spent some of your time together talking.”

She narrowed her eyes at the implied meaning. “Whatever you’re thinking, it didn’t happen.”

“If you say so,” Maya said with a thin smile. “He’s not supposed to share that kind of information, you know. If Cain finds out, Joss can get into a lot of trouble.”

“I asked how you were involved in the investigation. With regards to where you’re from, your accent gave you away.”

Maya’s look was smug. “So quick to jump to his defense.”

“Joss doesn’t need me to defend him.”

“There you go again, proving my point.”

Clelia pulled her spine straight. “Is there a point to your questions?”

“Just getting to know you.”

“You can give up the pretense. You don’t look like someone who has friends.”

“Touché. You’ll hurt a girl’s feelings.” Maya flicked a speck of dust from her pants. “I’m curious, that’s all.”

Clelia crossed her arms. “About what?”

“You’re Japanese.”

“Japanese-Italian.”

Maya leaned back on her arms. “A mixed breed. Something we have in common.” She looked Clelia up and down. “For a half-breed you’re not bad looking.”

“Right,” she said under her breath. “You can really drop the act because I’m not buying it.”

“Chill. I’m not trying to bond with you.”

“Then why are we having this conversation?”

Maya shrugged. “Small talk. Are you hungry?”

“No.”

“There’s left-over cassoulet in the kitchen. Are you sure you don’t want to try some? You’ve got to eat.”

“Why do you care if I eat or not?”

“Let’s just say I know what a terrible cook Joss is. What did he feed you? Pizza?”

“His food wasn’t bad.”

At her defensive tone, Maya smiled. “Look, I’m going to be honest with you. Joss told me you’re not eating. He’s worried. You need carbs today to counteract the side effect of the drug he gave you. If you prefer, I can cook you some pasta.” She grinned. “I’d really like to get Joss off my ass.”

“I can’t eat right now.” She added sarcastically, “Thank you anyway.”

Maya sighed. “Is there anything else you need?”

“I want to know that my animals are taken care of.”

“I gave you my word, and I never break my promises.” Maya got up. “I’ll leave you to it. Rest if you want.” She looked up at the ceiling as if contemplating the weather. An engine started up. The floor vibrated as the yacht kicked into action.

“You’re free to move around as long as the boat is in motion. If you jump while the engines are running, you’ll be pulled underneath the keel and mauled to mince by the blades. She’s a powerful vessel. At full speed we’ll be traveling at twenty-four knots.

“If the boat’s not moving, you have to stay in the cabin or in the lounge. One of us will be around to make sure you follow the rules. Lucky for you, that’s the only rule.” She got up and walked to the door. “Call me if you need anything, otherwise I’ll come back in an hour.” She shut the door with a soft click.

Clelia strained her ears, but no key turned in the lock. She contemplated her situation. She should explore the deck and look for opportunities of escape. These people scared her. Cain, especially, put her on edge. Standing in front of him, it had felt as if he could see right through her.

A soft knock sounded on the door. Before she could reply, it opened. Joss stood on the threshold. His tall, broad frame made the cabin seem smaller.

“At least knocking is an improvement,” she said. “Next time, try waiting for an answer.”

“Do you get seasick?” he asked, closing the door.

“Honestly, Joss.” She rolled her eyes. “I grew up in a boat.”

“So did I.”

“And you get sick?”

He grimaced. “Every time.”

“You don’t look green.”

“I take pills.”

She nodded, her words dried up.

He sat down next to her. “Erwan will come.”

“Unless he’s a magician, which he isn’t, he has no way of knowing where to look for me.”

“He’ll know. I’ve planted discreet messages with his loyal friends around town.”

Clelia frowned. “What if he doesn’t?”

A look passed in his eyes.

“You can’t keep me indefinitely,” she said. “At some stage, you to have to let me go or…”