A Shadow in the Ember (Flesh and Fire 1)

Of course, each night, I stared at those damn doors joining our rooms. On more than one occasion, I had stood in front of them, debating whether to knock. Every time I did, I thought about what he’d said about love and retreated to my bed.

I didn’t think about why.

Instead, I thought about what an absolute failure this was turning out to be.

The dark-haired man rose from his knee to stand straight. “Your Highness,” he said.

“Hamid,” Ash replied, and a sudden gust of wind whirled through the chamber, stirring the candles’ flames.

My gaze flicked to the open ceiling to see a draken flying overhead. They’d been circling the entire time as people came before the Primal to speak about incoming shipments, arrivals from other Courts, and arguments between tenants. It was all surprisingly mundane.

Except for the draken.

“What can I do for you today?” Ash asked.

“There’s…there’s nothing that I need of you, Your Highness.” Hamid clasped his hands together as he glanced nervously up at the Primal.

“Is he mortal?” I asked.

“He is.” Ector inclined his head. “How did you know?”

I shrugged. It was hard to explain, but the man didn’t have the almost inherent sense of confidence or arrogance the gods and Primals seemed to have in how they moved.

“There’s just something that I have grown concerned with,” Hamid continued, looking up through a sheet of dark hair. “And while I hope it turns out to be nothing, I’m afraid that it may not.”

“What is it?” Ash’s fingers tapped on the arm of the throne.

“There is a young woman who is new to Lethe. Her name is Gemma—”

“Yes.” Ash’s fingers stilled. “I know who you mean. What about her?”

“I’ve seen her each day for the last month. She comes into the bakery. Always asks for a slice of chocolate torte with strawberries,” Hamid explained, and for a moment, I imagined the deliciousness of such a treat. “Very quiet girl. Very polite. Doesn’t make a lot of eye contact, but I imagine—well, that doesn’t matter.” He inhaled deeply. “I haven’t seen her in a bit. Asked around. No one has.”

Ash had gone completely still on the throne, as did the gods around me. “When was the last time you saw her?”

“Four days ago, Your Highness.”

“Have you noticed anyone with her, at any time? Or seen anyone who may have taken an interest in her?” Ash asked.

The mortal shook his head. “I have not.”

“I will have it looked into.” Ash sent a quick glance to the alcoves. “Thank you for bringing this to my attention.”

Saion immediately stepped away from me. He looked over his shoulder at Rhain and then to me, “If you’ll excuse me?”

Before I could say a word, both he and Rhain left the alcove, stalking toward the entryway to the chamber. I turned to Ector with a frown. “Who is this Gemma?”

The line of Ector’s jaw was hard. “No one.”

I didn’t think for one second she was no one. Not to incite that kind of reaction from Ash. My interest was more than just piqued as I watched Hamid leave the chamber and Theon enter.

I hadn’t seen the god since the day I’d arrived. The easy grin and teasing air were gone as he strode quickly toward the dais. Like the other gods, he had a short sword strapped to his hip, and a long sword across his back. He went to the dais as Ash leaned forward. Whatever Theon said, he spoke too quietly for me to hear, but I knew that something was happening because Ash sent another quick look in the direction of the alcove.

“Stay here,” Ector ordered before walking off.

Antsy, I watched him part the line of guards and take the steps of the dais. Wind stirred the flames once more as another draken flew overhead, calling out in a shrill, staggered sound. Tiny bumps spread across my flesh as Ector bent his head to Ash’s. The god looked at Theon and then nodded. He pivoted quickly as Ash rose from the throne. I started to step forward as Ector hopped down from the dais and returned to my side.

“Come,” he said, reaching for me but stopping short of touching me. “We must go.”

Some things never changed it seemed. My frown deepened. “What is going on?”

“Nothing.”

No part of me wanted to follow, but I felt the sudden tension in the air. One that warned me I should obey.

I went, noting that Ector walked to my left, forcing me between him and the wall. The moment we were out in the hall, I stopped. “What is going on, and don’t say nothing? Something is.”

“There has been an unexpected…arrival.” The fair-haired god’s lip curled. “His Highness stated that you’re aware of what to do when there are guests.”

I squeezed my hands into fists. “I am.”

“Perfect.” He led me down the wide corridor. “Would you like to return to your chamber?”