Trick of Shadows (The Duskhunter Saga Book 2) by Sara Roethle (free e books to read .TXT) 📕

me as I meandered back in the direction of the duke’s estate. Bastien’s hiding place had indeed been a good one, because I hadn’t been able to pick them out from the growing crowd. The three of us walked down a small side street, and I handed each of them a pastry.

Bastien looked at me like I was his new favorite person.

I wiped away my smile, then turned my attention to Steifan. Mustn’t get too attached. “Did you notice anyone?”

Steifan tucked a lock of black hair behind his ear, glancing out toward the main street warily. “Everyone was watching you, but most just glanced your way curiously. We did see the servant we met at the duke’s estate, but he never looked your way. Perhaps he tried too hard to not look your way.”

I turned to Bastien, who had devoured his entire pastry in three bites. “What do you know of him? Have you worked with him for long?”

Bastien wiped a fleck of frosting from his lip. “His name is Vannier, I am not sure of his surname. As far as I know, he has always served the duke. He speaks to me little, except to relay my tasks for the day.”

I stroked my chin in thought. “Three suspects for our list then. The duke, whose motives are yet unclear. The Lady Montrant, because her former friend borrowed too much coin. And Vannier.” I looked down at Bastien. “Was Duchess Auclair a cruel mistress?”

Bastien shrugged. “She was nicer than the duke. She looked down her nose at everyone, but at least she didn’t have a temper.”

Steifan watched me intently, seeming to absorb every word.

“Questions?” I asked.

“I’m just wondering why you haven’t mentioned the vampire. We saw the bite. Do you think it was staged?”

I shook my head. “No, I don’t think it was staged, I’m just not sure it’s what killed her. Lady Montrant implied that Charlotte spent time with men for coin. I don’t think a vampire would be beyond paying for blood if he was trying to remain well hidden within the city. It would explain why he would bite a duchess rather than taking a peasant.”

Steifan stared at me wide-eyed. “You mean she willingly let a vampire bite her?”

I shrugged. “If she was desperate enough, it’s a possibility. Whatever is going on here is dire enough to have resulted in a murder. We cannot afford to ignore any possibilities.” I snapped my mouth shut, realizing I probably shouldn’t be saying all of this in front of Bastien. He did, after all, work for the duke. He could be a spy.

I observed his intrigued and somewhat excited expression. I really didn’t think he was a spy, he seemed to be having too much fun. But you never knew. I needed to be more careful around him.

Steifan looked back toward the main street again as a well-dressed couple passed by. We had all gone silent, so they didn’t notice us.

“What now?” Steifan asked once the couple was out of hearing range.

I looked up at the sun. “We still have a few hours until evening. I want to question some of the common folk in the city before dark. Their lips might be a bit looser about things concerning the Duchess and Duke Auclair.” I didn’t think we’d be hunting any vampires tonight, but we would still search. I wanted to know as much as possible before we went out into the dark.

I turned to Bastien. “This is where we leave you, for now. Do you think you can meet us again tomorrow? I may want to question more of Charlotte’s friends.”

He grinned and nodded excitedly. “I can wake up early to take care of any tasks the duke might have for me. I could meet you an hour after dawn.”

I nodded. “Meet us in the main market square. We’ll be waiting.”

With that, he hurried off.

“So you really didn’t see anyone else watching with interest?” I asked Steifan.

He shook his head. “No one that stood out, though I had an uneasy feeling, like someone was watching me that I couldn’t see.”

I once again thought of the warning from my sword, and of the face I had glimpsed when we first entered the White Quarter. “Be on your guard, Steifan. I have a feeling we have fallen into something much bigger than the Potentate could have known. We’ll stay at the inn near the market tonight. I don’t want to be anywhere near the duke’s estate while we sleep.”

“Agreed,” he said as we started walking. “I’ll have nightmares enough about Charlotte’s corpse tonight.”

I smirked. “Stay with me, and you’ll eventually collect enough nightmares to last a lifetime.”

His black hair lifted in the breeze as he glanced at me. “You know Lyss, I don’t doubt that at all.”

“Then you’re learning,” I said more somberly as we headed toward the gate.

And he would continue to learn. Someday he would kill just as easily as I did, and part of me would mourn that day. My life was not something I would wish upon anyone, let alone a friend.

Chapter Four

We learned little more that evening, except that there were more people missing than just the duchess’ ladies. It wasn’t uncommon for people to go missing in such a large city, but it did seem an unusual amount. We ended up at the inn where we had rented a room upon our arrival to the city. There had only been one room available, which was well enough, as it saved coin. If Steifan was uncomfortable with the impropriety of the situation, well, he’d just have to deal with it.

We had a meal of smoked trout and honeyed ale, then returned to our room. We would rest a short while, then go out into the night to see if I could sense any vampires.

I unlocked the door and entered first, observing the lone bed, wash basin, and our belongings in the corner. My eyes darted back to the bed, realizing there was