Dead Man's Deal The Asylum Tales - By Jocelynn Drake Page 0,156

wiped from his face and he seemed to be taking a new interest in me.

“I’d rather not see another city destroyed,” I said, and then sighed, hating to admit something else, but it was the truth. “And despite our differing opinions on . . . Tower culture . . . I do believe in the dedicated study of the art. But that can’t be done if you’re constantly worrying about what the rest of the world is plotting.”

“And you’re offering your services as a spy?” The dandy looked supremely amused, barely holding back his laughter.

“In exchange for my life,” I said with a small bow, hiding my face when I was sure I was going to be sick. I was trying to trade servitude to Reave for slavery to the Towers. Not an improvement. When I could breathe evenly, I straightened and smiled broadly. “Unless, of course, you want to leave the Towers to live among the people? Think you’ll get many volunteers?”

Turning sharply around, I faced the wall of spectators and spread my hands out toward them in invitation. “Who among you will leave the Towers to live among the people? Who will pack up their wands and give up magic to live in a quiet suburban house or a cramped one-bedroom apartment where the floor creaks and the faucet leaks? Who will stand in line at the grocery, rub elbows at the local bar, and get a job?”

The silence was deafening. No one moved. Hell, I don’t think anyone was breathing for fear that the council would volunteer them. I spun back to face the council, swallowing a shout of laughter.

“You’ve made your point, Mr. Powell,” the black witch grumbled, causing the smile to be wiped off my face. She glanced down at her fellow council members, frowning. “We will consider your offer.”

Now it was my turn to stop breathing. I had laid all my cards on the table, made my final move. There were no more tricks up my sleeve to save my life. It would either work, or I was going to end up dead along with Reave very shortly. I watched the orbs glowing orange as the council telepathically discussed everything that I had laid before them. While no one spoke, the mood seemed more animated this time, as warlocks and witches moved in their seats and facial expressions changed. Only the dandy on the end remained still, his expression never changing. He sat back in his chair, holding his staff with one hand while he stared unblinking at me.

Minutes ticked by one after another in an ever-thickening tension. I didn’t know if it was a good sign or a bad one. If they decided too quickly, would it mean they had ruled against me? If it took too long, would they go to a verbal vote? I wasn’t counting on a verbal vote ending in my favor, and a tie would be worse, as I would be imprisoned until the new council member cast the deciding vote.

When I was sure that I would explode from impatience, the glowing orbs dimmed and everyone straightened in their chairs. No one was smiling.

“You’ve left us with a quandary, Mr. Powell,” the witch commented. “You’ve admitted to breaking your agreement and casting forbidden magic, but you’ve done the Towers a great favor and offered your services, which I’m sure you find quite distasteful.” She paused, her frown deepening. “Killing you is the easy answer, but then we would feel as if we had been . . . ungrateful for your assistance. It may also show the rest of the Towers that we don’t appreciate the vigilance of our fellow warlocks and witches in our protection. We have decided on leniency, this one time.”

“Thank you.” I sighed with relief as I bowed deeply to them.

“I would hold your appreciation until you’ve heard our terms,” she sharply continued, causing an uneasy flutter in my chest. “We will accept your offer. You will become the eyes and ears of the council while living among the people. You will execute our edicts, punish those who threaten us, and deliver those who need to be questioned by the council.”

I took a step back, frowning. “You make it sound as if I am to be included as a part of the guardians.”

The guardians were the enforcement arm of the Towers. When the people shook in terror at the Towers, the guardians were the group they were usually thinking of. This was bad. I had