on the wooden door, all of that spelled Lisette. “Enter, Lisette.”
She did so immediately, a troubled frown on her face. “Hoheit. I’m sorry to disturb you like this. But I think this takes priority.”
He waved her into the chair across from his desk. Alric didn’t always appreciate the interruptions, as often it meant losing his train of thought. But he did like speaking one on one with his people, so the chairs on the opposite side of his massive desk were comfortable and meant to encourage people to stay and talk. She settled into the embroidered chair like an actress posing for a picture. Lisette’s every movement was always a study in grace.
“I just left Cameron’s room, by the by.”
“Oh?” Alric’s head immediately popped up, all thoughts of his witness statement shunted to the side in an instant. “How is he?”
“Well, all things considered. Our young mage recognized this.” Settled, she pulled the Amulet of Noh out of her pocket and held it up in illustration.
Alric blinked at the triangular amulet, not following. “From his family’s history—?”
“No, Hoheit,” Lisette cut him off with a shake of the head. “I wish. No, he said he’s seen this very thing on a person at the hotel. That he bumped into them in the lobby, and it was hanging about their neck. He thought it a necklace at the time and only remarked on it because it glowed.”
The pieces fell together in a dizzying array. Alric slammed his hand against the desk, biting off an oath. “It wasn’t random, the attack on him. Cameron is being hunted.”
“Someone knows what he is. They picked up on it very quickly. That was my first thought as well. What I don’t understand is why and by who. The Ice Dragon Clan…?”
Alric’s eyes closed as he pinched the bridge of his nose, trying to think. “Dieter spoke with the king’s advisor. They know—or at least knew—nothing of him. Were incredibly happy to hear we’d found a mage, actually, and are supportive of it. It’s not them.”
“There is absolutely no other reason to want Cameron except for his magical prowess.” Lisette paused and perhaps smirked a bit. “Unless you’re an unmated dragon who has a penchant for smart young men in glasses.”
He opened one eye to stare at her. Alric absolutely didn’t want to know. That smirk of hers told him as much. So why he opened his mouth and asked was beyond him. “What are you suggesting?”
“Your eyes linger.” Lisette’s smirk widened to the point of blatant amusement. “I don’t blame you. He’s a very charming, vivacious man. He certainly would appeal to you, as you’ve always been drawn to the intellectual sort.”
“I think we’re getting off-topic.” Alric absolutely did not want to discuss this with her further. He couldn’t pursue Cameron like he wanted to. Doing so openly would put a stay on the rest of his clan, as they wouldn’t choose to cross him if he showed interest in someone. He had to give others the opportunity to approach Cameron. And doing so would likely lead to his own downfall.
Alric was aware he was a damaged man. No use denying the obvious. Cameron’s interest and flirting had been incredibly lovely, sparking life in Alric in a way no other had managed in years. Part of him wanted to wallow in that, to flirt back with Cameron. But he knew it would be all too selfish if he did so.
It pained him, an ache in his chest from that lost opportunity, but Alric was used to pain. Used to shoving aside his own wants and needs for the betterment of his clan. His mind stayed focused on the truly important thing, which was Cameron’s safety.
Lisette knew him too well. She read him effortlessly and tsked him in reprimand. “Really, Alric. You act like you’re a man past your prime when it’s quite the opposite. You need to pursue him.”
Groaning, Alric kept his temper in check. “Let’s focus first on his safety. The spells they used in the alley to snatch him, you’ve analyzed those?”
“Gunter and Jana have, yes. They’ve broken it down to the spell elements, and they’re tracing where those elements came from now. None of the spells were unique. We can’t tie it to any particular family.”
Before the war, each magical clan had their own specialties, their own spells and craft. They shared some with other families, but that knowledge was hoarded like a miser would gold. Such a practice turned out to their