Shades of Darkness (Guardians of Eternity #16) - Alexandra Ivy Page 0,19

“My point is that Levet is like a bad penny. He always returns. Usually when you least want him around.”

Inga narrowed her eyes. She didn’t care what anyone thought about the tiny gargoyle. He was precious to her. And even if he never returned her feelings, she would sacrifice everything to rescue him.

“I’m going to search for them,” she announced in grim tones.

“Where?” Troy pressed, his sardonic expression easing as he regarded her with a hint of sympathy. “They could be anywhere in the world. Or even another dimension.”

“I…” Inga heaved a sigh. The imp was right, of course. Once the portal closed, there was no way to follow it.

Troy reached to grab her free hand. “We need you here, my dear.”

“Why?” She shook her head in disgust. “I’ve already proved I’m completely incapable at this stupid queen gig. I can’t even keep a prisoner locked in my dungeons.”

Troy squeezed her fingers. “Because you were betrayed.”

“What?”

Releasing his grip on her fingers, Troy stepped back to regard her with a somber expression.

“It’s the only explanation. Think, Inga,” he insisted. “The dungeons are void of magic. No visitors are allowed without your personal approval. The only way for Brigette to escape was for one of the mer-folk to release her.”

Inga flinched. His words hit her like a physical punch to the gut. Betrayed by one of her own people? No. It was bad enough they could barely glance her direction without shuddering in disgust. But outright treason…

“The beast could have opened her cell.” She desperately tried to find some other explanation.

“If the beast could touch this world enough to open a cell, why not create a portal in the dungeon? Why bring her to the throne room before creating her escape route?”

His reasonable questions rasped against her raw nerves.

“What are you suggesting?”

“A trap.” He deliberately paused. “For you.”

Inga’s jaw clenched until her teeth threatened to crack. “All the more reason I need to track them down.”

“That’s impossible.” Troy held up a slender hand to halt her mutinous refusal to accept defeat. “Unless you discover Brigette’s accomplice. Whoever opened her cell must know where she was going.” His smile was a grim challenge. “Find your traitor and you’ll find that damned gargoyle.”

Inga forced herself to consider his words. As much as the thought that she’d been betrayed might hurt, Troy was right. She couldn’t follow Levet through the portal. The only way to find him was to discover how Brigette had gotten out of her cell, and where she was headed.

“We’ll start in the dungeon,” she abruptly announced.

Troy bowed his head. “Lead the way, Your Majesty.”

Chapter 6

Chaaya entered the dingy bar on the fringe of the city. Instantly the familiar atmosphere settled around her.

She felt at home in the dark, rancid space. The open timbered ceiling was low enough to brush against the heads of the gathered demons. The air was smoky from the open fireplace and thick with the stench of unwashed bodies and sour ale. Best of all, there was a thunderous noise from the drunken demons.

Chaaya’s swagger returned as she elbowed her way through the crowd. She couldn’t deny she’d been feeling wonky. Being blasted out of the bizarre portal to land in a bubble between dimensions tended to do that to a girl. And then Basq had grabbed her arm and all hell had broken loose.

Heat. Hunger. Lust.

Lots and lots of gut-clenching, knee-buckling lust.

Chaaya angrily shut down the memory of his touch. It had to have something to do with this weird-ass place. As long as Basq kept his paws to himself, then everything should be fine.

Right. Right?

Glancing around the room, her jaws clenched in disappointment. There were plenty of orcs, goblins, a few vampires, and a smattering of fey creatures. No Weres. And no gargoyles, stunted or otherwise.

Still, there was always the chance that someone had seen Brigette. It only made sense to order a grog and mingle. They needed to investigate, and after the day she’d had, she deserved a drink. Another one of those win-win situations.

“Where are you going?” Basq growled, flowing behind her as she forced her way toward the back of the room.

“To talk to the bartender.”

“Why?”

“We need information. Bartenders have information.”

“Just don’t…”

She glanced over his shoulders as his words trailed away. “Don’t what?”

“Cause trouble.” A fierce frown touched his dangerously handsome face. “The last thing we want is to draw attention to ourselves.”

“Me cause trouble? I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She batted her lashes. She couldn’t help herself. It was like