Hunted by Magic (The Baine Chronicles #3)(81)

By the time I started on my first form, my bare arms were covered with a light sheen of sweat and most of the stress had drained from my body. As I glided through the motions, striving for grace rather than power, my troubled thoughts drifted away, and Roanas filled my mind instead. I could almost picture his tawny lion’s gaze watching me, and the sensation made me ache with sadness and happiness all at once. I missed him more than words could convey, and there were many times I wished I could hop on my bike and ride over to his house so I could talk my cases over with him.

But even though I couldn’t visit Roanas at his home anymore, I could still draw comfort from my memories of him, and wrap them around myself in times of trouble. Training was the perfect way to do that – with every kick and punch, every pivot and crouch, I could feel my mentor’s presence and encouragement almost as if he really were here with me.

By the time the door swung open, I was in the middle of my fourth form, so deeply focused that I didn’t even stop. I ducked an imaginary opponent from one end, then spun out of my crouch to crescent kick the one behind me, my foot whipping through the air at inhuman speed.

The sound of my flesh slapping against Iannis’s palm as he caught my foot jarred me from my trance-like state, and I jumped, then lost my balance. Thankfully Iannis let go of my leg and caught me around the waist before I toppled to the floor.

“I see you’ve done some redecorating,” he murmured, his violet eyes sparkling with amusement as he drew me closer.

“Yeah,” I said, my voice a little breathless – and not from the exertion. His chest was nearly touching mine, and the heat from his body felt good against my sweat-slicked skin. “I thought you’d appreciate it if I refrained from adding smashed furniture to your hotel bill.”

“Indeed,” Iannis agreed. He reached up and brushed a damp curl from my forehead. “I apologize for sending you back to the hotel, but I am glad you found an outlet for your frustration.”

“It’s alright.” I licked my lips as his fingers trailed fire across my skin. “I know that despite your ‘I’m all-powerful’ attitude, you can’t control everything.”

Iannis scoffed lightly. “I never said that I was all-powerful.”

“No, but you sure act like it most of the time.” Grinning, I danced out of his reach, not because I didn’t like him touching me but because I liked it a little too much. Despite the fact that I’d thoroughly enjoyed the kiss he’d given me, I didn’t think it was a good idea to let him do it again after I’d given him an ultimatum. If he wanted me, he was going to have to make a decision before I’d let him take any more liberties.

I just hoped he decided before I ran out of time.

“So, are you going to tell me about this interrogation?” I asked as I plopped down on one of the couches that I’d shoved against the wall. “I hope it’s not all bad news.”

“As a matter of fact, it’s not.” Iannis sat down on the opposite end of the couch, twisting his body sideways to face me and leaning an arm on top of the white upholstery. “Lord Cedris doesn’t know who the Benefactor is.”

I turned my head to scowl at him. “I thought you had good news.”

“He doesn’t know who the Benefactor is, but he admitted that someone did contact him about a month before the Convention with blackmail photographs of a rather sordid nature,” Iannis continued blithely. “Professionally taken, too. This person would only communicate to him via post and parcel, but they basically promised him the position of Minister if he followed their instructions, and threatened to expose his indiscretions if he balked. If those photos had been published, Cedris would have had to resign from office and face trial by the Convention.”

“Huh.” I pressed my lips together as I absorbed that information. “Does that mean we’re supposed to forgive him or something?”

“Certainly not. He should have come to the Minister immediately with a full confession, and would have gotten off with a much lighter penalty. Instead he’s guilty of treason for his dealings with the Benefactor, since it’s clear his actions were benefitting the Resistance. He knew about the planned attack on my dirigible, which is why he was so displeased when I arrived at the Convention after all. The Benefactor must have reckoned that my presence would make it harder for Cedris to swing the vote, so they tried to eliminate me to ensure he would get the position. Secretary Brung was being blackmailed for different reasons, and was told that the Minister would fall ill several days before any symptoms appeared. It was between the two of them that they were able to isolate the Minister so effectively.”

“By Magorah.” I shook my head at that. “If one of the Secretaries is capable of being blackmailed, then the Benefactor probably blackmailed or bribed additional delegates to help swing the vote.”

“I agree.” Iannis nodded. “Those who strongly campaigned on Cedris’s behalf are being rounded up and interrogated as well, since unsurprisingly none of them are coming forward. The Minister is putting together a special task force to track down the Benefactor and eradicate the Resistance, and he’s asked me to be part of it.”

I jerked. “And are you?”

“Of course.” Iannis frowned at my reaction. “How could I not? The Federation will never be safe until this madness is stopped.”