The Curse (Belador #3)(28)

But did Quinn really present a risk to Brina? Evalle needed more than Sam’s word. “Is that all you have?”

Sam’s hand shook where he held his knee still. “If Kizira did meet Quinn inside his hotel room, then that would explain how Kizira knew she’d find you with Tristan when you went underground with him in the Maze to retrieve the two Rías.”

Evalle hadn’t wanted to believe Kizira’s claim that Quinn had given her information. She still wouldn’t accept the word of a Medb witch and this unknown Belador over talking to Quinn first.

Loyalty meant standing up for those you cared about. Giving that person a chance to tell his side.

She asked Sam, “How do you know all of this?”

“I still have my resources within the Beladors—”

Just as she figured. “Spies.”

“Friends. And since going off the radar, so to speak, I’ve developed resources within other factions.”

“The Medb?”

He didn’t respond, neither confirming nor denying.

Evalle had heard all she wanted to from this guy. Time for him to show all his cards. “Why are you telling me all of this when we don’t know each other?”

Sam’s eyes creased with admiration. “I’ve heard all about you, Alterant. How you’ve had to fight to stay free of imprisonment simply because you’re not a full-blood Belador, yet you’re the first one to step forward to protect humans and the Beladors. That you don’t shift into your beast no matter what, even when your life is at stake. I’m telling you because you’re the only Belador that I’m sure is not the traitor.”

How could a stranger see more than many of whom she’d fought alongside? She shook off how that touched her deep inside and kept her business face in place. “We agree on that one thing. So what am I to do with this information?”

“Find the traitor. A war is coming with the Medb and the battle will be fought over Alterants.”

“I thought they wanted to kill Brina and capture Treoir Castle.”

“That’s what I understand as well, but the Alterants will be the difference between success and failure.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I’m helping Tristan and Petrina escape before the Medb find them. That’s all I can do for these two Alterants. But you must find the others and keep them from the Medb. I will help you hide them.”

“I have no idea where any other Alterants are or I’d be bringing them in to Macha.”

Sam’s liquid gaze slid over to Tristan. “Tell her what you’ve learned in the past few weeks.”

Tristan stood and walked across the room to a fireplace with a hearth covered in cobwebs from lack of use. He leaned back against the mantel and crossed his arms. “Sam caught me walking in my sleep a few times, heading toward Atlanta. Petrina would do the same thing. It’s as if something was making us go back, some inner animal urge to return to Atlanta.”

“Good, because I need you to go back.”

“Not going, Evalle.”

“We had a deal.”

He shook his head. “I said I’d give you information, but I did not say I’d return with you.”

Sam cut in, “The point is that I think the Alterants are beginning to be drawn to Atlanta.”

She ignored Tristan for a moment and asked Sam, “Why?”

“It could be you.”

“Oh, sure. I’m a regular Alterant magnet.” She hadn’t found one in the past three weeks.

For once, Tristan didn’t make a smart follow-up comment, but spoke in earnest. “Didn’t you claim there’s been an unusual number of Alterant shifts and attacks in the past year in the Southeast?”

“Yes, but Rías could have committed some, or all, of the unprovoked attacks blamed on Alterants. You said so yourself.”

“True, but the point is, this hasn’t been as prevalent in other parts of the country, right?” Tristan said, leading her to see Sam’s point.

“Right, but … I don’t buy this theory that they’re coming because of me. Why me? Having outbreaks in the Southeast doesn’t prove anything. And three weeks ago lots of beasts shifted all over the country because of the sentient fog.”

Tristan argued, “Rías. Sam’s talking about Alterants.”

“Just give me facts … and tell me where you’re getting these facts if you want me to believe you.”

Sam’s arms shook when he pushed against the chair arms as if to stand, but didn’t when the effort was too great. “Believe me or not, but you don’t have a lot of time. If the Medb get their hands on the Alterants, they’ll be able to breach the castle and kill Brina. Find the other Alterants.”

“You’re just full of ideas, aren’t you? What makes you think I can find Alterants when I haven’t located any others since meeting Tristan and his sister? Fat lot of good that’s done me.” She glared at Tristan, who examined his hands as if critiquing a manicure. Turning back to Sam, she asked, “Any tips on how I can find these Alterants?”

“Yes, you can—”

The living room windows exploded into the house.

Evalle smelled the burnt-lime odor that screamed Medb. She jumped to her feet and vaulted over the back of her chair, landing sure-footed.