Night Study (Soulfinders, #2)(95)

I listened to Bruns’s well-rehearsed speech and agreed to take a tour of his facilities. They freed my ankles.

“Before we go, I’d like to talk with my brother. In private,” I said.

“Of course.” Bruns stood and flicked invisible dust from his pants. “We’ll be right outside waiting for you.” He left with his goons.

Leif stepped back. “You’re not going to get upset again, are you?”

“No. I understand what’s going on here.”

Relief smoothed his features. “Finally! Isn’t Bruns a genius?”

Not the word I’d use, but I had to choose my words with care. “Leif, there’s a good reason why you love the food. It’s been cooked with Theobroma.”

His brow crinkled. “You must be mistaken.”

“You know I have a sensitive palate.” My survival had depended on it when I’d been the Commander’s food taster. “Take a bite.”

He did. Concern flashed, then he smiled. “Of course! It makes total sense. The Commander has Curare, and Bruns wants to protect our soldiers. If they’re hit with a dart, the Theobroma will keep them from becoming paralyzed. I told you he’s a genius.”

So close. “But the substance also has other effects. That’s why you’re helping Bruns.”

“No, it isn’t. He wants to protect Sitia and so do I.” Leif crossed his arms and stiffened into his stubborn stance.

But his gaze held a tiny seed of doubt.

“Come on, Bruns is waiting for us.” Leif opened the door. Wrapping his hand around my upper arm, he escorted me out.

Bruns glanced at each of us. “Is everything all right?”

“Yelena is still not convinced,” Leif said. “But I’m sure she’ll come around in a few days, just like I did.” He frowned at me.

I kept my expression neutral, but inside I allowed hope to grow. Perhaps my comments would snap my brother out of it.

Bruns showed me his garrison and demonstrated an impressive mock battle. His ideas and concerns for Sitia’s battle readiness were sound; it was his execution that lacked basic morals. Leif remained Bruns’s biggest cheerleader.

As we watched a training session, I asked Bruns, “Why did you change your mind about me?”

“My reasons were twofold. Assassinating you always came with the risk your heart mate would trace the hit back to me. When the Commander sent his other assassin after you, I’d hoped he’d think the second hit was also ordered by the Commander, and therefore it’d be a major upset in the Ixian leadership.”

I kept quiet about just how much of an upset there was between Valek and the Commander right now. “And the second?”

“Your brother convinced me that your knowledge and intelligence would be an asset, despite the fact you no longer have magic. Also, the Commander has blocked your magic somehow, and we need to learn how he achieved this. If he can do it to you, he’ll do it to the others. And while I’m all for no more magicians...” He frowned. “We need them for the upcoming invasion.”

What a swell guy. He had a few things wrong, but I wasn’t going to correct him.

“And there’s also your knowledge of Ixian tactics and their military that will aid us.”

Ah. I wondered what Bruns would do if I told him Valek suspected the Commander planned to invade after the Fire Festival a mere six months away. Probably freak out and kidnap every magician in Sitia. We looped back to the magicians’ barracks.

“I realize it’s quite a bit to take in,” Bruns said. “I’ll give you a few days to think about it before asking for your answer.” He indicated the two goons who had stayed close by for the entire tour. “They will remain with you to answer any questions you might have. Feel free to explore the garrison. The dining hall is open all day.”

“What happens if I decide not to join and wish to leave?” I asked.

Bruns’s smile failed to reach his eyes. “I don’t think that will be an issue.”

“And if it is?”

“You’re a smart girl, Yelena. You know there are always casualties during a war.”

Before I could respond to the threat, Leif linked his arm in mine.

“Come on, sis, you’re exhausted. You’ll think better tomorrow. I’ll fetch you supper.”

Leif escorted me to the white room. The goons trailed us, but remained in the hall. Probably taking up flanking positions by the door, which Leif closed.

“Don’t bother bringing me any food,” I said. “I’ll find my own.”

“You’re being paranoid. Bruns is—”

“Killing magicians, hiring assassins, kidnapping people and committing treason.”

He glowered at me.

“You tasted the Theobroma. Come on, Leif, think about it.”

“You’re wrong.”

I almost groaned in exasperation. “Okay, then prove it. Stop eating the food for a couple days and see if you still feel the same way about Bruns.”

Leif gasped. “Stop eating?”

“At least find food that isn’t tainted by Theobroma. Can you do that for me?”

He met my gaze. “And if I prove you wrong, will you join Bruns?”

“Yes.”