Six of Ruin (Heirs of Irenwell #1) ✔

Chapter 20: Nature of Humankind

The staring contest began. Ace kept the serene smile on his lips, waiting for me to finally take a sip of the strange liquor. Nickeltinker already finished his cup and poured himself some more.

"How can you just straight out drink it?" I hissed at the floran. "It's the liquor of truth!"

"So?" The green-skinned boy hiccupped. "I've nothing to hide. Well, except from the bank. And the Fyriyan Wise Men. And King Bernard, because I stole one of his crowns on the way out."

Ace snickered, "If you try to steal anything from me, I will bury your remains in a concrete box."

Nickeltinker's eyes widened and he took out a small, gilded figure out of his pocket and put in the table, "Message received."

"Good." The mage smiled. "Now, I'm going to make things easier for you and take a sip myself. I'm giving you an opportunity to find out whatever you want, if you can ask the right questions, of course."

I eyed the mage, suspicious of his words, "How can I know the liquor works the same on you? You're a mage."

"Because it's Fae-made." Ace said. "It's a whole different sort of magic. Besides, you don't really have a choice, do you? If you don't drink, we're not negotiating. And if we're not negotiating, I'm not joining you on your journey. And if I'm not joining you, you're going to die."

The lump formed in my throat and my mouth dried.

We needed him.

But before I doomed myself with complete honesty, I searched my mind for Rixen. My emotions were out of control, he should be able to enter my thoughts.

However, there was no sign of him.

I realised then that I always sort of felt him lingering in the background. The curse ran deep, intertwining our minds. Now, he was gone. There was nothing.

Irrational fear flowed through my veins. What if something happened to him?

"Drink, Princess." The mage grabbed the cup and took a sip. "Before I change my mind."

Reluctantly, I took the cup, "How about I swear you to secrecy first?"

The mage's wild green eyes flickered, "You haven't once in your life heard the word 'no,' have you?"

"The trick is to never ask for permission." I saluted. "I want your word. Nick's, too."

The green-skinned boy looked at me, "I stole your crown, too. I'm sorry. I have a problem."

"What?" My hands immediately flew to my head, the silver crown still resting on top. "Which one?"

Nickeltinker sighed, "The sapphire one. It was just so pretty and valuable. And you have four more!"

I narrowed my eyes, "You're going to give that back to me."

"I will, I promise." Nick smiled sweetly. "And you have my word I won't tell anyone anything."

"Your word is worth shit, thief." Ace murmured.

"Hey, I didn't say I would never steal anything from her ever again!" The floran crossed his hands on his chest. "But I can keep a secret."

I looked at Ace, "I want your word, too."

The mage smirked at me, "Isn't it funny how accurate my assessment of your character was? You'd truly refuse my help if it stood in the way of your agenda."

His words caused a deep, unexpected pang. A selfish, self-centred whore who decided to travel across the world under the pretence of saving it, but was only ever interested in saving her own ass.