Hiraeth

Chapter Nine

The moon hung high in the sky, casting a silvery glow over the courtyard as Sage followed Fleck into the dimly lit chamber, her heart racing with a mix of anticipation and wariness. The air was thick with tension, and she could sense that this meeting could change everything.

Fleck gestured to a pair of ornate chairs positioned around a low table, the flickering candlelight illuminating the intricate carvings that adorned the furniture. "Please, sit," he invited, his voice smooth as silk.

Sage hesitated for a moment before taking her seat, studying him as he leaned casually against the wall, arms crossed. The air felt charged, as if they were on the brink of a storm, and she was acutely aware of the weight of his gaze upon her.

"Why did you really come here, Fleck?" she asked, cutting through the silence. "You're not one to make a trip without a reason."

He smirked, a glimmer of amusement in his eyes. "Straight to the point, I see. I admire that." He pushed away from the wall and moved closer, his presence dominating the small space. "I'm here because I believe we can help each other. The kingdom is on the brink of chaos, and I have information that could be invaluable to you."

Sage leaned forward, intrigued despite herself. "What kind of information?"

Fleck straightened, his expression shifting to seriousness. "The attackers from last night weren't just raiders. They're part of a larger group seeking to destabilize the region-mercenaries hired by someone with deep pockets and darker intentions. And I have a lead on who it might be."

Sage felt a knot tighten in her stomach. "Who?"

"I can't say just yet," he replied, holding up a hand. "Not until I'm sure you're on board with my proposal."

"And what's that?" she asked, skepticism lacing her tone.

"I need you to gather intelligence in the city. You have the charm and the connections to do it. I have my own contacts, but they're more likely to speak to someone like you-someone they trust."

Sage considered his words, the weight of the situation settling in. "And what do you get out of this, Fleck? What's your angle?"

He stepped closer, lowering his voice. "I want to protect my interests. If these attacks continue, it will affect me, too. But there's more at stake here than just territory. There are forces at play that could bring ruin to us all."

"Why should I trust you?" she challenged, keeping her tone firm.

Fleck chuckled softly, the sound low and rich. "You shouldn't. Trust is a luxury in our world. But think about it-if we're to survive this, we'll need to work together. You know the prince cares about you. He won't like it, but we both know it's the smartest move."

Sage felt a surge of anger at the thought of Beckett's disapproval, but she couldn't deny the logic in Fleck's proposal. The reality of their situation demanded caution and cooperation. "Alright," she said finally, meeting his gaze. "I'll consider it. But I'm not promising anything."

"Fair enough," Fleck replied, his eyes glinting with satisfaction. "But you'll see the truth of my words soon enough. Just keep your ears open and report back to me. I'll make sure you're well compensated for your efforts."

"Compensated?" Sage asked, raising an eyebrow. "You mean money? Information? Or something else entirely?"

His smile widened, and there was a predatory glint in his eyes. "Let's just say I'm willing to offer more than just coins. You'll find my rewards to be... personally gratifying."

Sage felt a flush of heat creep up her cheeks at the implication, and she forced herself to maintain her composure. "I'll keep that in mind."

The moment hung heavy between them, charged with unspoken tension. Fleck's gaze bore into hers, and for a fleeting second, she felt as if he could see right through her-her fears, her desires, everything she was trying to hide.