Read Online Storm and Steel by Jon Sprunk - Free Book Online Page A

reveal deep concern. “If you're right, you realize what it means. Outsiders must have infiltrated the city. How is that possible? The wards on the wall and gates—”
    â€œI know. It's crazy to even consider. But it's the only theory I can come up with. That's why I needed to talk to you. To get advice on how to proceed.”
    Sef frowned as her head tilted to the side, allowing her hair to fall down from her face in a lustrous black wave. “You mean you wanted to talk to the network.”
    â€œBefore, I would have taken this directly to Cipher,” Alyra said. “But after what happened…”
    â€œNo, it's all right. I understand. But I can't pretend this came from me. My superiors are going to know someone supplied it, and I'll have to tell them the truth.”
    â€œI accept that.”
    â€œDoes this information come with the price? Shall I tell them it's a peace offering?”
    â€œNo. Just say I thought you needed to know.”
    Sef stepped closer again and caressed her arms. The touch was exhilarating, but Alyra fought it. She knew what Sef wanted, and some part of her wanted it, too. But things had gotten messy between them, mixing the mission and their personal feelings for each other. Alyra had tried to break it off, but every time she saw Sef, the feelings returned in full force.
    â€œStay with me tonight,” Sef breathed into her ear.
    â€œI can't. You know the other handmaidens would talk, and it would mean a mess of trouble for both of us if the queen found out.”
    â€œThen I'll come to you. After the queen retires for the night, I can slip out and—”
    Alyra took a long step backward, breaking free of Sef's touch. “No.”
    Sefkahet looked as if she wanted to keep pursuing, but she held back. “Why not? You said you missed me.”
    â€œI do. But this can't go on, Sef. You're still with the network, and I'm outside.”
    â€œBut it's not that, is it? It's him. Night was right. You've fallen for him. Alyra, he doesn't know you like I do. He can't love you the way I do.”
    Alyra turned away to hide the tears forming in her eyes. “It doesn't matter. I know what I have to do, and I'm doing it. I can't have you in here.” Shetouched her chest. “It's too painful trying to juggle everything. Please. This isn't easy for me, but it's what has to happen.”
    She waited for a response, but there was nothing except the stirring of the leaves in the wind. Alyra turned back to find Sefkahet was gone. The darkness closed in tighter around her as if a blanket had fallen over the moon. Standing by the pond, she let the tears fall.

    Horace looked both ways down the corridor as he knocked on the door again. It was late—almost midnight—but he needed to see her. His head was awhirl, and he needed to make sense of it all. And it started with her. He knocked a third time, but still no answer. He placed his hand on the latch. After a moment's hesitation, he opened it.
    â€œAlyra?”
    He pitched his voice low so it wouldn't echo out into the hallway. Her room was dark and small with only a narrow bed against the far wall. A bag with a carrying strap sat at the foot of the bed, clothes spilling out. Horace went over to the bronze lamp fashioned in the shape of a dolphin hanging by a chain and felt it. It was warm, but not hot. She'd been gone for a little while.
    He left and started down the hallway in the direction of the stairs. Down the east wing corridor he saw a cluster of guardsmen outside the queen's suite, including the commander and his tall lieutenant. Horace went over to them. The soldiers saluted as he approached.
    â€œGood evening, Belum ,” Captain Dyvim said. The leader of the Queen's Guard was an older gentleman of the hekatatum warrior caste. Horace found him a bit stiff but a likeable fellow nonetheless.
    â€œHow goes the watch?” Horace asked.
    â€œAll quiet. If you're here to see Her