Fated

concealed down by his side, and dark fire flared up around his fingers, a red-black aura that caused the light to dim. ‘You twitch, I’ll burn you to ash. Let’s see you trick your way out of that.’

He wasn’t kidding; in dozens of the futures unfolding before us I could see Cinder lunging forward to do exactly that. But the very fact that he was willing to try something so crude was oddly reassuring – if he had anything else up his sleeve, he wouldn’t be making the threat. ‘You know, Cinder,’ I said, ‘I hate to point it out, but there’s about a hundred people watching you.’

‘No one’ll miss you,’ Cinder growled.

‘Wrong,’ I said calmly. ‘Or haven’t you heard? I’m in demand these days.’

Uncertainty flickered in Cinder’s eyes, and he glanced quickly from side to side. People were watching; a lot of people. As Cinder saw that he was being watched, the future of him attacking faded. ‘You don’t want me as an enemy,’ Cinder said, recovering.

‘As a matter of fact, no, I don’t.’ I crossed my arms, watching Cinder casually. ‘So make me an offer.’

The woman in the mask hadn’t spoken. She was standing a half-step behind Cinder, letting him do the talking. But she was watching me and, through the eyeholes of the mask, her eyes were boring into me like needles. I had the uneasy feeling that she recognised me, and not in a good way. It felt as though she hated me and I didn’t know why. ‘Fine,’ Cinder said, his voice dangerous. ‘I’ll buy the girl.’

I felt Luna stiffen. ‘Really?’ I asked.

‘Don’t,’ Cinder growled. ‘You sell her. Usual price. Or we take her. And you.’

I looked at Cinder. Luna was still gripping my arm, and I could sense her nerves. I stood there, without answering, counting off the seconds. ‘Well?’ Cinder said.

‘She’s not for sale,’ I said. ‘And actually, I’m not interested in any offer you could make.’

Cinder stared at me. ‘You said—’

‘Oh, I was just wasting your time.’

Cinder just stood there for two seconds, then his eyes flashed with insane fury as he finally lost his temper. Hellfire flared up inside his eyes, and his irises actually turned red. He took one step forward, his hand coming up.

A voice spoke from one side. ‘Good evening. Your attention, please.’

The man approaching was dressed in a black suit and an open-necked shirt. He had dark hair and was good- looking in a smooth, polished sort of way, like a politician. At first glance he looked young, no older than thirty or so, but there was an assurance to his walk that made him seem older. A brunette in a red dress was following him two paces behind, her eyes lowered submissively.

As soon as Cinder saw him, the flame around him vanished as though it had been plunged into water. He and the woman stood a little straighter. ‘Master Morden,’ the woman said. Again her voice sounded familiar, but I was taken aback by the sudden caution in it. Cinder even dipped his head in reflex before catching himself.

Ever since Lisa had mentioned the name Morden, it had been nagging at the back of my mind. As I saw Cinder’s reaction, I suddenly remembered. It was the name I’d come up with to scare him off yesterday. Just the suggestion that I might have been working for Morden had made Cinder back off, and that set off warning bells. The only people to whom Dark mages show that kind of respect are Dark mages of higher rank. Much higher.

‘Cinder, Deleo,’ Morden said. His voice was cultured, pleasant. ‘I see Khazad isn’t with you. Is there a problem?’

‘No,’ the woman he’d addressed as Deleo said carefully. She stood quite still. ‘No problem.’

‘Good. I was just speaking to Councillor Travis about the membership proposal. Negotiations are advancing. It would be … inconvenient for there to be any public disruptions at this time.’ His eyes rested on the two Dark mages.

After a long pause, Cinder nodded. ‘Got it,’ he said, unable to quite keep the growl out of his voice.

‘Excellent. I have some things to discuss with Verus. You may go.’

Cinder shot me and Luna a venomous glance, and then – amazingly – he obeyed, turning and disappearing with Deleo into the crowd. I felt Luna’s hand tighten slightly on my arm, then she seemed to realise what she was doing and let go.

Lisa had been hovering nearby; now Morden looked at her. ‘Lisa. I think I told you to extend Verus an invitation?’

Lisa licked her lips. ‘Um …’

Morden nodded once. ‘We’ll discuss this later.’ Lisa’s face actually went white, the blood draining from it completely. She stared at Morden with terrified eyes, but he’d already turned to us. ‘Verus, I believe? My name is Morden. If you can spare the time, there are some things we should discuss.’ He glanced over my shoulder at Luna. ‘In private.’

I still didn’t know who this man was, but every sign was pointing to him being really bad news. ‘While I … appreciate it, Mr Morden, I don’t think that would be advisable for me just now.’

‘And why is that?’

Because I’ve already had one private interview with a mage willing to kill me, and that’s enough for one night. ‘Given the circumstances, I don’t think it would be a good idea for me to be seen leaving with you at present.’

‘Really.’ Morden studied me with his head tilted slightly. Behind his back, Lisa and the other girl were watching him nervously. I could feel the futures shifting and spinning.

Then suddenly they settled. ‘Then we’ll save our discussion for a later time.’ Morden smiled. ‘I’m sure we’ll meet again.’ He gave me a nod, then turned and left, the brunette in tow. Lisa gave me a single frightened glance and scuttled after. I was left standing on my own, staring after him.