"Are you not hot in this?" Sadie jumped in surprise as she felt a gentle touch on the silk fabric of her shoulder. As she turned to see who it was, her eyes widened in shock as she found Angus standing before her, now clad in Quimath attire. His open torso and arms bore large burn marks, visible even through the semi-sheer lace garment that he wore. The coils of black magic rested quietly around him–like a warm black coat. Angus laughed lightly at her sudden movement, causing his earrings and numerous pendants to sway and shimmer in the light. 

"I'm sorry; I didn't mean to startle you." 

Sadie took a small step back and said, "Most of the material is lightweight and laced with cooling magic. I am quite comfortable." That last part was a downright lie for Sadie. Despite Adria trying to buy the lightest materials she could find, she was sweating underneath the dress. 

"Really? Then I guess I'll have to do that as well. I am not used to this heat, and the lack of clothing does nothing for me." 

"You will get used to it," Sadie smiled nervously, slowly stepping away. She hoped Angus would leave her alone, but he followed her, forcing her to turn back to him as he asked, "What is your name?"  

Sadie tensed at his question–knowing he already knew the answer, but she plastered on a bright smile and said, "Sadie." 

"Do you work here in the palace?" Sadie looked up into his grey eyes, fear prickling in her chest at his seemingly innocent question. Hadn't he said they wouldn't ever have to interact again? Why was he asking her these questions? Why was he here? 

"I am a waiting maid for Lady Adria." 

Angus nodded and leaned down, catching Sadie off guard as his face approached hers. "I apologize, but I have to be honest with you," he began. Sadie felt a surge of anticipation, half expecting the magical energy around him to ignite as it had the night before, but it remained dormant. "I already knew you were a lady-in-waiting. I've spoken to nearly fifty people, and your name has come up quite frequently."

Sadie furrowed her brow and couldn't resist asking, "Is it your job to wander around interrogating people?" Angus chuckled, flashing a gentle smile that conveyed an air of approachability. Observing the stark contrast between his amiable demeanor and the powerful aura of dark magic that cloaked him was intriguing.

"In a way, it is. I wish to know who works here and what they know. This is the place for politics, is it not?" 

Sadie wished to correct him, tell him differently, and ask why he was still bothering her, but all that came out of her mouth was, "Otto will be able to help you more than me." 

Angus's eyes rose, and he said, "That old Nova? He can barely remember what day it is." 

"You have spoken to him?"

"Of course. It is one of my responsibilities to greet him. I did stop after he threw up on me, but I did meet him." 

Sadie bit back her lip to keep from laughing and turned away to compose herself before asking, "Well, what do you wish to know?" 

Angus smiled at her words and said, "For a country against Nova intervention, you are quite willing to help me." 

He was still quite close, so Sadie waved her hand, beckoning him to lean in. He humored her, and when he was close enough, she said, "I apologize, but I have to be honest with you," Angus grinned at her mocking tone as she continued, "My reasoning is entirely selfish. I prefer Otto as our residing Nova since he doesn't really bother anyone, and I'm eager to shorten your visit as much as possible." 

Angus's smile didn't falter as he said, "Really? You would prefer a Nova who shouts "bomb" during a Council meeting, and it turns out to be a pumpkin?" Sadie's eyes shot up in surprise, and she said, "You knew of this?" 

"Multiple complaints were sent to the Novanoid, so I was aware." 

"Everyone knew he didn't mean it." 

"I'm sure." Angus laughed, and Sadie felt her fear slightly lessen at his teasing tone. For some reason, he was not wary of her–or at least he didn't seem to be. Yet, his magic was not being used. 

"Then, if you do not have any questions, I will be on my way–" 

"Let me ask just one, then, since I admire your honesty," Angus said, causing Sadie to stop. She turned to look up at him and froze as she saw the familiar tendrils of magic caressing Angus's face as he spoke. "Who was the man you met with yesterday? I noticed you leaving with him and was curious," he inquired, his voice smooth and persuasive. She recognized his tactic—buttering her up, trying to lull her into a false sense of security before compelling her to tell the truth. A spark of defiance made Sadie bite her lip. She could lie, and this Nova would be none the wiser. Yet, she knew his kind. He would quickly discern any falsehood, and she would be caught. So, she did what Angus did and told a half-truth. 

"He is Silas Daltroy–my lady's brother." Angus's eyes rose in surprise, and he muttered, "They do not look alike." 

"The 4th Lord has many wives and concubines. It is a common practice here in Quimath." Angus was taken aback by Sadie's unexpected words. There was a brief moment of tension as she worried that she may have overstepped, but to her surprise, Angus laughed. Then, almost tenderly, he reached out and tugged at a strand of her hair, saying, "You see? A few kind smiles from me, and you're already opening up. You're starting to give me information without even being prompted. This is a positive development, Sadie Hartley."

Sadie bristled at his words and clenched her teeth, waiting for Angus to ask her another question. Instead, he smiled and said, "You will not remember, but I will keep my promise and not ask you further questions today. It will be Silas Daltroy who will tell me why you fear our kind so much." 

A surge of nausea rose in Sadie's throat, making her feel as though she might be sick. Fear kept her rooted to the spot, unable to move or speak. Silas was aware of everything. If Angus asked a single question, he would divulge all the information. What was worse, if he chose to speak to Adia or her father, there would be nothing Sadie could do to prevent him from doing so. 

Sadie's plea echoed through the room, "No, do not ask him, I beg of you," Startled, Angus looked at her, trying to decipher the meaning behind her words. Sadie anxiously watched Angus, hoping she had not overstepped and that her intuition was right. Depending on the extent of Angus's magical abilities, a Terran could resist for various reasons, including distrust. Hers? Utter and complete fear. 

The air around Angus crackled with magic as he responded, "Why not?" Sadie desperately searched for an excuse that could justify her actions, and finally stammered out, "He... he gets upset when speaking of it. I don't want him to have to relive it." But what was it that she didn't want him to relive? She had portrayed her brother as vulnerable and incapable. Angus shook his head and confidently stated, "He will forget." As he turned to leave, Sadie made one last attempt, "I... I can tell you!" Angus shot her a questioning look, and she realized she was pushing her luck. This would be her final challenge to him. She could feel the crackling energy of his magic intensifying, and she knew that she wouldn't be able to resist his words this time.

"No." With a barely perceptible glint of frustration in his gaze, he pivoted and strode off, leaving Sadie standing alone. At that moment, she realized the gravity of the situation. She knew she had to find a way to alert her brother and Adria. Her only hope was that they could be trusted to keep this information to themselves.

—

"Go back into the tent and try and cool yourself off–your sweat is dripping onto my papers," Adria hissed into Sadie's ear.

"It's not my fault–it's the bloody heat." Sadie released a low, frustrated sigh as she raised her hand to her forehead, feeling her blonde curls sticking to the damp skin. She desperately fanned herself, trying to alleviate the oppressive heat surrounding her. She remained on the bustling docks throughout the morning and afternoon, where the sweltering heat intensified with each passing hour. Seeking refuge from the scorching sun proved challenging as she meticulously inspected the cargo of every incoming ship. While Adria was responsible for documenting the goods, Sadie diligently ensured that no unauthorized and potentially hazardous items were smuggled in. Her thorough inspection involved carefully examining each shipping container for any traces of forbidden magic. The only relief she found was inside the cargo holds, although the oppressive heat emanating from the engine room persisted even there. The magical forces that kept the ship afloat in the sky generated significant warmth that often proved difficult to contain.

Adria's frustration boiled over as she retorted, "Well then go inside already." The warning from Sadie about Angus had put her in a foul mood. Adria had always struggled to handle stress, especially when it involved Sadie.

"And what if he wishes to speak with me?" Adria asked in horror when Sadie had discussed it with her. "Am I just supposed to ignore him?"

"I will ensure I am with you–he can't ask such personal questions if I am present, right?" Sadie said. Adria only had looked at her in utter disbelief.

Sadie let out a weary sigh as she pushed open the tent's flap, feeling the relief of the cool breeze from the whirring fans brushing against her skin. The tent was a modest structure, much smaller than the grand pavilions inhabited by the bustling merchants and sailors in the nearby marketplace, but it offered her the solitude and respite she craved.

Making her way to the small table, Sadie reached for the ornate platter of succulent grapes, her muscles tensing as she noticed a delicate note discreetly tucked to the side. She carefully extracted the note with trembling hands, her eyes darting across the slender, handwritten words.

Tonight

It had been several long, agonizing weeks since the last time. She had hoped it would be the final encounter each time, but it never was. The empty promises had worn thin, and she was growing weary. Crumpling the note in frustration, she tucked it into the pocket of her dress and reached for the gleaming dagger resting on the small dresser. She knew that by the end of her shift today, there would be no opportunity to retrieve it before the soldiers arrived to take her away. It was better to have it in her possession beforehand. She would need it.