AN: Chapter 2 with some changes from my beta-reader Rags2Riches. Thanks again : )
- Sonea. – A Deep, masculine voice woke her.
She rubbed her sleepy eyes. Akkarin stood in the room.
- I fell asleep?
- Looks like it. – She sensed a note of amusement in his voice.
Outside, the sky sparkled all shades of crimson. It was still early.
Only when Sonea felt completely awake she noticed his attire. He was wearing a black coat, which had on to hide the simple clothes he usually put on when he was going to the slums.
- If you want to go with me again, dress up. Quickly.
He turned and disappeared behind the door.
A minute later Takan laid on the bed the same outfit she wore yesterday. She waited until the servant shut the door behind him, then raised the gray dress made of scratchy material.
Accustomed to novices' clothes, she felt strange in a woman's dress. She drew shoes on her feet, which yesterday when she first wore the disguise had surprised her a lot, before she remembered that her novice's shoes are marked with the Guild's emblem.
In this clothing she didn't stand out in the slums, but nevertheless, no one would suspect her of being homeless. The dress wasn't all that destroyed like the rags that she saw on the High Lord.
She threw a coat on and went downstairs. Akkarin was leaning against the bookshelf with folded arms. He stared with an absent gaze into the light that was prepared for them.
- High Lord.
He nodded once.
She jumped when a wall, behind which were the underground passages, pushed aside. Without waiting for Akkarin's command, she followed the already known way.
- They found his hideout? - She asked, before they defeated the first lock.
- Yes, but we must hurry. Unless we want to waste the night on waiting again.
Sonea smiled to herself. Last night had not been so bad. They had spent a couple of hours in a dark cellar in the slums waiting for the Sachakan and talking. If only the next day she hadn't been so tired during the lessons, she would have nothing against having trouble finding a spy again.
- It happens often? – she asked, but he answered her with silence.
She looked over her shoulder at Akkarin. His knitted eyebrows showed that he was thinking.
- No. This spy is clever. Most likely, he frequently changes place of residence. He avoids detection, before he didn't even strengthen enough - he said. - Which means that we should not hesitate - he added with a firm tone.
Sonea quickened her pace.
This time they went closer. A young boy who did as their guide, pointed to the manhole and disappeared somewhere in the darkness.
Undeniably they were in the slums, and the area seemed to Sonea disturbingly familiar. She looked left and saw a well-known street.
Akkarin leaned to her ear.
- Where are we? – he whispered.
- Close to the Northern Gate.
Just beyond the gate was large watchtower. Sonea looked around anxiously.
Nearby, under a broken roof a shadow moved. She looked more closely and noticed a huge man.
- Wait here.
Akkarin approached him. This man must be from Thieves, Sonea judged. She really wished she heard what they were talking about. She took a few steps toward them, but suddenly Akkarin turned from her, so she stopped. Not wanting to test his patience, she waited for his return.
At dusk the slums were still full of life. There had to been a lot of guests in the dive, as the door opened often. Inhabitants, who rolled out of the building, were heavily drunk, as she figured out by their shouting.
The Thieves' man watched the hideout, in this connection the spy should have been in one of the surrounding buildings, she thought looking at the neighborhood. Some of them looked as if they might just collapse.
Akkarin appeared beside her unexpectedly.
- It's here. - He pointed to the dive.
- There are a lot of people inside – she said in a shock.
- Indeed. But only at the first level. I do not think it could be avoided.
- Then why Thieves don't force everybody out?
- Too close to the gate. The dive is visited by the guards too often. We just must do this quickly.
She swallowed.
- Is he in the building?
- No. But he can come back any time.
He turned to her. The Black hood only allowed her to see the jaw line and his lips.
- Remember what you promised, Sonea.
- I remember.
He stretched out hand and adjusted her hood. His cold fingers touched her cheek accidentally. Sonea shuddered. She couldn't help that every of his casual touch left a lasting impression on her skin lately.
- Do not give anyone the opportunity to look at your face.
Not trusting her voice, she just nodded.
He turned toward the dive.
- Now we just have to get to the top floor - he muttered.
- So why Thieves' man does not go with us? – She asked quietly.
- I've decided I can handle myself. - He smiled slyly.
As she expected, the interior was besieged by crowds. Akkarin caught her arm and headed toward the counter.
- Room for two - he said and tossed a coin to the host.
A drunken man leaned towards them.
- The last room at the end of the corridor. Good luck. – The Man's mouth bent on lewd smile.
- It will be useful. - Akkarin chuckled softly.
The innkeeper laughed sonorously and Sonea pressed her lips in anger, realizing that the owner took her for a street girl, but before she could say something, Akkarin pushed her toward the stairs. On the top floor she headed toward the last door.
- Here. - Akkarin beckoned to the door in the middle of the corridor.
He glanced sideways, and reassured with the lack of witnesses, he broke into the spy's room. Sonea slipped in after him.
On the opposite wall there was a wide window. It gave just enough light that she could distinguish shapes. Aside from the bed, the room was empty. And disturbingly small.
- Don't get too close. The window overlooks the street, just above the entrance to the building.
She pulled back obediently.
Akkarin clung to the wall near the door. Something flashed in his hand. Her eyes widened, recognizing Sachakan's dagger. Akkarin was going to attack right away. She moved closer to him.
Time passed by as they waited. Maybe the spy will not appear again, she thought a little disappointed. Akkarin showed no willingness to talk. He stood completely still. But Sonea couldn't help shifting from one foot to another. She was tired with prolonged awaiting.
She jumped up when the stone fell through the window. The Thieves had given a sign.
- Very subtly – muttered Akkarin.
She smiled, but her body froze with the fear of the upcoming fight.
The door opened, releasing an unpleasant screech. Sonea surrounded herself with shield and clenched her teeth from nerves. Soon after the dark figure slipped into the room.
Akkarin attacked without hesitation. The blade shone and slave gave a cry of surprise, but the High Lord was not fast enough. A powerful blow struck Akkarin's shield, it was powerful enough to make shield tremble. Sonea stopped breathing. The spy was strong.
Then everything went very quickly.
Akkarin responded with an attack, forcing the slave to move away from the door. She felt like the whole building was vibrating, but the High Lord did not stop bombarding Sachakan with blows. Somewhere in the distance she heard the voices of the people.
Sonea moaned when an exceptionally strong missile hit her shield. Akkarin swore and strengthened blows.
She wanted to see somewhat, but the silhouette of a black magician successfully obscured the view. She moved over just to see the Sachakan fall through the window.
The room became soundless. Without the roar of magical battle, worried screams of people were clearly audible in the dive.
Sonea jumped forward to make out what happened to the spy, but was stopped by Akkarin's hands. At the time when shield surrounded her, she felt a vibration. She realized that the slave came out unscathed from the fall, and attacked them from the outside.
Sonea cursed her lack of caution mentally.
She felt another shot, and heard parts of the wall fall to the ground in pieces. The window-frame was torn, and the boards creaked ominously around.
- We've got company – Akkarin said dreary. He drew her away from the hole, which remained instead of the window.
- The guards?
He shook his head. Sonea stared at his tense face and realized that he is listening to the mental communication. She sharpened her wits.
~ ...two. I am going there! - said the magician.
Thoughts, which he was sending, were saturated with fear and nervousness.
~ Wait for the support. - Sonea recognized a Balkan's trace of mind.
~ No, he will run away! All people are escaping from the building. I need to find at least one.
She froze terrified. It was incomprehensible that the magician came to the slums. And why was he right here? Now all was lost. They were discovered.
She felt pressure on her arm.
- We need to get out of the building.
Akkarin's evaluative gaze moved around the room.
- But what about the spy? - She asked, remembering why they came here for.
- We'll find him later. If there is a later.
He clenched his lips unsatisfied.
- Have we been recognized?
- There is no time for questions, Sonea – he said unemotionally.
When he heartlessly pushed her out into the corridor, she felt cold shiver on her back.
She heard a roar behind. The walls trembled.
- The building is falling apart - she cried.
- Go.
They came running down the stairs. If there were people in the dive, who do not notice the magical battle, the crackling ceiling would persuade them to leave the building.
She rushed out into the street with the others. And almost stopped when she saw the magician in green robes. She felt her stomach comes up to her throat, but the man didn't pay her any attention. There was too much confusion around. Instinctively she pulled the hood further over her eyes.
Akkarin dragged her along the street.
Relief that they were not recognized was short. In front of them approached a few guards. She watched in puzzlement as they passed by and headed towards the building.
- The area will swarm with magicians soon - Akkarin whispered.
They had to go away as far as possible.
- And where is a Thieves' man?
- He will find us.
Sonea sharpened wits to know what to expect.
~ Akkarin? - She heard the Balkan's summon.
She looked at the High Lord. He clenched mouth displeased.
~ Akkarin? - Balkan reiterated his call.
~ Balkan?
~ A moment ago there was a battle between some magicians in the slums. Lord Warin witnessed it - said Balkan.
Sonea should have withdrawn, but she didn't feel bad that she was eavesdropping. The circumstances were extraordinary.
~ Really? Then send Warriors there. Let them check it and tell them to be careful - answered Akkarin.
~ I've already gave the command.
~ Of course you have.
~ I'll be there soon.
For a moment Akkarin did not answer.
~ All right – he sent. ~ Investigate the situation. Present results later at a meeting of the higher magicians.
~ Warin? – Akkarin called.
~ Akkarin? - Immediate response came. ~ High Lord, I was just coming back to the Guild, when I saw the magical battle. In the slums!
Sonea was crushed by a number of pictures that magician sent.
~ Yes. I've heard, Lord Warin - Akkarin interrupted.
~ What should I do? I must… Building is falling into pieces. He could be in the middle, but I think...
~ Stay where you are and wait for feedback.
Thoughts sent by Warin were strongly marked by the emotions, in contrast to Akkarin's responses. Sonea easily sensed the fear and excitation of the magician.
~ Do not take any action by your own accord. Balkan is coming. And it would be wiser if you stop sending pictures.
She felt that Akkarin retreated, so she came back to reality.
- I regret that I've changed clothes. You would return to the Guild, and I could have sorted out this mess - he said quietly.
She wondered where the huge man, with whom Akkarin spoke today, disappeared. Sonea wanted him to find them and take them to the thieves-path. She looked over her shoulder and opened eyes wide. Lord Warin followed them.
She grabbed Akkarin's hand.
~ Do not turn around, but Lord Warin is following us – she sent straight away.
This time she sensed Akkarin's surprise.
~ I've just talked with him. I told him to step aside and wait. I am not glad, he did not listen.
~ Do you think...?
~ No. I don't think so. I would've detect that during the conversation. Seems he simply suspects us. I suppose we were the only ones not to watch as the building collapsed. – Sonea sensed the sarcasm in his thoughts.
The way he guessed her unfinished thoughts, surprised her and... Concerned her. Abruptly she pulled her hand out from his grip. She did not want to give him a chance to sense some stupid feelings that he aroused in her.
Sonea accelerated pace, but she was stopped by Akkarin.
- Do not do anything suspicious - he warned barely audible.
Lord Warin was closer.
- He is still behind us - she whispered.
- Lead. Try to lose him.
They were still near the North Gate, but in these parts of the slums were fewer people. That's why she was surprised by a view of couple in a love embrace in a narrow passage between the houses. The sounds, which they uttered, left no doubt as to what they were doing.
Feeling awkward, she looked at Akkarin unconsciously. Light smile wandered on his lips. She blushed.
A few years ago, such a view wouldn't stir embarrassment in her. The Guild has changed me, she laughed in her mind. Perhaps the Guild wasn't the reason that made her feel so uncomfortable, but Akkarin's presence beside her.
Sonea turned into an even narrower street, and immediately realized her mistake. She pulled Akkarin's sleeve, wanting to withdraw quickly.
- We are not going back - he said.
- But this is a dead-end. We are going into the trap - she whispered. - What if he go after us?
- Whatever happens, be careful not to show your face. Even if I had to use magic... It is crucial that no one recognize us.
Shiver of terror ran through her. Akkarin couldn't fight with...
Suddenly, recent memory appeared in front of her eyes.
- Wait, let's try something else. – She led Akkarin to the shadow of the wall and leaned her back against the cold surface. – Perhaps it will intimidate him.
He snorted with impatience, but he lowered his head over hers and didn't resist when she threw her arms around his neck. Akkarin leaned hands against the wall behind her and moved his lips to her ear. He was so close that she felt his smell.
- Do you realize that there will be no excuse if we are discovered? – He whispered, but she sensed the anger in his voice.
She felt the unpleasant weight in the stomach.
- I thought it's worthwhile to take the risk.
Nearby echo of footsteps put them in a state of readiness. She felt his neck muscles tighten under her hands. His palm moved to her hood. He wanted to make sure that it covers her face well, though it was so dark in the alley that nothing could be seen. Even through the material that gesture seemed to her very intimate.
- Is he still there? – He ordered when the steps had died away.
Sonea looked above his shoulder. The Guild magician was standing at a distance not greater than ten steps. And was glancing in their direction. It did not work, she thought disappointed. If he decide to approach them, the exposure or the fight would be inevitable.
- He is looking at us - she said in a quiet voice.
- Perhaps I should be more convincing - Akkarin murmured in her ear.
He slipped a hand under her coat. She felt that the material of her dress rises on the thigh up. Akkarin swung her leg with rapid movement, and pressed himself on her entire body. His hips come into contact with hers. Sonea felt as pleasant warmth spreads inside her.
- Oh – she made a barely audible sigh.
She had the impression that he smiled.
Sensations, which she experienced, were almost overwhelming. His cool fingers on her thigh fired her inside. Her skin reacted even at the slightest movement of his body. Sonea shuddered, feeling as he slowly, almost brushing her cheek, moved his lips to her ear.
So close.
She felt a rush of desire, which she did not know before.
- Did he go? - She heard the question as if behind a fog.
She liked his closeness so much that she couldn't find a voice or even think about something else. She wished he pushed at her with his body even more.
~ Sonea?
The presence of a distant mind appeared briefly on the edge of her consciousness. She felt hesitance. What if he sensed her infatuation? Anxiety evaporated quickly. Even if… it would be too late. She wanted to make this moment last forever.
She didn't know when Akkarin's face appeared right in front of hers. She felt his breath on her lips. Unwittingly Sonea's mouth moved toward his.
So close.
Shealmost felt their taste, but didn't have the courage to go further for fear of rejection. But the Akkarin's body responded to her. His hand slowly traveled up her thigh. His breath quickened, and she felt hard beats of his heart. She experienced his desire in the way he pressed to her body.
Something soft and delicate brushed against her lips. Sonea almost moaned with surprise and delight. She responded to the kiss warily. This time Akkarin's mouth stuck to her more insistently. She felt her lips burn under their touch. She wanted more.
Harder, almost violently Akkarin pressed on her hips. A thrill of pleasure shook her body. A pleasant tingles appeared on her skin where his hand was wandering. His touch was oddly gentle, on the contrary to the mouth, which caressed Sonea's lips greedily.
She has never felt this way. Her legs were becoming more and more malleable. She still wanted more. Eagerly she began to look for any gaps in the cloak to get under his clothes.
The kiss became softer, before Akkarin completely tore from her lips. She greeted pause for breath with relief, but Akkarin pulled a little back and it was enough for her to feel disappointment.
He let go of her, rested his head against the wall and froze motionless. She heard him breath quickly. Her breathing slowly calmed, but her heart didn't stop beating wildly. What just happened was wonderful and… unexpected. She doesn't count on so much.
After a moment, he turned away and looked around. A small ball of light appeared above his head. Akkarin looked at her searchingly.
- That should never have happened - he said.
- But...
His face changed in an impenetrable mask of indifference.
- I think I was too convincing.
Her heart crumbled into tiny pieces. It was just a game? But he was the one who kissed her first. No... Kiss couldn't be fake.
She felt his desire. She felt his aroused manhood when he pressed to her body. The memory caused that the blood rushed to her cheeks. Just stop thinking about exactly this one, she reproved herself.
- I have to show up in the Guild at once. We've already wasted enough time - he said coldly.
So did this mean nothing for him? It was just a waste of time?
Akkarin moved ahead not looking at Sonea. She didn't stir when the huge shape had grown in front of him.
- What took you so long? - asked the High Lord.
- I did not want to disturb.
The look that Akkarin threw him had to be freezing, because the man has shrunk noticeably under its influence.
- We have no time to clean up – he said.
- You do not have to worry about that, there is nothing to clean up – Akkarin said. - I... - He glanced briefly at Sonea. She broke away from the wall. - We must be elsewhere as soon as possible.
- Of course.
Almost all the way to the Residence they were running. Akkarin threw the coat down in the underground room. She rushed after him up the stairs, but when she noticed that he was pulling his shirt over the head, she stopped embarrassed. Akkarin was in a hurry.
Sonea calmed breath before she made for her room. At the top of the stairs she stopped in front of the magician wearing black robes. A light shiver ran through her back. It was similar to the old fear that he had once aroused in her at the sight of the High Lord. Akkarin seemed imposing and intimidating again. Just...
- Your hair - she said.
The corners of his mouth twitched upward. He smoothed his hair with his hand.
- Lorlen called a meeting of the higher magicians some time ago. It's high time I appeared there. - He started down the stairs. - And... Goodnight, Sonea - he added, looking briefly over his shoulder.
- Good night, High Lord. - The words hardly passed her throat.
There was something wrong in calling him High Lord after what have just happened between them. She didn't want to agree to such distance.
She entered her room and changed clothes. After a moment she heard a quiet knock on the door. She opened it by magic just to welcome Takan. He stood with an armful of Akkarin's clothes. She understood that he came after her disguise. She gave it without a word.
- How did you manage in the slums, my lady?
The question amused her.
- Everything went not as we expected.
