Elena Caelys is sent on a special mission by the Lord Inquisitor. When she returns from Footfall, hiding her injuries from Heinrix, the Lord Inquisitor resolves to punish his best agent for her insolent behaviour until the tightly wedged masks both wear dislodge. The weakness they try so hard to conceal is revealed at last.
“How will you excuse breezing into my office without a report but full of demands?” Heinrix lorded over her. “And you have disobeyed another direct order. Is this becoming a habit of yours, Interrogator?” “I do not know what my lord is referring to,” she purred, glancing at him under half-lidded eyes. “Your marks are still adorning my behind.” “No, the instructions I left in my letter.” Icy fingers traced the curve of her lips. “Are you challenging me on purpose, Elena?” “My lord, I know of no letter of yours. Upon returning, I immediately reported to your office as you requested.” Her tongue flicked over his thumb. “I would never dare to disobey a direct order of the Lord Inquisitor.” “Elena,” he growled when she slipped a hand underneath his uniform. “I expect your report before you return to me. I await you here in one hour. Not a minute earlier nor a minute later.” Caressing smooth skin and silken hair, her fingers followed the trail upwards to his chest, where his heart jackhammered under her palm. “Why can’t I stay with you, my lord?” “Read the letter,” he expelled between clenched teeth before he spun her towards the door.
