Free The Tainted City by Courtney Schafer

wards. If they fail…even if Ruslan is not the architect of that failure, he will certainly seize the opportunity to reclaim you.”
    That, Kiran could well believe. But if he went to Ninavel, Ruslan would have a chance at him far sooner.
    “If you let fear control you, you’ll never be free of him,” Marten said softly.
    Dev slapped the bench, making Kiran jump. “Khalmet’s bloodsoaked hand, Martennan! You want your wards fixed up fast, then I’ve got a better proposition: bring me, not Kiran. You say Sechaveh’s keeping things quiet. Maybe from foreigners and highside idiots, but trust me, ganglords can sniff out the deepest of secrets. They’d never deal with you; too risky, if Sechaveh finds out. But me…I know how to play their game. You mages are smart, you don’t need Kiran to break a spell. Leave him safe here, and I’ll get you information you’d never find otherwise and save you far more time.”
    Kiran willed Marten to agree. He had every faith Dev spoke truth, and once in Ninavel, Dev could work with Cara to save Melly. While Kiran would be left safe behind Alathia’s wards…his shame swelled, but it didn’t lessen his relief at the idea.
    Marten raised his brows. “An interesting offer, but I think you underestimate how difficult it is for us to interpret magic that differs so sharply from our own. I have far more confidence in our ability to discover the truth of what’s happening, than our chances of stopping it without Kiran’s help in time to prevent our wards from failing. That said, Dev…if Kiran were to agree to go, I believe I could convince the Council to authorize your inclusion on the trip. With both of you working to help, we’d have all the more chance of success.”
    Kiran’s relief died. He should have known the answer wouldn’t be so easy. He passed a shaking hand over his eyes, remembering Dev’s desperation when he’d spoken of Melly. Kiran owed Dev his life, his very soul. How could he refuse Dev the chance to gain both Melly’s and his own freedom?
    Especially when—in sudden, searing insight—Kiran knew just how easy saving Melly would be. He’d vowed in the Whitefires to make choices worthy of his lover Alisa’s memory. To embrace her bright courage, and not give in to cowardice. Twice before, he’d lived up to that ideal and risked capture by Ruslan for the sake of others. Still, summoning his courage was the hardest thing he’d done since first leaving Ninavel. He opened his mouth.
    “No,” Dev said sharply. He shoved past Marten to grip Kiran’s shoulder, his green eyes blazing. “ Kiran . Don’t fall for this.”
    Kiran looked past him at Marten. “Before I answer, might I have a moment alone with Dev?”
    Marten didn’t hesitate. “By all means, discuss this with him. I know this is no easy decision for you. I’ll wait in the study.”
    Dev’s wary scowl as he watched Marten retreat to the house didn’t bode well, but Dev was no stranger to risk, and Kiran knew how deep his loyalty to his dead mentor ran. Dev had put Melly’s life over Kiran’s before. When he heard Kiran’s plan, he’d do it again.

Chapter Four
    (Dev)
    “D id you get brain-burned while I was gone?” I snapped at Kiran, the instant Martennan disappeared into the house. “I didn’t save your ass from Ruslan just to have him get his hands on you again before the season’s out! Keep on telling Martennan you won’t go. Trust me, once he sees you mean it, he’ll give in and take me instead.”
    Kiran spoke in a fierce, intent whisper barely audible over the splashing of the fountain. “Dev, listen. I’ve thought of a way you can save Melly, and you won’t need a fortune in money, or to find Pello. If Marten takes us both to Ninavel—”
    “Yeah, perfect. That way Ruslan can cut out my heart, right after he burns out your will and makes you his drooling slave. If I go to Ninavel while you sit tight here in Alathia, there’s a chance he’ll stay so focused on