I scanned the gathering, going still as I caught sight of Arlan standing next to Sofia.
What the hell? How was that possible?
"Your first test." Arlan's smile was faint, daring me to guess which one was real.
I inhaled and then released my breath slowly. Game on.
At least this one didn't involve opening a vein or getting stabbed.
I debated whether I should use my magic sight. To my knowledge, none could tell when I activated it, but this was Arlan we were talking about. There had to be a reason behind this little test. What better way to trip me up than to catch me in the act?
The Arlan speaking to Sofia glanced over at me with a hint of playful mischievousness I recognized—a twin.
To check my theory, I searched the gathering, finding one of the twins standing cast half in shadow, his gaze focused on the Arlan doppelganger.
"Very astute." There was approval on Arlan's face. "I'm surprised. I anticipated you needing to use your power to see through our little ruse. Yet you employed mundane talents to find the truth. I wonder if that is a product of your human upbringing."
It seemed I'd been right in thinking he'd devised some type of trap involving my magic sight.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," I said stiffly.
"I admit, when I first imagined snatching the barrow from Niamh's clutches, I didn't think a treasure as valuable as you would literally fall right into my lap," Arlan mused. "Or are you going to keep pretending to be less than you are?"
"I've never pretended to be anything less than awesome. It's everyone else who's been slow to catch on."
Arlan swept an elegant hand to indicate our surroundings. "Are you enjoying the party? It was meant for you."
I narrowed my eyes at him. Now who was lying?
"You don't believe me, but we've been waiting for you. Why else would the vampires have an invitation now when they've been angling for one for months?"
I would have argued with him if not for Sofia saying something very similar last night.
"Why?"
His head tilted. "You're special. Surely you know that by now."
"Everybody likes to tell themselves they're special."
On the other hand, I'd always been perfectly content with average. Standing out meant there was always someone gunning for you.
"But in your case, it's true." Arlan was suddenly closer than he'd been a moment before. "Or do you not find it strange that you've suddenly found yourself surrounded by so many powerful creatures? How many other humans newly into their eternity can say the same?"
Arlan's gaze trapped mine, his eyes swallowing up the rest of the room.
"Your sire is among the most powerful of his kind. The extent of his power is mostly unknown, but I'd wager he could challenge for a council seat and win. Why did he choose you out of all the many humans that night?" Arlan's voice wrapped around me, coaxing, seducing, as the noise from the rest quieted to a muted roar.
"Liam, known to be the council's most trusted agent. Not as powerful as his brother but an exceptional assassin. Even my people fear him."
Arlan's gaze roamed my face. "They're not the only ones, are they? Niall, lord of the green. Inara, the mad, solitary queen. Even Hermes's master, the fallen knight. Each one drawn to you in their own ways."
His hand dropped, his fingers trailing over the arm that carried Liam's mark along with new ones from last night.
I was suddenly grateful I'd chosen to wear my leather jacket.
"They're my friends." I couldn't help the defensive tone of my voice.
Arlan threw his head back, his laughter carefree and bright.
