“This is a tremendous sacrifice on your part, Lana,” another council member said, his tone reverent. “To willingly enter a political marriage for the good of the family…”
Lana lowered her eyes modestly. “We all serve the Nostrom legacy in our own ways.”
Nadi had to admire the performance. If she hadn’t spent time around Lana, hadn’t seen how the Sweetheart Mistress operated, she might have believed this show of reluctant duty. No, this was all a shot directly at Raziel.
“There is, however, one obstacle to this arrangement,” Volencia continued, her gaze shifting back to Raziel. “The eldestRosov brother, Braen, opposes the union. He is notoriously unstable. Dangerous.”
“He’s a rabid dog,” Mael interjected, his deep voice carrying to every corner of the room. “Unpredictable and vicious, even by the standards of his family.”
Nadi didn’t miss the pointed look he gave Raziel.
“For the wedding to proceed, Braen Rosov must be eliminated,” Volencia said, her voice matter-of-fact, as if discussing the removal of an inconvenient piece of furniture. “Permanently.”
“And Zabriel is aware of this?” another council member asked, his brow furrowed.
“It was his idea.” Mael’s expression was thin. “He knows Braen has grown too dangerous.”
Volencia turned her cold gaze to Raziel. “And you, my son, will see to this task personally.”
Raziel’s expression didn’t change, but Nadi, standing close enough to feel the slight shift in his posture, knew the command had struck home.
“Mother—” he began.
“This is not a negotiation.” Volencia’s voice was steel. “You created this situation. You will remedy it. And your…bride will assist you. It is clear she delights in such things.”
Nadi felt the eyes of every vampire in the room fall on her, studying her reaction. She kept her expression neutral, though her mind was racing. They were being set up. This was no simple assassination—it was a test. Possibly a death sentence.
“Killing Braen Rosov will require more than brute force,” one of the council members observed, an elderly vampire with silvered hair. “He is paranoid and well-protected. Previous attempts have failed. Spectacularly.”
“Which is precisely why Raziel is the perfect choice for this task,” Volencia said, her smile sharp. “His particular…talents are suited to the job.”
Another council member leaned forward, his face deeply lined with age. “And the girl? What value does she bring to such a mission?”
Before Raziel could answer, Mael spoke up. “Monica has shown remarkable adaptability and quick thinking. Qualities that will complement my brother’s more direct approach.”
Nadi caught the slightly surprised look that flashed across Raziel’s face. Mael was defending their partnership? Interesting.
“Indeed,” Volencia agreed, though her expression suggested she was less than pleased with Mael’s intervention. “The two of you will work together to remove this obstacle to our family’s advancement.” She returned to her seat at the center of the council table, the movement deliberate and theatrical. “You have two weeks. Lana’s wedding is scheduled for the full moon of the Devourer. I expect Braen Rosov to be eliminated no later than seven days before the ceremony.”
“And if we fail?” Raziel asked, his voice perfectly neutral.
The silence that followed was an almost palpable weight. Every vampire in the room stared, waiting for Volencia’s response.
When it came, her voice was soft but carried to every corner of the chamber. “Then, the council will be forced to reconsider whether your continued existence serves the interests of the Nostrom family.”
The threat hung in the air. Nadi felt a chill run down her spine. Not for herself—she had always known her hunger for revenge could end in her death—but for the implications of what Volencia was saying. The Nostrom matriarch would eliminate her own son without hesitation if he failed to serve her purposes.
Why had Nadi ever decided to come here in the first place?
She should have just let them tear themselves apart.
“I understand, Mother.” Raziel’s voice betrayed no emotion. “We will not fail.”
“For your sake, I hope not.” Volencia’s gaze shifted to Nadi. “And for hers.” She lit her cigarette, casting her face briefly in the glow of the flame. “It’s of no loss to me, either way.”
Nadi met the vampire’s eyes, allowing just a hint of defiance to show. It was what Monica would do—not cowed, but still aware of her precarious position.
“The council is dismissed,” Volencia announced. “Raziel, you will receive the intelligence we’ve gathered on Braen Rosov by nightfall. Study it carefully. This is not an opportunity for creativity.”
