Volencia smiled, the expression never touching her eyes. “Indeed, it is.” She turned her attention to the rest of the table. “Now, as to the wedding?—”
The conversation shifted to preparations for Lana’s upcoming nuptials. Guest lists, security measures, political considerations, who sat where, all discussed with the same cold calculation one might apply to a military campaign. Nadi contributed only when directly addressed—which was once, about how steak from the outer cities should be properly prepared—and she kept her response brief and said while she had her experience from home, she was certain Volencia’s chefs very likely knew best.
Through it all, she observed. The way Mael watched her when he thought she wasn’t looking. The knowing glances Lana cast toward her brother. The subtle ways Volencia undermined and controlled each interaction.
It was like watching spiders weave overlapping webs, each seeking to ensnare the others while avoiding entanglement themselves.
What she noticed most of all, however, was that Raziel was never addressedonce.
After what felt like an eternity, Volencia rose from her seat. “I believe that covers everything of importance. Mael, you’ll oversee the security arrangements as discussed. Lana, ensure your dress fittings are completed by tomorrow evening.”
Her gaze swept over the gathered vampires, landing finally on Raziel and Nadi. “One last thing.You twowill maintain a low profile until the wedding. The Rosovs are eager to make this alliance. I will not have you two risking this with any of yourantics.”
“Of course, Mother,” Raziel inclined his head slightly.
“Monica,” Lana’s voice cut through the conversation, “would you mind assisting me with something before you leave? Dress question.Girl thing.You understand, brother.”
Nadi felt Raziel tense beside her. This was expected—one of his siblings would try to separate them. They had planned for it.
“Of course.” Nadi rose from her seat.
Raziel’s hand brushed against hers—a subtle reminder of their agreement. Play along. Gather information. Stay alive. But remember whose side she had chosen.
Lana led her from the dining room, not toward her personal chambers as Nadi expected, but to a small antechamber near the east wing of the estate. When they entered, Mael was already waiting, his massive frame seeming to fill the modest space.
The door closed behind them with an ominous click.
“Well,” Lana smiled, dropping all pretense of warmth, “that was quite the performance in there. Mother almost seemed to believe you both survived through skill rather than design.”
Nadi allowed the mask ofdeferential Monicato slip just slightly, revealing a hint of her true self. “I’m not sure what you mean.”
“Please.” Mael moved closer, his golden eyes studying her face intently. “We’re alone now. There’s no need for games.”
“No games.” Nadi maintained her harder expression. She was in a room with two of the most powerful vampires in Runne. She had to remember that. “Braen is dead, as required.”
“Yes, and yet…Raziel is alive.” Lana circled her slowly, like ashiniheassessing its prey. “And you were gone for three days. Three days, Monica. What happened during thosethree days?”
Nadi had prepared for this. Had rehearsed her lies carefully with Raziel until they were polished to a perfect shine. And they both knew that sometimes, the most convincing lies contained fragments of truth.
“I was injured,” she said softly, allowing real vulnerability to enter her voice. “Badly.”
Mael’s expression shifted immediately, concern replacing suspicion. “How?”
Nadi lowered her eyes, one hand moving to her throat. She shifted the collar of her dress to show the false, purplish bruise she had let show through her glamor just for this occasion. “One of Braen’s guards. He had a silver blade. He…slit my throat.” She let her voice tremble slightly. “I’ve never…I’ve never felt pain like that before. It was meant for Raziel. I just happened to be wearing his face at the time.”
“Silver?” Lana’s eyebrows rose. “For any vampire, it’s an almost guaranteed death sentence, let alone a fledgling.”
“Yeah.” Nadi let a shudder pass through her. “I learned that the hard way.”
“And where was my brother during this attack?” Mael moved closer, his expression softening further. “Why didn’t he protect you?”
Nadi hesitated, the perfect picture of a woman torn between loyalty, fear, and perhaps a little bit of temptation. “He…He was dealing with Braen. It happened so quickly.”
“I see.” Mael exchanged a glance with Lana. “And these injuries kept you hidden for three days?”
“Raziel didn’t want to return until I could maintain my composure.” She shrugged. “He said it would raise too many questions if I appeared…damaged.”
“How considerate of him,” Lana’s voice dripped with disdain. “And where exactly did you recuperate? Not at his estate, surely.”
