The revelation sent his mind racing. Fae infiltrators, Lana’s suspicions, his family’s political maneuvering—this was getting too complicated, even for his love of the game. “You’re certain?”
“As certain as I can be without having questioned her.” She pushed away from the sink, looking more like her normal self with each passing moment. “But who’s she working for? Or do you think she’s acting alone?”
“Tomorrow is going to be even more chaotic than we anticipated.” Raziel ran a hand through his hair, scrambling to think of a way to adapt to the new variable. “Which could work to our advantage, if we play it correctly.”
“Or get us all killed.”
“There’s always that risk.” He smiled, though there was no humor in it. The stakes kept climbing, the potential for catastrophe growing with each revelation. “The question is whether you’re willing to take it.”
He watched her face as she considered, seeing the moment she made her choice. There was steel in her spine, fire in her eyes. “You think I’m backing out now, Serpent?”
Without thinking, he leaned down to kiss her forehead. “I have a feeling tomorrow is going to test us both in ways we haven’t anticipated.”
“More than tonight already has?”
“Tonight was just Lana being suspicious. Tomorrow…” He paused, his mind already turning to the countless variables they’d have to navigate. “Tomorrow, everyone will be playing for keeps.”
Including him. Including them.
And despite the dangers ahead, despite the blood still staining his toilet and the tremor that occasionally ran through Nadi’s hands, Raziel found himself looking forward to it.
After all, chaos had always been his preferred element.
The clock chimed. He swore. “I’ll have to learn what else you know when I return. I need to go meet my brother. Are you all right on your own?”
“Go. Not the first time I’ve had food poisoning.” Clearly exhausted, Nadi collapsed onto the bed, her glamor of Monica returning as she fell. He couldn’t imagine what it was like to have to exist like that.
But now, it was time for him to meet Mael and to learn where the last and most important piece on the board was going to be set before Lana’s wedding. Because if everything went to plan, his brother would be dead within twenty-four hours.
And damn him if that didn’t bring a smile to his face.
Raziel sat in Mael’s home study, projecting an image of subdued compliance while internally cataloging every weapon within reach. His brother’s personal office was a study in controlled power—light-stained wood, leather-bound books, and artifacts from conquered territories displayed like trophies.
“I appreciate your understanding about the new arrangements.” Mael perfectly feigned sympathy while pouring bloodwine into two crystal glasses. “Mother feels it’s time for you to step back from active operations.”
“Of course.” Raziel accepted the glass. “The family’s needs come first.”
Mael studied him carefully. “You’re taking this rather well. I expected more…resistance.”
“Perhaps recent events have given me perspective.” Raziel sipped his wine, maintaining his mask of resignation. “Braen’s death was a reminder of the costs of this life. Maybe it’s time I found other pursuits.”
“Such as?”
“Monica, for one.” The lie came easily. “I find myself deeply invested in her development. She has potential that goes beyond her current abilities. And if that means I need to take a back seat, so be it.”
Something flickered in Mael’s golden eyes. “She is remarkable, isn’t she? Such adaptability, such strength.” He paused. “I’ve been meaning to ask—her injuries from the Rosov estate. How severe were they really?”
Raziel’s hand tightened almost imperceptibly around his glass. “Severe. Silver poisoning isn’t something to be taken lightly, especially for a new vampire.”
“Of course.” Mael nodded sympathetically. “It must have been difficult, watching someone you care about suffer like that.”
The word choice was pointed and significant.Care.Mael did not go so far as to claim that Raziel loved Monica. Nor did he suggest that Raziel held no feelings for her either. Interesting. He was waiting to see if Raziel would correct him.
“It was certainly educational.” Raziel met his brother’s gaze steadily. “I learned quite a bit about my own priorities during those three days.”
“I’m sure you did.” Mael moved to stand beside the window, looking out over the metropolis. “The city is changing, Raziel.Old powers are shifting, new alliances are forming. The question is whether we adapt or get swept aside.”
“And where do I fit in this new order?”
