“That depends entirely on you.” Mael turned to face him. “Your talents haven’t diminished, but perhaps they could be…redirected. Less emphasis on direct action, more on strategic consultation.”
Strategic consultation.A euphemism for being kept like a dangerous pet, fed scraps of information and occasionally unleashed under careful supervision.
“I’m honored by your confidence,” Raziel said smoothly.
“Good.” Mael smiled, but there was no warmth in it. “Because I have a special assignment for you regarding tomorrow’s ceremony.”
Raziel waited, readying himself to fight if he needed to.
“There have been…rumors,” Mael continued. “Whispers of potential disruption to the wedding. Nothing concrete, you understand, but concerning enough that we’re taking extra precautions.”
“What kind of disruption?”
“Thesameoldenemies who couldn’t help but interrupt your wedding,” Mael’s voice dropped lower. “There are those who see our alliance with the Rosovs as a threat to the existing balance of power. We have reason to believe representatives of these factions may attempt to infiltrate the ceremony.”
Fae.He was talking about fae infiltrators. Perhaps the same one that Nadi had seen? But how much did Mael actually know?
“What would you have me do?” Raziel asked.
“I want you to work with our security teams tomorrow. Your…particular gifts…make you uniquely suited to solving any particular issues quietly and quickly.”
It was a test, Raziel realized. Mael suspected something—whether about Monica’s true nature or Raziel’s own loyalties,he couldn’t be sure. But this assignment would put him exactly where he needed to be to protect Nadi while positioning himself for their planned strike.
“I’ll be honored to serve.” He sipped the drink.
“Excellent.” Mael moved back to his desk, retrieving a folder thick with documents. “Here are the guest lists, security protocols, and intelligence reports. Study them carefully. I want you familiar with every face that will be in attendance tomorrow.”
Raziel accepted the folder, his mind already racing. Among these documents would be valuable intelligence about security at the event—information that could make the difference between success and catastrophe for their mission.
Mael’s eyes never left him as he studied the folder. “Keep a close eye on Monica tomorrow. Given her…unique abilities…she may be particularly attractive to those who would wish us harm.”
The warning sent ice through Raziel’s veins. “You think she’s in danger?”
“I think she’s valuable,” Mael corrected. “And valuable things have a tendency to be stolen if they are not properly guarded.”
“No one knows that more than me, brother.”
“One more thing,” Mael added as Raziel rose to leave. “The ledger. The one that Braen kept on all his…dealings.” He grimaced. “Bring it tomorrow. I have need of it.”
“Monica told me you asked for it. May I ask why?”
Mael’s smile was picture-perfect. Jovial. Friendly. And couldn’t have matched his voice less if it had belonged to one of the paintings on the wall. “No. You may not. Now, go.”
Raziel’s jaw ticked as he left the room.
Tomorrow would be an interesting day, indeed.
It was late that night before Raziel returned home. Nadi couldn’t sleep. She was lying there in his nest of thick blankets and comforters, her mind churning with possibilities for the next day. Mapping out each possible outcome for their attempt on Mael’s life.
There were too many variables. Too many possible approaches. It made her nervous. They didn’t even knowhowthey were going to take him down yet. Only that they were going to “wait for the right opportunity.”
She hated it.Hated it.
The door to his room opened as Raziel walked in. She didn’t even need to look to know it was him. She recognized the sound of the way he moved, the way he smelled in the air. He clicked the door shut behind him and threw the deadbolts. He held a thick folder in his hand that he tossed onto the dresser.
It meant she could drop her glamor again, which she was more than eager to do so. “How did it go with Mael?” She turned her head on the pillow to watch him.
“You first.” His expression was drawn tight. He was still lost in thought. “Lana. What else did you learn?”
