Elyse lunged forward with a menacing growl. The twins recoiled, their chairs scraping across the floor as they flinched backward.
Elyse cackled as she tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Good to see you, too, Nathaniel,” she crooned, nodding at the man on the left. “And you, Novick,” she addressed the other.
Nathaniel leaned his forearms on the table. “Is everyone here?”
“We’re missing one,” Killian answered. He’d already assessed the room: six chairs, six sides to the table. There were six of themthere, but Elyse wasn’t accounted for as a player. That meant one guest was still missing.
“Mr. Southwick is correct,” Julian said, sounding mildly impressed. “Our final player prefers to make a… dramatic entrance.”
As if on cue, the last door opened. All heads turned toward it, eager to see their opponent. A lithe, cloaked figure swooped through the doorway. A familiar chill passed over Killian as pale hands reached from beneath the cloak to pull back the hood.
Rich, scarlet hair spilled free, framing a pale, grave face. Killian knew he had seen her before, but he couldn’t grasp where, even as his mind screamed at him to remember.
“Lady Death,” Elyse purred. “We meet again.”
Killian and the other players went rigid at her words. Thomes looked like he was about to lose his dinner. Only Julian smiled, apparently proud of himself for having landed such a dignified guest. Death incarnate stood before them, ready to play them in a game of cards. She was stunning—ethereal even, despite the wards that dampened their magic. Her smile was entrancing, like a tragedy unfolding before them.
“Elyse Crenshaw,” Death answered. “Not covered in blood this time,” she added, giving Elyse a swift once-over.
“Not at this moment.”
Death gave her a smirk of appreciation.
Killian realized his heart was pounding. It rammed against his ribcage, fast and hard, as if trying to get his attention. It wasn’t fear that had him so on edge, though; it was excitement.
Death possessed Elyse’s soul, and now she was here. If he could just talk to her, ask her for the soul, find a way to make herhand it over, then he could have his Elyse back. For a moment, he didn’t give a damn about the game. He didn’t care about Lazarus or the Blade or any of it. He only wanted one thing: to look into Elyse’s eyes and see the woman he loved staring back at him.
As if sensing his thoughts, Elyse moved closer, putting herself between Killian and Death. She gave him a look that served as a reminder of her promise—to end those he loved if he didn’t leave this room with the Blade of Hanael.
“Madame Death.” Julian moved to stand before her and bowed, then placed a kiss on her hand. “Enchanting as ever.” He spoke as if he were addressing an heiress with whom he had tea regularly, not an all-powerful being who held the balance of life and destruction in her grip.
“You as well, Julian,” Death said in her smooth, smoky voice. She turned to face Killian, who tried his best to hold her gaze. “And you, Killian. I was hoping we would meet again.”
“Thank you, Lady Death,” he said with a reverent nod. “Though I can’t say the sentiment is mutual.”
At that, Death let out a velvety laugh. She strode to the far side of the table with a grace befitting of a dancer and selected the seat between the twins. Her eyes flickered between the identical men, one thin brow quirking as she asked, “Did the two of you coordinate your outfits?”
Both twins looked appalled, their gazes dropping to inspect their own attire, then the other’s.
“Please, we’re dressed nothing alike,” Nathaniel huffed.
“Yes, my tunic is made of the finest fabric in Otsuk while his is Sevhellian cotton,” Norvick added.
“And my buttons are hand-painted pearls while his are plain wooden toggles.”
“That’s quite enough of that,” Julian stated. He twisted to face Elyse. “Madame Crenshaw, it is time you departed. The festivities are about to begin.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Elyse replied. Her face had hardened—even more than before.
Julian gave her a simpering smile. “Unfortunately, only the players are allowed to remain.” He gestured toward the door where she and Killian had entered. “You may see yourself out now.”
Elyse didn’t budge. She squared her shoulders and said, “Then I’ll play.”
Killian kept his face neutral. Elyse likely couldn’t play for shit. This wasn’t about her staying to play; it was about a way to monitor him and ensure he didn’t mess up.
“Here’s my collateral,” she said coolly as she reached into her pocket. She pulled out a silver necklace with a large ruby pendant.
“Jewelry?” Julian asked in a skeptical tone.
