“In the past, there were limits, even in this city.” I frown. “There were laws. There were norms. If they chose, mortals could live their lives unaffected by superi. I haven’t seen a single human in this city who’s not subjugated.”
“Subjugated?” Lucian laughs as he smacks Beatrix’s bottom and then plays with the toys inside her. She’s moaning now, squirming on his lap, even though each movement earns her more smacks. “Are you subjugated my pet?” He pushes all the buttons, and she bucks on his lap, earning more smacks.
Lucian does all this while looking directly at me, as if the woman is of no consequence, and certainly no distraction to our conversation.
“Does this council still wieldanyinfluence?” I ask. “And where are the other sovereigns?”
Lucian turns away.
“Demons took control of the Council of Darkness,” Vespera says. Her voice is light and musical, but her contempt is clear.
Demons. I should have known. “What do you mean by control?” I look amongst the others. “And if demons are in control, why are none here?”
“I thought I made that clear.” Vespera shakes her head. “The council you once knew is no more. Those present today, do not support all of the main council’s actions. Those gathered here are more of a shadow council.”
I shake my head. “No. You did not make that clear.”
“Zogar,” Vespera says, “Demons have had full control of the City of Darkness. And they have for more than three centuries.”
“How could you let that happen?” I shake my head. “The council was designed to give each sovereign equal power—demons included—so that no species would rise above the others.” Just as the Council of Sovereigns was designed in the Light.
“Hush, dragon!” Aryxia’s talons scratch the table’s surface. “You weren’t here. You have no standing to address your fellow sovereigns with such disrespect.”
Rosomon’s leg tenses under my hand. Or did I squeeze her thigh? It’s difficult to sort out which action came first, so I move my hand onto my own leg not wanting to accidentally hurt her.
Lucian pushes some buttons. Beatrix shakes but holds her tray steady. Red blotches have bloomed on her chest and throat, and sweat beads on her forehead and below her breasts.
“If I may?” Eldrath stands.
It’s about time the elf spoke. Elves are notoriously guarded and circumspect, but as one of the longest-lived species of superi, they carry much history and wisdom. Eldrath had already lived for hundreds of years before I was born.
“I will recount some history,” Eldrath says, “for the benefit of your queen.”
“Thank you,” Rosomon says. “There is so much I don’t understand.” She glances quickly toward me.
“Undoubtedly.” Eldrath smiles at my queen, and jealousy spikes inside me. I still don’t understand this unwelcome and very new emotion and certainly haven’t found a way to control it.
I take her hand.
“Hundreds of years ago, our world was invaded.” Eldrath pauses. “Legions of demons appeared through a portal, expelled from another world they called earth.”
This is simple history. The influx of demons was the main reason a separation between Darkness and Light was first suggested. I’ve already explained some of this to Rosomon.
“When the demons invaded,” I tell Rosomon, “the council was expanded to recognize all the new species of demons that arrived.” I shake my head. “I was against this.”
“Yes, I recall.” Eldrath crosses his long arms over his chest. “And yet the council hasalwaysincluded representatives from every type ofshifterand fromalltypes ofmages, and yet it included only one elf, one fae?—”
“That’s different.” I growl. “Howdareyou equate the genus draconis to—” I glance toward Eleanor.
Rosomon squeezes the base of my thumb, rubs it, and relief floods inside me. I was about to insult the other mages and shifters here at the table. Ursula is glaring at me in a way that makes it easy to remember she’s also a bear.
Dragon crushes bear—every time—but it’s rude to point out the obvious.
“Go on,” I say, as calmly as I can. “Is that how the demons took control of the council? Based on sheer numbers?”
Eldrath retakes his seat. Even seated, the elf is much taller than either Vespera or Mirage, sitting in the chairs next to him.
“It is more complicated,” Aryxia interjects.
