Otto handed the dagger to Julius Kosera, who wrapped it in a handkerchief. “There is no magic without sacrifice. No divine blessings without proof that we are willing to suffer, even give up our lives.”
“Did Diva Carmina know she wasgiving up her life?” Ronin snarled.
Otto turned to him, his eyes glittering with sick amusement. “No. She did not. But her death will not be in vain, this we promise you.”
“Sick bastard,” Mireille whispered against Ronin’s shoulder.
Otto continued, “As gruesome as this act may have seemed, we assure you it was in service of a greater good. One that will benefit most, if not all, of you here.”
The guests eyed each other warily.
“Long before the great war cleaved our world in two, there was a time whenallsub-species, not just Windriders, were capable of wielding elemental magics. Water, lightning, even fire. We have researched for centuries, traveled the continent in search of a way to restore these powers. And lucky for you, we believe we have found a method to do just that.”
Mireille squeezed Ronin’s shoulder, her nails digging into his flesh.
“Each performance this week is intended to dishonor the falseHigh Gods. A message sent to the true Creator, Adelphinae. And after the final one, she will bless us all with a transformation.”
“How do you know it will work?” Nero Beruglia shouted.
“We don’t,” Otto shrugged. “But the potential reward is worth the risk, do you not agree?”
Mireille stepped out from behind Ronin. “Tell us how you plan to achieve this. You owe us that much.”
Otto’s fangs popped. “We owe younothing. You have all come here willingly, availed yourselves of our food and drink and hospitality. Just witnessed the greatest performance of that aria that anyone in Ethyrios has ever seen. And those of you that leave this estate will return to your daily lives as some of the most powerful Fae on the continent. Are you not sick of being subjected to rule by the Windriders? Do you not agree that it is time we Beastrunners and Deathstalkers leveled the playing field?” Murmurs rippled across the crowd. “We do apologize for the shock. Take some time to think. Rest up and relax. Ournext event will take place on Thursday at sunset. You’ll receive further details that morning.”
Ronin wondered how many guests would even still be here by Thursday.
The crowd filed out of the gardens, and the human staff herded them back into the house.
“Breakfast will be delivered to your rooms presently,” Otto called out from underneath the smoldering arch. “Thank you for your attention and attendance!”
Ronin and Mireille followed the guests back into the house, then headed up to their room.
He ushered her in, and as soon as he shut the door, she whirled, her eyes darting wildly.
“We need to get the fuck out of here.”
“Now hang on a minute.”Ronin stepped forward as if to touch her, calm her.
She couldn’t stomach the kindness, took a giant step backwards.
He paused, something like hurt mixed with exasperation flitting across his face.
He plopped into a leather armchair by the fireplace. “Let’s talk this through before you make any more impulsive decisions.”
“Impulsive decisions? Otto justmurderedOdelle Carmina.”
Ronin rested his elbows on his knees. “Is that really a shock to you? Do you think Larissa Bisere is just having a fucking tea party somewhere on this estate?”
“We need to contact Skanisse and get more reinforcements up here. This is bigger than you and I can handle on our own.”
She sank into the chair opposite Ronin, his face full of grave intensity. “I will not let him harm you, Mireille.”
High Gods, she actuallybelievedhim. And that was even more shocking to her than the murder she’d just witnessed.
A knock sounded at the door. “Master Matakos? Mistress Valette? We have your breakfast.”
“Just leave it out there,” Ronin barked. “We’ll come get it when we’re ready.”
