"I'm implying that it's a rather remarkable coincidence, don't you think? Konstantin's most trusted lieutenant just happens to turn a fighter with exceptional skills, then just happens to abandon her in Atlanta, where she just happens to end up in Maximus's inner circle within days." Vivienne tilts her head. "Almost as if it were planned."
Cold spreads through my chest.
“How do you know all of this?” My voice comes out steadier than I feel.
“I have my sources,” she replies.
"You think I'm a spy?"
"I think you're something." Vivienne's eyes glitter. "I just haven't decided what yet. But I've lived long enough to know that coincidences are rarely coincidental. And you, Celeste Moreau, are a very interesting coincidence."
I want to argue. Want to defend myself, prove that I'm not some planted operative, that my loyalty to Maximus is real.
But the truth is, I don't know why Valentina turned me. I've never known. I assumed rage, wounded pride, the impulsive cruelty of a vampire who couldn't stand losing to a human.
What if I was wrong?
"Vivienne." Maximus's voice cuts through the room like a blade. "If you have evidence that Celeste is compromised, present it. Otherwise, I suggest you keep your conspiracy theories to yourself."
"No theories." Vivienne rises gracefully from her chaise. "Just observations. Take them as you will."
She glides toward the door, then pauses.
"I'll be watching with great interest to see how this all unfolds." She looks back at me one last time. "Especially you, Miss Moreau. Something tells me you're going to be very important before this is all over. I just can't decide if that's good news or bad."
She leaves.
The room is silent.
Dmitri rises, signaling the meeting's end. "Lord Maximus, you have my support. We'll discuss the specifics tomorrow."
"Thank you, Lord Dmitri."
Chen and Okonkwo offer similar farewells, formal, measured, alliance confirmed, but details pending. One by one, they file out, leaving Maximus and me alone in the parlor.
The fire crackles. Shadows dance across the walls.
I haven't moved from my chair.
"Celeste."
Maximus is standing in front of me. I don't know when he moved. His face is unreadable, but his voice is gentler than I've ever heard it.
"What she said…"
"What if she's right?" The words come out hollow. "What if Valentina turned me on purpose? What if I'm here because Konstantin wanted me here?"
"Then it doesn't matter."
I look up at him. "How can you say that?"
"Because I know who you are." He crouches in front of my chair, bringing himself to eye level. Close enough to touch. Close enough that I can smell him, that familiar scent that's become synonymous with safety and desire. "I know what you've done. I know where your loyalties lie. I've watched you fight beside me, bleed for my people, risk your life to protect what we've built."
"But…"
"Vivienne is a manipulator. She plants seeds of doubt because chaos benefits her. She wants you off-balance." His gray eyes hold mine. "Don't let her win."
"And if there's truth to it? If Valentina really did…"
