Page 180 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

‘Five that we know of.’

‘You weren’t even there that night the bond formed at the Tower,’ Lachlan points out. ‘And neither was Blaire.’

‘I did not say I have all answers.’ Vasily then looks at Kade. ‘I think he doubts me,’ he adds in a loud whisper. ‘His mind is only open whichever way your heart is pointing.’

‘So you’re saying their bond is connected to everything?’

‘I believe so, yes.’

‘How do you know Harker isn’t human?’

Kade remembers something Blaire told him last night.

I can tell you that your Knot can only be forged between non-humans.

Fuck.

He didn’t even clock it, was too busy wallowing in the fact that he might be a Brightling to realise she was talking about Riley too.

‘Because…’ he says slowly, ‘a Death Knot can’t form between humans.’

‘Excellent work, my friend,’ Vasily praises, nodding sagely.

Lachlan shoots Riley a hostile look of curiosity. ‘What are you, then?’

Riley, to his credit, gives Lachlan a cold smile devoid of anything but sarcasm. ‘A pretty boy warlord in a high tower, just like you said.’

‘If you’re his brother, then it makes sense you’re a Brightling like Jules.’

‘Ah.’ Vasily lifts a hand to interrupt. ‘Hold there. Must fix.’

‘I know I’m a Brightling.’ Kade pushes past his discomfort. ‘I accept it.’

‘My friend.’ Vasily reaches across the table for Kade’s hand. He waits until Kade reluctantly gives it, wary frown in place. Vasily Sorrenko’s hands are large yet soft. ‘I can tell you this because you told me years ago.’

‘Tell me what?’

‘You are a Sway.’

Kade waits for more information. None is given.

Sway.

‘And that is…?’

Lachlan gasps softly, staring at Kade. ‘Oh my God.’

‘What does that mean?’ Kade looks to Riley. ‘Do you know?’

‘I do,’ Riley says quietly. ‘It’s a kind of non-human.’

‘What kind?’

‘We call them Lazorevy,’ Vasily explains.

‘Oh my fucking God,’ Lachlan says, getting up, hand over his mouth.

‘Blue?’ Kade struggles to translate. ‘Like, azure?’