Page 350 of Eight of Swords, Part Two

Vasily looks at her, the same confusion from before now morphing into a frown. ‘This is why you said it was safer to leave him in prison?’

‘Yes.’

‘So, wait.’ Kade shakes his head. ‘He’s been seeing everything through Lachlan this entire time?’

‘He has not slept since his ritual, so the transfer is almost non-existent. But when away from the Tower, Master Penhalyx gains flashes of locations and faces, which he then reports to us from outside Varrow City.’

Blaire nods. ‘That is how they knew where I was the other night.’

‘Harker took a lot on faith to let you stay.’

‘Does Riley know?’ Kade asks Roman, who shrugs.

‘How can he not?’

‘Riley wouldn’t let him stay if he knew—’

‘Where is the darling firstborn?’ Roman asks, looking around. ‘I was so hoping to see him in the flesh.’

Lachlan wipes his eyes and exhales briskly. ‘How are you alive?’

‘Oh, good, yes. Let’s get down to business. No more mushy feelings, bleugh. Show me that heart of stone, Lachlan Tanner.’ Roman laughs again, thoroughly enjoying himself. ‘I am told Master Penhalyx kept me in stasis until he had the means to reverse the damage.’

‘You were dead, not damaged. I held you in my arms.’

‘Did it haunt you?’ Roman whispers, his face slightly lowered, eyes locked on Lachlan with unsettling hunger. ‘Did my loss cut a scar in you?’

‘Yes.’

‘Show me.’

Lachlan holds out his wrist.

The silvery R carved into his skin.

‘How lovely.’

‘Tell me how he brought you back.’

‘I hardly possess the details of his secrets.’

‘You must have some idea.’

‘I do not, but I know plenty more. I am happy to share.’

‘Because you’re stalling.’

‘Because it is fun watching you all realise how stupid you are.’

‘Why is he stalling?’ Vasily asks.

‘They’re tracking him.’

‘We removed all trackers and all his clothes. We scanned him too.’

‘They’re tracking him through the…’ Lachlan gestures at Roman’s wrist. ‘Connection, I guess.’

‘The Resonyx, you mean? Yes, you’re quite right. Prolonged exposure changes the relationship. In time, a sympathetic bridge forms between soldier and commander. Thought travels both ways. Master Penhalyx always knows where his Echoes are. Since we are one and the same, if I am welcome, so are they all.’