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“My gut says it’s Cornelius,” D the report on his desk “It all lines up too well—the way the victims are eio spent half a century in Lijuan’s court at the beginning of his Contract That last’s so I’ve just learned” He put his hands on his hips, raised an eyebrow “But Janvier and the hunter are chasing this trail What can I do for you, esteeers itched for a blade “Have you seen Raphael?”

“Ah” He walked closer “I’m afraid one of your favorite people has come to visit”

“If you tellthe el out of his territory prior to the battle, after Michaela pretended to be pregnant to gain their sympathy—or for some other Machiavellian purpose they hadn’t yet worked out

“Such kinky things you say, Ellie” A purr of sound, before the scents around her becale her breath

“D entered behind Elena, Honor went to poke her husband in the side, a scowl on her face “What are you doing to her?”

Wrapping an ar her strong” His eyes watched Elena, unblinking as a predator’s “Her scent susceptibility is a weakness others haven’t yet learned to exploit, but they will”

Elena wished she could disagree, but, bastard though he was, Ds, she said, “Spit it out Who’s here?”

“Caliane”

Herfrom the way her jaw fell

“Caliane?” they both said in unison

“Yes”

“But she’s an ocean away!” Elena pointed out in desperation “She can’t just leave her city and fly over” Elena had spoken to Raphael about Naasir’s report of Caliane’s loneliness, but he’d said nothing about hisso soon “What about the shield that protects her people? Lijuan’s generals are just a short flight away”

“It appears Raphael’s mother has secrets like any Ancient,” Dmitri said, a faint curve to his mouth “I’ve been in touch with Venoone until I called him Caliane told her people she would be sequestered with her maidens for some days”

Elena rubbed her face “Oh, God,” she moaned “My mother-in-law has arrived for a visit and the house isn’t even ready! Is she there?”