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Mathew doesn’t move. Instead, his hand closes around my wrist in a grip that is suddenly harsh and unyielding.

“I don’t think so, Maya,” he says, his voice still cheerful but edged with something cold I’ve never heard in it before. “We’ve gone to a lot of trouble to arrange this meeting.”

My mind races to catch up with what’s happening. “Mathew, you don’t understand. This man is dangerous. He’s—”

“I know exactly who he is,” Mathew interrupts, steering me fully into the room and closing the door behind us. The soft click of the lock engaging sounds like a gunshot in my ears.

I stare at him, comprehension dawning slowly. “You’re with them.”

Mathew’s smile doesn’t waver. “Since the beginning.”

Betrayal hits me like a punch to the gut, momentarily stealing my breath. “All this time...”

“Do sit down, Dr. Sorin.” Cassian gestures to the chair across from him. “We have much to discuss, and the chef has prepared a truly exceptional meal.”

“I’m not hungry,” I say, my voice steadier than I feel. Mathew has released my wrist, and I back away until I hit the wall, eyes darting between them and searching for an escape route.

“That’s a shame,” Cassian replies, retaking his seat with casual elegance. “But I’m afraid I must insist you join us.”

Mathew takes my arm and guides me forcibly to the table. “Don’t make a scene, Maya. There are hardly any staff members within earshot, and those that are have been paid off. No one’s coming to save you.”

“What do you want from me?” I demand, trying to pull away. “I’ve already completed the antidote. It’s at the palace, being tested as we speak.”

“Yes, we know.” Cassian smiles. “Your breakthrough this morning was quite timely. Perfect, really, for our plans.”

My blood runs cold as I look toward Mathew. “That’s why you were so insistent on coming with me—”

“You didn’t think the Silver Ring would let you go so easily, did you?” Mathew asks, finally releasing my arm as he takes the seat beside me. “It wasn’t easy to infiltrate the palace again, especially with the increased security, but all we had to do was wait for you to leave—”

“You killed my mother.” The accusation tears from my throat.

A flicker of genuine surprise crosses Mathew’s face. “That wasn’t us, actually. Though it proved quite convenient.”

“Then who—”

“Irrelevant,” Cassian interrupts. “The past is immaterial. We’re focused on the future now.”

“And what future is that?” I ask as dread settles in my stomach. “Killing shifters?”

“Equalizing the playing field,” Cassian corrects me. “For too long, shifters have lived among us secretly, infiltrating governments, controlling economies, manipulating human society from the shadows.”

Mathew nods enthusiastically. “They believe themselves superior. We’re simply...disarming them.”

I stare at Cassian. “What the hell are you talking about? You’re a shifter.” He’s silent, and I narrow my eyes. “What is this really about?”

Mathew laughs, delighted. “I told you she was clever. Very clever. It’s no wonder that wolf king is pining over her.”

I ignore him, focusing on Cassian. He glances at the door before turning his attention back to me. “The royal families.”

For a moment, I give him a stunned look. “What?”

Mathew rolls his eyes. “I don’t much care about his motivation, but the work is groundbreaking. An altogether different species. Their kind has similar organs to us, but they function at different speeds. And those of royal blood? Everything about them is enhanced. Their blood could provide cures for illnesses that have been unbeatable so far. I was planning to keep that wolf for more experimentation, till you stole him from me. But we’ll get him back. I’m not done with him yet.”

My blood goes cold. “Griffin is a person. He’s not an animal. I won’t let you treat him like one.”

“Why do you care?” Mathew laughs. “You hate him, remember? I’ve seen the way you avoid him. Besides, you’re human. You should be fucking your own kind, not animals.”

“Mathew.” There is an angry edge to Cassian’s voice, and Mathew falls silent, leaning back and crossing his arms over his chest.