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"You’re a liar," Ryziel hissed. "And once me and Korzien speak, I will make sure you feel the judgement of my blade first."

"Go on, then," Zyr said. "Find him and see. If he has not already taken his chosen to his bed." Zyr laughed again, and Ryziel thought to hit him once more. Instead, he left him there with the women and started for the main terrace.

***

The night was at its fullest when Ryziel came upon the main terrace, looking over the city. There were few guards patrolling, and those who were, he knocked out easily. Nillium walked by, thinking him no more than a shadow, until he finally found Korzien, staring out at the cityscape, with Aly crouching down beside him, head covered in her hood, hands hidden underneath her as she bent forward.

Ryziel walked calmly toward him, sheathing his blades. His eyes drew down toward Aly, wishing she would look up and see him, knowing he was here now, and she would be all right. Instead, Korzien twisted around and saw him first.

"Brother," he whispered in surprise.

Ryziel stopped before him. "Brother."

Korzien looked shocked at first but then his mouth curved slowly into a smile. "I am so glad you are here, as unexpected as that is."

"I freed myself from Lethe Maws to join you. Our uncle is dead." Ryziel’s eyes drifted back to Aly, who still hadn't moved, her body shaking with each breath.

"I see," Korzien said, not moving to check on Aly nor even to embrace him.

When Korzien said nothing else, Ryziel frowned. "You rule First House now, and I would be by your side. My only request is that you give her to me. She is my mate."

Korzien tilted his head. "Is that so? And how is that?"

"We joined together when in the mines."

Korzien seemed extra surprised at that.

"Come, brother," Korzien said, his expression darkening. "The night is young, still. Tell me everything." He went over to a nearby table and poured them each some wine.

Ryziel glanced down at Aly then back at him. "I would see my mate first."

"She can wait."

Ryziel's mouth tightened. As Korzien's back was turned, he quickly crouched down and laid a hand on Aly's back. She flinched and cowered back from him.

"Aly, it's me. You’re all right," he said softly.

She did not move nor even look at him.

"I said leave her, Ryziel."

Ryziel straightened and looked back at his brother. "I don't understand. What have you done?"

"She serves us now. She belongs to us." Korzien gave Ryziel the wine. "I'm sorry, I must seem off to you. I am just shocked that you are here, my brother." He put a hand on his shoulder. "But I am glad now of it. You should be here for this too. And after, we will speak and make things right."

Ryziel's eyes narrowed. "After what?"

"The joining." Korzien pointed down at Aly. "She is my chosen. To have my children."

Before Ryziel could even think of what he just said, Korzien gripped his shoulder tighter. "I did not know, though, that you had already claimed her. Forgive me. This happened before I knew of anything."

Ryziel stared, beyond words.

"It should have always been you and me anyway, right? This is fitting. You can stay by my side now, and we will share in this blessing together." He dropped his hand from Ryziel's shoulder. "And there will be plenty of others too. You don't have to chain yourself to only one."

A growl ripped from Ryziel's mouth, surprising them both.

No. No, she's mine.