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“Sweet Goddess, have mercy,” he breathed heavily. He listened to the loud, thrumming silence that seemed to suffocate all in the kitchen. ’Twas not the news he wanted. Not now. Not ever. He knew in the pit of his soul, though, that this would be the outcome. “Who was her accomplice?”

“’Tis unknown, but I believe ’twas one of her many bedmates.”

Somehow, he held back a cringe.

Thaddeus. Goddess, please let me be wrong.

Liam placed folded hands on the table and leaned forward, drawing Shaye’s attention from his dismal thoughts.

“I haven’t confided in Dagda our mutual belief that this goes much deeper than anyone wishes to acknowledge. I’ll approach him about it soon. I agree that the only possible way the potion could’ve been stolen was with the help of someone within the Council. If true, ’tis a devastating blow to the loyalty this Council has held for centuries.”

“Do you have any suspects?”

Liam pressed his lips together, then said, “I need to do more investigating. If I can get close enough to those I suspect, I may come away with more information. Unfortunately, my gift of insight isn’t secret among the members of the Council. Most are reluctant to come within arm’s distance of me.”

“Mayhap Dagda should require a test of loyalty from everyone within his Council.” Shaye rubbed a hand over his face and shook his head. “Bloody fucking hell. What do we do now? ’Tis only a matter of time before she returns to Dagda’s castle in hopes of getting revenge.”

“What of you, brother? What of Moira? Should Daeanna be nearby, she’ll be certain to come here. You’d be her target for revenge,” Rihanna said, worry hitching her voice an octave higher. He glanced at his sister, whose brow creased as she tossed a suggestive look toward his bedroom. “Youranam cara, Shaye. She’s with child.”

The corner of his mouth twitched before he scowled. “No one will dare lay a finger on Moira without severe repercussions.”

When he turned back to Liam and Thierry, his old friend stared at him with wide eyes and a gaping mouth while Liam blinked in controlled surprise.

“I mean that. I don’t care who she is, should anyone dare threaten my wife, my soul mate, my guilty verdict shall be rightfully earned.” Shaye shrugged, but his threat resonated. “What does Dagda plan to do? The longer we wait, the more powerful she’ll become. The greater her reach to her old army.”

“Dagda requested my visit today,” Liam disclosed quietly. “He has suggested a trap.”

Rihanna rushed to the table, smacking her hands on the surface. “Nay! He can’t possibly!”

Liam raised a hand. “I understand your concern, Rihanna. And yours, Shaye. But listen to what I have to say before you revolt.”

“Dagda is suggesting I play the bait. Doesn’t take a genius to realize that.”

And here, after six months, Shaye foolishly believed Dagda was beginning to accept him, a half-breed, into his Council. Nay. Never. He’d forever be considered tainted by his human blood, regardless of who his father was.

Shaye was naught better in the eyes of his king than bloody fucking bait.

“Is this his idea of an initiation?” Thierry snapped.

“Enough.” Shaye motioned his loyal friend to silence with a single finger. He turned cold eyes on Liam. The man didn’t appear intimidated in the least. In fact, he lifted his chin and the hint of a grin played on his lips. “Is that all I mean to him?”

“If you wish to know, Shaye, this is his last resort. He asked me not to suggest it, but ’tis I who believe it will be the most efficient way of luring and capturing her with the least amount of injury incurred. Since her whereabouts are unknown, you may indeed be the best lure we have. Regardless of her resentment toward you, the truth is that you are anunobtainable goal for her, and until she wins, she will forever fight for what she believes is hers.”

Shaye was shaking his head before Liam finished speaking. “The suggestion is too much. My concern is Moira, Chase, and Terrek. My family. My involvement will only cause her to attack those I love out of spite and, as you stated, resentment.”

Liam turned his palm over and, without hesitation, drew a pin from the sleeve of his robes and slashed it across his skin. Bright red blood welled from the wound as he held his hand toward Shaye.

“I have offered only Dagda my blood oath in my lifetime. Here, I offer you an oath of blood. A promise witnessed by the Goddess. I’m offering my loyalty to you, and my protection. The longer we allow Daeanna to roam these realms unleashed, the greater the threat to us all. A passive approach shall only delay what destruction she may plan upon us, upon you and your family. We must work together to capture her. To deliver proper justice to her and those who have sworn their loyalty to her over their vows to Dagda.”

Liam lowered his head, boring his gaze into Shaye. Gold flecks pulsed through the azure, intensifying with each second.

“I will remain by your side through this, Shaye. And with my alliance, you will have the Council behind you as well.”

“Those not in Daeanna’s favor,” Shaye amended.

Liam inclined his head in agreement.

“Aye. You have my word.” He extended his bleeding palm. “My blood.”