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Bellamy leaned back, scoffing as though she were an imbecile. “A simple house fire cannot destroy an object made of dark magic.”

She maintained her icy demure while outrage had her toes curling hard enough to cramp. “Then it’s a shame you didn’t intervene years ago and put a stop to its creation. If you’re so worried about Alistair getting his hands on it, then perhaps you should focus your attention on the deviant himself.”

Bellamy leveled a disdainful glare at her. “Alistair is wanted by both the underworld’s Council and the Syndicate for his many crimes. When we find him, he will pay for his offenses.”

Faust swiveled his hawk-like gaze in her direction. “We believe he was hiding in the remains of your former mansion these last few months, drawing power from the ley lines on the property. Your little ceremony might have interrupted his regeneration. Once he’s at full strength, there is no gate strong enough to prevent him from coming after you.”

Vivian squared her shoulders. “Then you had better see to it that you stop him first. It isn’t my job to police your criminals.”

Liam snickered while Tiberius rose from his chair, saying, “Gentlemen, I believe we’re done here.”

Vivian stood as well, turning to Liam. “Darling, please escort our guests to the door. I’d like a word with Magister Steele before he leaves.”

“Yes, Mistress,” Liam snarled. Those two words sounded so menacing they had both members of the Syndicate hopping off the settee. After Liam glared a warning in Tiberius’ direction, he followed the mages into the hall.

Bellamy paused at the doorway, saying in a hostile tone, “We’ll be watching, Ms. Laurent.”

Once they were alone, Vivian lost the grip she held over her wrath, hissing at Tiberius. “How dare you go to the Syndicate. Did you show them everything? Was it your intent to humiliate me?”

The harsh lines around his mouth softened, his tone placating. “Yes, Vivian, I showed them everything, but only out of concern for your welfare. After all, you almost had your throat ripped out yesterday.”

“And the Syndicate was all but oozing concern for my welfare. All you’ve done is put yet another target on my back.”

Tiberius’ expression turned calculating. “All the more reason to give them that sword.”

She braced her hands on her hips and leaned forward. “I can’t give them something I don’t have.”

He drew closer to her, scanning her face for some indication of whether she spoke true, then heaved a sigh. She could almost see the change in him like the flipping of a switch. He’d decided to take one last run at her, drawing a line, his benevolence at an end.

“Once word gets out, Alistair won’t be the only deviant eager to get their hands on that sword. You and anyone you care about are in grave danger. If you know anything of its whereabouts, it is imperative you tell me now.”

He grasped her wrist, dipped his head to her neck, and brushed his lips to her ear. “Talk to the Syndicate, then come home with me, Vivian. Let me keep you safe. I won’t make the offer again.”

She raised her chin. Now that he’d drawn that line, she found her feet stuck in the sand. “As you said, I am in grave danger with many who would do me harm. This threat will follow me anywhere I go. I could never endanger the Council Magister in such a manner.”

He stiffened and drew back. Ice glinted in his eyes. “Have it your way then.”

She watched his departing back, hands shaking, fearing she’d just made another enemy.

With her uninvited guests gone, Liam stormed through the study door, slamming it hard enough to make her jump.

“You lied to them, Viv. You know exactly where that sword is.” He closed in on her, and she backed up a step.

She had. And she did. “It’s all a game, Liam,” she said in her haughtiest tone, neither confirming nor denying. “I’d thought you would have learned that by now.”

“Believe me, I know all about your little games. Seems to me you have a shit hand, and you’re bluffing when you need to fold.”

“Who am I to trust, then? Tiberius? The Syndicate?You? The location of the soul sword is the only leverage I have. The moment I give up control, I’ll be at their mercy.”

“And for as long as you’re connected to that sword, the lives of you and everyone around you are in danger. What’s that control worth to you, Viv? Are you willing to pay the price?”

Gone was the gentle caregiver he’d shown her last night. It was stupid of her to forget how heartless he could be when he wanted. “No, of course not. I made this bed, and I alone will lie in it.”

He studied her from the corner of his eye. Tone leery, he asked, “What are you going to do?”

She drew back her shoulders, swallowing the lump in her tightening throat. “Whatever is necessary.”

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