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Jericho grinned. Their enemy took them by surprise shortly before dawn. His friend slept in the nude. “Liam led that counterattack in little more than his leather arm cuffs.”

“An image I’ve endeavored to scour from my mind.”

“Agreed.”

Victor plucked a plant mister from a bench and began spritzing his prized orchids. “It surprised me to learn he’d claimed a faerie as his Chosen.”

Finally, they’d arrived at the heart of this meeting. Jericho schooled his reaction, saying simply, “As was I.” By now, Victor would have learned Liam had hidden Alex from the Council. Victor was testing the waters, examining Jericho’s loyalty. A test he couldn’t afford to fail.

“I was equally surprised to hear he’d bequeathed her to you. Given your history, I understand how troubling this must be.” There were only two males who knew the story of Jericho’s past. One lay in a medical bed. “Your friend has placed you in a difficult position.”

“That he has.”

“I could simplify the matter for you.”

“Sir?”

“Give her to me,” Victor said in a deceptively even tone. “If you were to transfer the bond, I would accept full responsibility for Alexandra’s well-being. After all, a warrior’s life isn’t suited to keeping Chosen.”

Jericho tensed. Nothing good could come from Victor’s interest in the woman.“It’s a generous offer. However, I swore an oath to Liam.”

Victor’s hand froze mid-spray. “You swore an oath to me as well.”

“Yes, my liege.”

Victor set the mister back on the table and turned, canting his head. “If I demanded this of you, I wonder what your answer would be. After all, Liam is the male who pulled you from the sun. You owe him a blood debt.” Blood debts were among the most sacred in the underworld, amongst all species.

If Victor insisted Jericho hand over his Chosen…

His mind stalled with the ramifications.

Whatwouldhe do? Break his oath? He would have to but, to Victor or to Liam? Would he break his oath to Alex as well? In claiming her, he’d also sworn to protect her. His mind was conflicted, a state he despised.

The very idea of Victor doubting his loyalty troubled him. He said simply, “It’s to you I’ve pledged my fealty.”

Given the slight curve of Victor’s lips, it seemed he’d answered correctly. “And you have fulfilled that duty in spades. No other clan leader is so well served. In fact, I consider you part of the reason I’ve held my position for so many years. Such loyalty should come with certain concessions. Don’t you think?”

Jericho’s response spilled from his tongue as though programed. “My sword is yours. I do not require compensation.”

“Spoken as a loyal subject of the Eastern Realm. I imagine you’d like to avenge your fallen comrade.”

One way or another, Jericho would deliver justice to those responsible for harming Liam. If he could do that while serving his clan leader, even better. He clenched his fists. “It’s my greatest desire.”

“The assassin. Witnesses claim he mentioned someone named Zion before Liam killed him.”

“You’ve heard of him?”

Victor nodded. “Long ago, before your time, Zion led a movement of zealots. Those who believed we shouldn’t suppress our more primal natures supported him. They felt the strong should rule over the weak and be treated like gods. It was an uprising that was easily subdued.”

“You believe this same Zion is behind the drug issue?”

“I find it unlikely since I’m the one who ended him.” Victor’s lips curled. “Though it’s possible someone new has taken up his name along with his cause. After all, this drug erases inhibitions. Carves away a male’s humanity until they are their most primal self. Zion would love nothing more.”

Jericho rubbed his chin, growing contemplative. “Whoever he is, he’s well-funded, persuasive, educated. He knows the system and how to use it to his advantage. His poison is spreading faster than we can contain it.”

“I fear we are losing ground,” Victor admitted. “To put an end to this, we need to cut off the head of the serpent.”

“Any theories on who’s responsible?”