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I tensed, peering into the gloom beyond my door.

Crystal-blue eyes peered back at me. “Over here.”

“Thorne?” I tiptoed into the dining area, whispering, “What are you doing outside of Beta cell?”

He offered me a blinding smile that I was certain had wrecked many hearts. “We didn’t have much time to talk earlier. I thought we could get to know each other.”

I pursed my lips. He was in possession of a key that couldprove useful in our escape. That didn’t mean I trusted him. Not even a little. Since Victor agreed to let him join us—without consulting me—it couldn’t hurt to try to get a better read on the guy. Reclaim control of the situation. Perhaps I’d work my wiles on him, soften him up, and get him to let down his guard. Even without my powers, I was still a sorceress with skills.

“Fine,” I said, careful not to sound too eager. “I was headed to the bathing chamber. You’re welcome to join me.”

His smile widened, a delightful dimple blooming in his cheek. “Lead the way.”

After a couple breathless moments of darting through the shadows, we both stripped down to our undergarments and sank into a steaming corner of the chamber’s pool.

I swallowed a groan, letting the warmth of the water melt my tension.

“You’re insane to risk coming here like this,” I murmured.

He leaned back, resting his elbows on the ledge. “Maybe, but at least you know the key works now.”

Said key rested between his nicely defined pectorals. I allowed my curious gaze to wander over his body, not bothering to hide my interest. He was attractive, in that rakish, bad-boy way. Which usually worked for me, but for some reason, tonight, it did little to stir my blood.

“What are you anyway?” Dark blue scales dusted the tops of his very bare, very broad shoulders. The rest of his skin was sun-kissed tan. I couldn’t get a read on him. Not that I was familiar with every species in existence.

He shrugged. “Shifter.”

“What kind? I didn’t see you shift during the trials.”

Dimples speared his cheeks. “My animal is shy.”

I snorted a laugh. Nothing about this male was shy. Remembering my mission, I trailed my finger along his forearm. “That attack today at the banquet. Your reflexes were incredible.”

“I couldn’t allow any harm to come to my new partner.” Hisdeep voice lowered to a purring rumble, indicating he wasn’t talking about Drazen or Victor.

“You were worried about me?” I pointed to my chest.

He followed the gesture, his sparkling eyes lingering on the bit of cleavage that swelled above the water. “Why, yes. You are the queen’s sister, after all.”

“Not many people are aware of that.” With his gaze fixed on my finger, I caressed the fullness of my breast. “Have you been asking the others about me?”

“What can I say?” He shrugged. “The queen’s handmaid likes to gossip.”

“And you like to listen.” I’d have to watch myself with this one.

“It’s not a crime.”

“No. But can I trust you’re not sharing things with her in return?”

“How can I trust you won’t tell someone about my key?”

“Self-preservation.”

“Exactly. I hear the queen isn’t fond of you. No offense, but I’d prefer she not know we are acquainted.”

I gathered my wet hair off my shoulders, holding it against the base of my neck, offering a coy smile. “So, I’m to be your dirty little secret.”

To this, he cocked an eyebrow, eyes warming as he took in the picture I’d presented. “How dirty are we talking?”