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“You heard him. He claims he didn’t know, Nuri,” Scarlett answered, turning to stride to Sorin’s bedroom.

“Bullshit,” Nuri spat. “He’s the godsdamn general of that infernal force. How the fuck could he not know?”

“I swear to Anala, the females in this room have mouths fouler than any warrior on a battlefield,” Sorin grumbled, crossing his arms and leaning back against the table.

“He shall prove that to me tomorrow. When I haul his ass to the Syndicate,” Scarlett said with a yawn. She was exhausted. Her soul was weary.

“You cannot take him there,” Nuri cried.

“I can and I will,” Scarlett said, beginning to unbuckle weapons from various places.

“Scarlett, we don’t take outsiders in for a reason,” Cassius said, urgency in his voice. “The Council will—”

“If he is in on whatever is happening in our Syndicate, he already knows where it is. If he’s not, like he claims, then he is on our side and will aid us in stopping it. I need him to verify something for me,”Scarlett answered calmly, pulling a dagger from her boot.

“And if he is not on our side?” Nuri asked through clenched teeth.

Scarlett looked over at Sorin as a wicked smile filled her face that even Sorin had the good sense to seem nervous about. “Then he shall learn exactly why the Black Syndicate is so feared.”

“And what of your current assignment? The Assassin Lord is already growing impatient,” Cassius warned.

“My assignment is none of your concern,” Scarlett snapped at Cassius. His eyes widened. She never spoke to him this way.

“Let me rephrase that,” Cassius said slowly. “He is very unhappy with the time it is taking you to complete your assignment. I would strongly advise against entering the Syndicate until that job is completed.”

“Your warning is noted,” she replied. “My plans remain unchanged.”

His face became stern. She could see Sorin watching their exchange with interest.

“He’s not joking about this,” Nuri cut in. “The Assassin Lord has been in quite the mood as of late. Rethink this, Scarlett.”

“Were you not the one screaming at me just last night that those orphans are the highest priority here? That our safety is not the concern?” Scarlett argued. “We have a lead. I am going to follow it. It is myresponsibility.” Nuri’s lips formed a thin line.

“Scarlett, can we please talk about this?” Cassius said, trying and failing to sound patient.

“No. I’m done talking about it. I’m prepared to face whatever may come, and now I am going to bed. I’m exhausted.” She turned and walked into Sorin’s bedroom, shutting the door behind her.

She stripped off her tunic and took off her boots. She could hear low voices in the great room, but they were muffled. She didn’t care what they were saying anyway.

Scarlett stood looking out the window. The moon was hidden behind clouds, and the stars seemed muted. She was surprised he waited the five minutes he did before coming into the room behind her with nothing but a soft tap on the door.

“I have your tonic,” Cassius said, and she heard the soft clink as he set it on the bedside table.

“Thank you.”

“Scarlett,” he said gently.

She didn’t turn to look at him. What was she going to do if Sorin was indeed involved? She’d kill him, obviously, but could she really have missed something so big?

“Scarlett, talk to me.” Cassius was closer now, standing beside her. “Why would you risk this?”

“Why would I not risk this?” she finally countered, glancing at him. “I risk it for the orphans that are my responsibility.”

“They are not just your responsibility.”

“Everyone seems to think they are,” she replied grimly, turning back to the window.

Cassius was silent for a long moment. “Why haven’t you completed your assignment yet? Do you need help?”