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“I am well aware that you have claimed her,” the first man drawled. “Although she has almost slipped through your fingers— again. How many times am I going to need to deliver her to you?”

“She bears their Mark,” Mikale snarled again. “Get to her.”

And to her horror, Lord Tyndell stepped into view.

“Sorin Aditya,” he sneered. “After all I have done for you, you try and take her from us?”

Sorin turned to face the Lord, blocking Scarlett from his view with his own body. “How long have you known who I am?” His tone was bland and bored as he pulled a shirastone dagger from his side.

“Ever since the Witch child figured out the wards around my estate,” Lord Tyndell replied coldly. “Although I suspected you were Fae shit much sooner.”

Mikale came into view then, stepping to the Lord’s side. “Come out, my pet,” he purred. “We had a deal. You know the consequences of going back on it.”

“Do not listen to him, Scarlett,” Sorin called to her. He reached behind him, finding her hand, as if he needed to make sure she wasn’t going to go to Mikale. “We have made sure everyone you love is safe and secure.”

Scarlett closed her eyes, trying to steady her breathing. The loud rushing water sound was back in her ears. It was deafening as she tried to sort through all the information crashing down on her. Lord Tyndell knew Sorin was Fae because of Cassius’s wards? If he knew that, then he knew—

Scarlett found herself stepping around Sorin and coming to his side, pulling her hand from his and palming the dagger she still held. “Scarlett,” he hissed, attempting to shove her back again, but she dug in her feet.

“You’ve known?” she said, addressing the Lord. “You’ve known I am Fae? Since Cassius put up these wards?”

“My dear girl, I have known what you are since the day you were born,”the Lord answered. “After all, I knew your mother. I know what power flows in your veins.”

“How?” Scarlett demanded. “How did you know my mother?”

“I think the question you should be asking is how didheknow the woman you call your mother?” The Lord’s gaze dragged to Sorin as he spoke the words, and Scarlett whirled to him.

“What is he talking about, Sorin?”

“I did not know right away. It took me a while to piece it together—”

“How long have you known?” Her voice was shrill, and she realized she had her dagger pointed at him.

“Scarlett, let’s focus on getting out of here and then I will tell you everything—”

“How long?” Scarlett nearly screamed the words.

“Since the night of the party at the Pier, but I am still not sure—”

Scarlett whirled back to the Lord and Mikale. Mikale’s face was one of amusement, but he kept silent. Lord Tyndell was watching her carefully. “Are you finally going to complete your assignment?” the Lord asked softly.

“What do you know of my assignment?” Her breathing was shallow as she tried to force more air into her lungs.

“Quite a bit. I was the one who contacted the Assassin Lord about employing your services. Once I learned who and what he was, obviously I could not have a Fae in our company,” the Lord answered, taking a single step towards her.

“Why didn’t you just take care of him yourself? You had plenty of opportunities.” Scarlett still had her dagger pointed at Sorin, but she watched the Lord and Mikale from the corner of her eye.

“Because I thought you would enjoy the retribution against a Fae from the Fire Court for your mother’s death, of course,” the Lord replied with another step. “Tell me, Scarlett dear, do you know why he is in our lands?”

“He is here on orders from his queen to find a weapon that is apparently hidden and guarded here,” Scarlett answered.

“Is that what they call it?” The Lord took another step. “A weapon?”

Unsure of what he was asking, Scarlett kept silent.

“Scarlett,” Sorin whispered.

“Shut up!” she snapped. “Do not speak.” A half grin tilted on the Lord’s lips. It reminded her of the entertained smile he sometimes displayed when she was less than polite at the dinner table. “Do you know what this weapon is?” She addressed him now.