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With only one occupant.

Valmer stopped at the door, a guard positioned outside. “I have permission,” he began.

The guard held up one hand. “It’s okay, sir. I’ve been informed. Knock on the door when you’re ready to leave.” He shivered. “Rather you than me. That guy gives me the creeps.”

Valmer said nothing, but waited as the guard unlocked the door. He stepped inside and heard theclickas it shut behind him.

Theron was seated at a small square table on which sat a jug of water and a plastic cup. A single bed stood beneath the barred window below the ceiling, the thick wall sloping toward it. There was nothing else in the tiny room that had once been for storage. A wall of bars separated them.

Theron arched his eyebrows. “Didn’t you have enough of my company? I thought I’d seen the last of you. Couldn’t stay away, huh? How sweet.”

Valmer stared at him in silence.

He gestured to his surroundings. “I suppose I should be grateful not to find medieval instruments of torture in here, ready for me. The rack, for example. Or maybe some fiendish machine designed to slowly dismember me.”

Still Valmer said nothing.

Theron frowned. “Well? Why are you here? To gloat? Is that it? Or maybe it’s to find out how they’re treating me? Lavishly, as you can see.” He smirked. “I provided better accommodation for my guards.”

At last he found his voice. “I wanted to see you one last time.”

“Ah, before you shoot me? I’ve been expectingsomeoneto carry out my execution.” He sneered. “How disappointing that they chose you. I suppose Aelryn couldn’t bring himself to do it. Ansfrid must be rolling in his grave to see his descendant so lacking in courage.”

“I wish Icouldbe the one to execute you. God knows I have reason enough.” Valmer’s throat seized, and he swallowed. “You threatened my mate. You made him betray his friends. You had me beaten up so he’d comply. So yes, nothing would make me happier than putting a bullet in your brain.”

“Then why not do it?” Theron waved his hand. “Oh, I forgot how weak you are. How pathetic. Well, if you’re not here to shoot me, whyareyou here?”

“I had to see you before they ship you out of here. Before they put you somewhere you’ll never see the light of day again.” Valmer moved closer to the bars. “You’re going to rot, alone and unloved.” He forced the words through gritted teeth. “Even the rest of the Gerans will forget you as they learn the truth.”

“Never,” Theron snarled.

Valmer smiled. “It’s already begun. Soon every shifter on the planet will know what you did. What the Gerans did. You’re about to become irrelevant, insignificant, unwanted.” He grinned. “Forgotten, unlike theartifacts you tried so desperately to keep out of sight. Now they willneverbe forgotten, and that’s because of you.”

Theron’s face tightened.

“But I wouldn’t worry if I were you. I mean,howold are you? How many years do you think you have left to spend them in a cell? Because the Fridans willneverlet you out. And unlike you, they’re very good at keeping people alive. You might even survive another thirty years.”

Theron glared at him, his lips twisted into a snarl.

Valmer glanced at the walls. “This—or something like it—is going to be your view for the rest of your life. And don’t expect them to put an end to your misery. They won’t execute you. It’s far more satisfying to keep you like this.”

Theron narrowed his gaze. He stood and walked toward the bars. “I won’t be kept a prisoner. I’ll escape.”

Valmer barked out a laugh. “How? You can’t shift. Your food probably takes care of that. You know, the way you keptmedrugged? And now I’m wondering how long they’ll keep you like that. Who knows? You might never shift again.” He smiled, knowing that would probably be the barb that found its target. “Payback really is a bitch, isn’t it?” He paused. “But thereisan alternative.” Valmer’s heart pounded.

Theron arched his eyebrows again.

Valmer reached into his pocket for the small metal box. He held it out to Theron between the bars. “It’s only a tiny bottle, a mouthful, really, but there’s enough in it to be fatal. As strong as you think you are, it’ll even kill you.”

“And why would I do that?” Theron kept his hands at his sides.

“Because I don’t think you want to be caged for however many decades you have left.” Valmer tilted his head. “I’m right, aren’t I? And although thismightfeel as though you’d be taking the easy way out, you’d deprive Aelryn of his victory. His prize.” He smiled. “And part of me thinks you would rather do that than put up with what your life will become. Imprisonment… locked into your human form. Daily visits from Aelryn to remind you of your crimes. Though I’m sure you’d come to look forward to such visits, because apart from your guard, he’d be the only visitor you’d receive.” Another pause. “So… do I put it back in my pocket and walk out of here?”

Theron snatched the box from his hand in a flash. “Now get out of my sight.”

Valmer smiled. “With pleasure.” He turned and went to the door. He rapped on it, and a moment later, the guard opened it. Valmer didn’t glance back as he exited the cell.

“That was short and sweet,” the guard observed.