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“Yourwordisn’t enough.”

“They are hidden inside my vault. I’d have to go inside.”

“I’ll wait.” He held his arms out and glanced back at the pale ones. They raised swords, howled and jumped, ready to be unleashed. “But I would hurry. They’re getting restless.”

“Restless to die? My archers and dragons will destroy them.”

“We’ll see.”

“So we are clear, I get your immortality, and you’ll give us Soulender?” She grinned, eyes going wider with greed. Except for a few moments, she hadn’t taken her gaze off of it since he’d taken it out.

“You will get this sword when mine and Valeen’s immortality is in my hands.” He held up the golden blade. “But I want my wife’s land returned to her as well, and your oath that Soulender will not be used against Valeen, War, or myself.”

“I never thought I’d see the day that you broke down and learned your lesson. Especially that stubborn wife of yours. A primordial really should know better. It isn’t that hard, is it? To simply know when you’re beaten.”

Hel had to push down the fire boiling in his chest. “Enough of your gloating, do you agree or not?”

“I agree. I swear on my position as head of the council—neither you, nor Valeen, or War, will be harmed or killed by an immortal weapon as long as I—or a member of the council—hold it. And Valeen is entitled to House of Night. The otherprimordials would ensure that even if I didn’t.” The little smirk at the corner of her mouth almost drove him to madness.

“And Katana?” Atlanta asked.

He shrugged. “If you expect me to go fetch her for you, you’re sorely mistaken. If you want her, get her yourself.” He was betting on the hope that Valeen and Katana had their wall up before he could try.

“Does Valeen know you’re here?” Pricilla eyed him suspiciously. “I hear you’ve reconciled, even after the betrayal that ruined you. But she always said she would never give up Soulender.”

“I think my holding this sword is proof enough she changed her mind, and she’s elsewhere because it would be stupid to have all three of us here for you to kill should things go sour.” Hel tapped his temple. “Someone has to keep our memories.”

Pricilla cackled. “A tragedy really, to forget each other over and over. But it had to be done. Two thousand years later and this can finally end. Marvelous.” She clasped her hands tighter and let out a quiet squeal.

Hel didn’t let his anger show, kept his expression bored. “My army is ready should you try anything.”

Pricilla’s lip curled in disgust at the pale ones lined up behind him. “You will wait here, and when the exchange is made, you will leave, but we will need to destroy these creatures. The council cannot allow them to exist any longer.”

Hel nodded, glancing over at Mathekis, who shifted uncomfortably in his seat.

“He lives.”

“Then more will be created.”

“He won’t turn anyone else, and if he does, I will personally kill them both.”

“We cannot allow the risk.”

“You will.”

She sneered and turned her mount, while Atlanta and Alehelm stayed behind.This will be an awkward few minutes. Might as well make it interesting.“So, given that Katana is utterly in love with someone else, I think it’s safe to say she is no longer interested in being married to you.”

“That didn’t stop you,” Atlanta sneered.

“Well, I didn’t beat my wife. In fact, I worship her, as a husband should. Usually with my tongue.”

Atlanta’s nose scrunched in distaste. “Gods don’t worship their wives, even if they are primordial goddesses. You’re pathetic, Zaurahel, and always have been.”

“Must we resort to childish banter to pass the time? Because if we are, I’d bet money you stood by like a coward while Synick murdered Katana, too afraid to step in.” Atlanta’s aquamarine eyes flashed, brightening with his magic. “Oh, I’ve struck a nerve. Or maybe you were in on it with him. You grew tired of her complaints of you being unfaithful. She didn’t like you fucking anything with tits and threatened to leave.”

“You know nothing. Valeen has poisoned your mind with this lie about Synick.”

“She didn’t have to. Katana herself said he did it.”