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Gas hissing from somewhere in the darkness, its scent familiar because once upon a time, his men used the same thing on me, too.

This can't be. No. Not again.

Darkness rushes up to claim me, and the last thing I see is Sylvain trying to reach me in time.

But he's too, too late.



















Chapter Eight

SYLVAIN CHECKED HISwatch as he leaned against the marble pillar, the cold stone seeping through his jacket while he waited for Liana to change into the dress he had provided. The courthouse was nearly empty at this hour: a few cleaning staff, the night guard dozing at his post, and Judge Grimault waiting nervously in his chambers.

A part of him was still questioning his sanity. Was this truly what he wanted? A hastily-arranged wedding ceremony, expedited by the use of favors and bribes, and an empty government building for a venue, with its hallways perfumed by stale coffee and floor polish.

But when he thought of the other alternative, which was to simply let her walk out of his life...

Non.

And so he decided to make a call. If this marriage was for better or worse, then so be it.

One. Two. Three...

It was on the fifth ring that his call finally connected.

"This had better be important." The voice that answered was low and cultured, but edged with something dangerous. The voice of a man who made a living from killing both kings and traitors.

"Dauphin. I need a favor."

A pause, calculated rather than surprised. Calixte Romano—known in darker circles as Dauphin Tueur, the Prince of Killers—wasn't a man who received unexpected calls at four in the morning.

"It's late notice, Sylvain." The words were neutral, but the subtle emphasis on his name was a reminder that Calixte knew exactly who he was dealing with.

"For which I apologize." Sylvain kept his voice even. "But I need you to come up with a series of tests."

There was a soft sound in the background, the soft click of keys as Calixte started working on his laptop. Typical. The Prince of Killers was not one to waste time, even in conversation.

"What's the objective?"