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‘Who, then?’

‘Last night more than convinced Spinner that everything you told us is true,’ Ducos said. ‘He insisted our benefactors should know aboutAdvena sapiensas soon as possible, arguing that we had an overriding moral duty to inform all countries opposed to Scion. Pivot and I were against this. We reminded him that we only serve the countries that fund our network; any decisions on disseminating the information farther would have to come from them. Spinner relented. Now I wonder if another party has been greasing his palm.’

‘You think he’s already told someone about the Rephs?’

‘I think he’s told Tinman.’

‘Why?’

‘I told you how they earned that name. Tinman is known for underhanded tactics and extreme self-interest, and we already know its agents want you. I can see them hatching this plan.’

‘But Spinner knew I was leaving for Rome. Why didn’t he grab me sooner?’

‘I led him to believe that you were due to leave on Tuesday, not tonight. That’s why I told you to disguise yourself when you left your room, so he wouldn’t realise you were gone,’ she said. ‘We need him to believe that you and Warden are still in Venice.’ She gave me a sidelong look. ‘If Tinman gets hold of you, they’ll want to turn you into their instrument by any means. If they get hold of Warden, I can almost guarantee he’ll be locked in a military installation on some godforsaken black site and vivisected. You’ll never see him again.’

Arcturus caught my gaze in the mirror.

Terebell had trusted me by agreeing to attend that meeting. I imagined Spinner calculating which of them would be easier to capture. Arcturus was the obvious choice, in his state.

‘It was Spinner who suggested that we speak to Warden a second time,’ Ducos said. ‘It seemed reasonable, but when I saw that message, I acted.’ She opened her window. ‘Now you’re both out, Pivot can secure the Palazzo del Domino. We’ll catch Spinner in the act.’

‘What about Maria and Nick?’

‘They’ll be fine. Pivot has it all under control.’

‘I’m glad someone does,’ I said tightly. ‘Are you sure Spinner isn’t aligned with Grapevine?’

‘No. I’m not sure. But we’ll know by tomorrow.’

‘Wait.’ I sat up straighter. ‘Are you taking us both to Rome?’

‘Yes. Why?’

‘Cade knows Arcturus. That means he can detect him in the æther.’

‘I have alysoplasm, Paige.’ Arcturus spoke for the first time. ‘I can use it to—’

‘Not on my watch.’ I rounded in my seat to glare at him. ‘You think poisoning yourself for days is going to help you get better?’

If he was surprised by my outburst, he concealed it, meeting my gaze levelly. I flushed.

‘I will not have to take it for long,’ he said. ‘When Terebell returns to Italy, I can leave with her.’

‘I’m telling her right now.’ I dug into my pocket. ‘She might not have reached the cold spot in the Apennines. You need someone with you.’

‘How do you mean to contact her?’

‘I gave her a phone.’

‘She would have discarded it. After Senshield, she swore never to use human technology.’

‘Fucking hell,’ I exploded. ‘No wonder the Sargas are winning!’

‘Calm down, Flora,’ Ducos said firmly. ‘I understand why you’re angry, but Warden is conspicuous and unwell, and we can’t just put him anywhere. I can get him to a sanctuary, but I’ll need a few days.’

‘Fine.’ I sat back in my seat. ‘Arcturus, if I haven’t killed Cade within those few days, you need to leave. You know full well you can’t be on alysoplasm for any longer.’

He looked out of the window. ‘As you wish, Underqueen.’