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“I’m not blameless.”

“No. You’re, not,” Damian said silkily. Closing the distance but maintaining a healthy space between them, he clasped his hands behind his back. “Confess.”

The enchanted word workeditsmagic as she regurgitated the barest facts of all her crimes.One hour later, she ran out of breath, and her energy was depleted.

“Was money so important to you?” He waved a hand to encompass her palatial mansion. “With so many in need, why wasn’t this adequate for your needs? Why wasn’t your family enough to feed the emptiness in your soul?”

“I don’t know.”

Those were the first honest words she’d spoken of herownfree will, and a fluttering sense of sadness rose between them. Hers, for not appreciating what she had, and his, for anyone incapable of understanding there was more to life than the collection of material possessions.

“Many people have suffered and died because you wanted more than your fair share, Agnes. Good people who might have benefited from the medical gifts the earth provides. Benefits no manufactured pill can provide.” He purposefully hardened his features, and the room’s temperaturedropped to freezing. Taking satisfaction in her shiver, he said, “You’ll write the names of those involved. Mortal or magical, I care not. They will face justice.”

“Why do you care about one frumpy earth witch so damned much?” she cried, realizing she wasn’t getting out of this room alive.

“Frumpy?” He laughed, incredulous. “You see an overweight woman who enjoys toiling in the dirt. Those who love her recognize she holds a thousand times more beauty than you and your daughter combined.” Damian gave Agnes a pitying look. “You’ll never understand her worth because you are worthless. Soleil brings love and laughter wherever she goes. Her heart is solid gold.” He rocked back on his heels and shook his head. “And that richness of soul is priceless. Far more valuable than all you hold sacred.”

“Thank you, Damian.”

His watchful gaze remained locked on his prey, but he smiled for Trevor, who stepped up behind Agnes, dropping his cloaking spell.

“I assume Soleil heard through your connection?” Damian asked him.

“She did.”

“Excellent. And now, I’ll leave you to do what you do best, Blane.”

When Trevor’s hand clamped down on Agnes’s shoulder, locking her in place, Damian addressed the other hidden occupants in the room. “I trust Mr. Blane’s loyalty will no longer be in question, Councilwoman Carter?”

“We understand his value to our organization,” she replied as she revealed the group.

“Excellent. Then consider this a promise fulfilled. Thank you for grantinghisfreedom in exchange for this one last mission.”

“Last mission? No one?—”

The Aether came to the forefront and stared the group into submission. “Trevor Blane no longer works for you. Nor will his brother, Simon, take his place.”

“You don’t make the rulesAether,” Councilman Reed stammered.

“He doesn’t, but I do.” Golden lights, like a starburst of fireflies, exploded beside him, and the Goddess Isis appeared, touching Damian’s arm to show her favor. “The entire Blane family will retain their powers and be answerable to the Aether andtome.”

As one, the Council bowed their heads, acknowledging her rule.

“Trevor has another destiny ahead of him. One to help his futurebride,and to write entertaining novels for future generations.”

“Books? Me?” Trevorchoked out a laugh, but the instant he saw her kohl-lined eyes narrow and irritation transform her exotic countenance, he changed his tune. “I—uh, sure. Yeah. I’m good with that if it's what you want.”

Damian smirked, earning a deadly glare from the Death Dealer. “Oh, if looks could kill,” he murmured.

“I’m working on adding that ability to my repertoire,” Trevor retorted.

Isis laughed.

“Trust me, child, the muse will strike soon enough.” She tapped her chin as if pondering. “Nine months and three years, if I’m not mistaken.”

She wasnevermistaken.

“Nine—” Trevor shut his eyes and groaned. “Soleil’s pregnant, isn’t she?”