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"I would think Miss Oliver would have better things to do, with the trial against her employer so imminent,” the dragon says with cold arrogance. “Certainly, Mr. Night is hoping for more commitment to the preparation,"

Oh boy, this guy is really trying to get my goat.

But I won't let him.

"Rest assured, The Night Firm is doing everything in its power to prove that Liam is innocent. We have many other leads that are much more damning than Liam being in the same location as everyone else in town at the time of the explosion. That seems a pretty weak foundation to prove guilt, don't you think?" I ask the judge.

He frowns. "Not many can conjure that kind of fire."

"I don't know about this world, but in my world, us talking specifics about the case like this would be justification for change of venue. Or at least a new judge," I say with another disarming smile. Honestly, after tonight, I may never smile again. My teeth hurt from exposing them to so much slime.

Dath'Racul nods. "Of course. You are correct. But you must not have heard; I am not the judge on this case."

Finally, good news, but his cruel smile doesn't encourage me.

"I will be prosecuting the case against Mr. Night," Dath'Racul says.

Shit. Shit, shit and double effing shit. How can this even be allowed? I have to keep my cool. "I think you mean you'll be prosecuting the case against the person ultimately found responsible? Surely you are committed to justice? To exploring all leads? There have been rumors of conflict with the people of the Otherworld and the dragon leadership. It's a promising lead that might exonerate Liam by pointing the finger at the true guilty party."

I study his face as he responds to my veiled threat.

"I am sure you will find the answer is not nearly so simple. It is natural that a society would want to challenge its leaders. They do not have all the information and thus question decisions they do not understand," he says.

"Perhaps it's time they had all the information then," I say.

His face hardens, but before he can say more, Nicholas chuckles. "It's good to see you, Dath'Racul. Get a drink and enjoy the party. I'd like to show Eve off to a few more people before the night escapes us."

Dath'Racul nods curtly and walks away, grabbing a flaming fire drink from a tray carried by a beautiful woman with cat ears and a tail. She is wearing almost nothing save a see-through white body suit studded with diamonds. The same as all the young, female servers. Her eyes are large and cat-like, and her pale white hair falls down her back in waves. She locks eyes with me, and though she smiles, I see the pain in them and wonder about her story. About why she's here.

Nicholas escorts me around, introducing me to the rich and powerfully corrupt of the Otherworld. I try to be charming and smile and engage in harmless conversation. The effort is exhausting, and I find myself looking around to catch a glimpse of Cole, but he seems to have disappeared. I wish he were closer. I may not need backup, but I could use the moral support in this den of vipers.

The band begins to play a new song and Nicholas holds out his hand and bows gallantly. "May I have this dance, Miss Oliver?"

"Of course," I say, through the most insincere smile I've ever worn. How can he not see how uncomfortable I am? Or does he only see what he wants to? Maybe he's the kind of man who can't conceive of anyone finding him repulsive, so it never enters his mind that someone might not enjoy his company. I've known a few of those types in my life and most of them weren't even paranormal.

It's a slow dance, of course, and his hand slides too low down my back, making me very uncomfortable. But I'm here for answers, so I don't pull away.

As he spins me and guides me over the dance floor, his gaze locks on mine. "You are a very beautiful woman," he says.

"Thank you."

My hands are sweating, but there' nothing I can do about the one he's holding. My other hand is on his waist.

"Word has it you are human. At least, that was the story when you first got here."

There's no question so I keep silent, waiting for him to continue.

"It is clear to me you are not human at all. But then, what are you? Pray do tell. I have been dying to find out for some time."

"I don't actually know," I say truthfully. "I always thought I was human as well."

He laughs. "Playing hard to get, I see. Very well, I enjoy games more than most. What would you like in exchange for this knowledge about you?"

His question surprises me. "What do you mean?" I ask.

He plunges me into a dip, our legs pressing against each other as he does, then pulls me back up to face him, our bodies entirely too close. I finally see Cole in the background, watching us. He winks when he sees me staring.

"I mean," says Nicholas, spinning me so I no longer see the Night brother, "that I am willing to play this game and offer you all manner of treasure in exchange for your secret."