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“I can. And I will. If you even try to follow me, the second I see Damian, I’ll tell him what I know. Tell him about the conversation I overheard. Who knows what he’ll do to me?”

Her breath hitches. She knows I mean it. She knows I always keep my word.

The leaves crunch beneath her boots as she shifts. Finally, she exhales, her shoulders sagging. “Fine. But promise me you won’t pledge Thornecroft.”

“I swear I won’t.”

“Say it right.”

I almost smile. There’s something comforting about carrying our childish ritual into this dark new chapter of my life, like I’m promising not to tell anyone about Sienna’s new crush.

“I promise to God I won’t pledge Thornecroft.”

7

Damian

“My whisperers tell me Gabriel Wolfe will be there for the anointment of your girl,” Hunter says, his voice cutting through the hush of the room like a knife.

I hate that there are no windows in the basement. But it’s the only place Hunter and I can talk openly about Four Hundred business now that Kane might be plotting against me along with his father. His wounded pride after losing the prior position to me makes him dangerous, especially with Gabriel Wolfe feeding his resentment.

“If Gabriel’s planning something,” I say, “he’s not being subtle about it.”

“He’s old school. He thinks he’s a king, and kings don’t scheme in the dark.”

“So you think he’s planning on stealing Ava after she’s anointed?”

“Assuming it’s Ava you choose.”

“It will be.”

He looks like he wants to roll his eyes. Wisely, he doesn’t.

“You told me he wouldn’t want to start a war,” I say.

Hunter shrugs. “I don’t know how badly he wants control of Thornecroft. And it’s not like he needs to kill you. He just needs Kane to fuck your virgin on the solstice.”

My jaw clenches. I don’t like the thought of that.

I scoff. “Why does he think the Sacred Light would even sanction Kane as Prior? He chose me. The virgin sacrifice is just tradition—one of our more ridiculous ones.”

Hunter scowls. “Damian, these people believe in fucking magic. I’ll bet Gabriel really thinks the High Master is immortal. Don’t assume anything when it comes to the old guard. If you had spent more time with your own fath?—”

There’s a knock. Hunter slides back the bolt and hauls open the heavy door. Miles steps inside. When Hunter nods, he takes the seat at the table across from me, his head down.

“He has information on Ava,” Hunter says.

A thrill rushes through me. “You have permission to look at me, Miles.”

He lifts his gaze without hesitation, because he’s done this a hundred times before. I like Miles. He’s steady, respectful, but never fearful. He knows exactly where he stands in this room.

“Lord Prior.” He slides the folder across the table. “I spoke to several of her friends and acquaintances, and?—”

Another knock. This time, Hunter’s gaze darts to mine. We weren’t expecting anyone else.

I wave a hand. “See who it is.”

When Hunter slides back the bolt again, the door swings open wide. Kane appears in the doorway. “I didn’t know we were having a meeting.” His voice isn’t quite steady.