Page 35 of Anatomy of the Immortal Species

A shadow passed over Mikhail’s features. It was a darkness Amelia was beginning to recognise – linked to the demons of his past. “She’s pretending to have lost her memory.”

Amelia straightened in her chair. Mikhail had told her Elisanda was behind last year’s murders, but he hadn’t mentioned what exactly he’d done with the nymph. If Agent Kane was still digging around for the perpetrator, it meant Mikhail hadn’t turned Elisanda in.

She glanced at him. Her stomach churned as she recalled his fury when he’d accused her of withholding information. What atrocities had he inflicted on the latest nymph who had betrayed him?

Taking a deep breath, Amelia cracked the silence, “Agent Kane today seemed aware of reptilians’ existence.”

The manticore’s gaze locked onto her, spreading warmth across her cheeks. “Agent Kane’s been visiting you?”

The sharpness of his tone made her twitch. “I ran into him earlier in the courtyard.”

“He was asking questions about the attack,” Zacharia added.

“I warned Presyian that his dog can stay here, but on the condition he’s never to approach you.” Mikhail’s answer was slow to come, but the way his fists clenched and relaxed didn’t go unnoticed.

Amelia blinked at the information.

Viktor stroked his chin. “What does Presiyan know of everything happening?”

“That someone committed murders, andthatsomeone is still unknown.” Mikhail’s lips twisted into a bitter smile. “And a New Generation girl has found some fiction book about reptilians and has been spreading stories about an eighth species ever since.” Viktor opened his mouth as if to protest, which made the manticore add, “Don’t worry. Since there’s no clear connection between those stories and the murders, Agent Kane won’t be interrogating your stepdaughter anytime soon.”

Constantine glanced at his watch. “That’s a dangerous game you’re playing, my friend.”

Mikhail ignored him, focusing his attention on Amelia. “If Kane ever approaches you again, don’t say a word to him. Just find me as soon as possible, and I’ll handle him.”

She nodded, and her heart skipped a bit when another thought crossed her mind. If she stole Mikhail’s ring, would he send the Tribunal to chase her down?

An oppressive silence settled around them, punctuated only by the crackling embers in the fireplace. Outside, the snowfall intensified, shrouding the evening in a thick, white blanket.

“There’s another reason I’ve gathered you,” Mikhail spoke. “While I was resting in the ICU, or rather while I was forced to rest”– his eyes darted to Nyavolski, who shrugged in reply, – “I had plenty of time to ponder over last year’s events. And as much as I think about it, there’s one thing that does not make sense. Kaliope’s ties to the politician.”

Zacharia smiled. “I told you from the beginning it doesn’t make sense.”

“What do you mean?” Viktor’s eyes shifted between the two of them.

“Kaliope screwing a human is what makes no sense,” Mikhail said. “In the chaos of last year’s events, I was willing to attribute it to love, but come to think of it again, it doesn’t seem plausible.”

Because an immortal could not possibly love a human?Amelia meant to ask, but instead, she only shifted in her chair.

Mikhail pinched his nose. “I’m starting to question the politician’s – the Minister of Transportation – species. Was he really mortal?”

“Well, he died, didn’t he?” Constantine mused.

“That’s what the news claimed.” Mikhail pursed his lips, turning to Zacharia. “Call it a hunch, but since everything else is a dead-end, I want you to investigate.”

“It’d be my pleasure.” The hybrid mimicked a military salute.

“Keep me posted if anything comes up in the ORs or the morgue,” the manticore told the rest.

Constantine leaned an arm on the back of the sofa. “Do you know what I’m curious about? Who is this mysterious C.?”

“I always thought it was you,” Zacharia said with a sly grin.

“C. is far too much of a gentleman to be me.” Constantine glanced at his elegant gold watch. “Speaking of which, I have another appointment.”

Nyavolski stood up. “And I gotta return to the OR.”

Mikhail nodded. “Go ahead.”