Page 74 of Dissection of Immortal Hearts

Constantine spoke with measured conviction. “The Queen will never exchange the mirror for me.Never. Under any circumstances. If you approach her with that proposal, not only will you fail in your plans, but you’ll lose your head. And frankly, I prefer you intact. I’d hate to see any part of you come to harm.”

Diana’s eyes narrowed. “You’re lying to save yourself. You’ve already admitted you’re important to her.”

He laughed, a hollow sound. “Important enough to capture, but not enough to fetch a high price. Besides, I wanted to provoke you – to draw a reaction, maybe even jealousy, especially after you mentioned your friend from the tournament.” He dropped his gaze to her lips. “But when I kissed you, I realised it didn’t matter who or what he was. You feel nothing for him.”

One of her eyebrows arched. “And why would you assume I have any interest in men at all? In you, or anyone else I meet along the way?”

“Because you kissed me like your life depended on it.”

He’d expected her to deny it, but Diana merely shrugged. “So? You’re a good kisser. I doubt it’s the first time you’ve heard that.”

He smirked. “Fair point. It’s a common sentiment.”

She lowered her arms and pivoted towards the door.

“Is that one of the problems, Diana? Does it bother you that I’ve been with many women?”

She glanced over her shoulder. “Many? Try millions.”

“You’re overestimating me—”

“Whatever.”

“Then let me ask you this. If not for my reputation as a womaniser, would you be more inclined to release me now?”

Diana faced him fully. “No.”

“And would it make you more likely to trust me?”

“No.”

He leaned back against the bed frame. “No matter what you think of me or the Queen… your plan won’t succeed.”

She bared her teeth, the faint sharpness of her elongated canines catching the dim light. “The Queen wants global domination. That’s why she’s been messing with the regeneration. At the same time, she uses a serum to speed it up, gaining followers in the process. Mikhail Korovin and the Hospital stand in her way, offering an alternative. She’s already used Hecate’s Mirror once to strip magic from the Hospital, and she probably has no reason to need it again. You, however, as Mikhail Korovin’s closest ally, will be too valuable for her—”

“Is that whatyour friendfrom the tournament told you?” Constantine cut her off. “Or better yet, do you even realise that by doing this, you’re helping the very woman responsible foryour brother’s death?”

“Am I? If Korovin had found my brother first, are you seriously going to lie and say he’d have let him live?” Diana snarled. “I know why you followed me after Alberobello. You weren’t trying to help me – you were hunting my brother to kill him. It’s a good thing he died before you could, because I’m pretty sure your people would’ve given him a far worse death.”

“Your brother left the severed head of a Council member outside the Hospital. If he hadn’t been foolish enough to meddle with matters beyond his understanding, he might still be alive.”

Diana’s eyes blazed. She moved closer to the bed, but kept ample distance so he couldn’t reach her with his unbound hand. “You have no idea what you’re talking about,” she hissed.

Constantine had finally struck a nerve. Yet, that victory didn’t bring him any satisfaction, as the pain was raw and visible in Diana’s expression. “Diana, everyone bears responsibility for their actions.”

“So do you, necromancer.”

She stormed out.

29

Amelia

The cabin held the stillness of a storm preparing to break. Mikhail remained absent, as did Gea’s letter. No news of the reptilians, either. Viktor had gone to the nearest town for clothing and provisions. Alex had secluded herself in her room, and Callan had not reappeared since their encounter.

Amelia stood by the window, waiting for Viktor to return, though her heart yearned for a glimpse of Mikhail instead. It was foolish, but deep down she clung to the hope that, after reading Gea’s letter, he would realise she bore no blame for what had happened and together they would decide how to handle Callan.

A creature was lying in the clearing. Blinking several times, Amelia focused on the massive grey wolf sprawled on the grass, basking in the sunlight that lent his silvery fur an iridescent glow.