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Orion lifted a pale finger and traced the metal around Briony’s neck.

A ring with a black gemstone glinted. “It could be any number of things. Rosewoods are known for their protective magic. She could have blocked the collar somehow.” Orion glanced at Reighven.

“It’s a predicament for her future warden.

For now, the Gowarnus elixir will render her innocuous. ”

“For how long?” Reighven asked.

Orion turned his eyes on Briony. “They all will need to be dosed every three days. Just to be certain.” He capped the vial and tilted his head, speaking to her now.

“Miss Eden Wincet is dead. Miss Velicity Punt is injured. Miss Katrina Cove is badly wounded as well. Why do you insist on hurting your own people, Miss Rosewood? What a waste of Eversun blood, one would say—if one cared for Eversuns, as you claim to.”

Briony swallowed, knowing what mind game he was playing. “Eden Wincet was scarcely more than a child,” she hissed. “And you—you proud and loyal Bomardi—were going to sell her off like livestock.”

His brows furrowed in mock concentration. “No, no. I treat my cows far better than I’d treat an Eversun. Mark me.”

Briony spat in his face.

Orion Hearst didn’t blink.

He pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and wiped her saliva without looking away from her.

She’d spat on his son once.

He’d had an entirely different reaction.

Orion looked down as he folded his handkerchief and put it back in his pocket.

“I should have you killed for that.” He looked up at her.

“But I don’t spend my money on slaves, and I’d hate to have to pay Gains thirty thousand just for slashing your throat.

” Briony sucked in a shaking breath, and Orion continued, raising his voice to address Reighven, “That’s how men like me stay rich, you see.

We don’t need to waste money on magic heartsprings. ”

“Only one of the reasons I want her, but thank you for the tip,” Reighven said venomously.

“Ah.” Orion glanced at the other man. “Men like me don’t pay for that , either.” He sent Reighven a withering smile. “Now, Miss Rosewood. Someone would like to see you. I hope you’ll pay them a bit more respect.”

Briony’s heart twisted. She looked up into Orion’s eyes and only saw Toven, wondered if he was here, if he was coming to see her—

The door opened, and Veronika Mallow stepped inside.

Briony’s muscles locked in terror.

“Briony. It’s good to see you again.” Mallow’s voice was smooth and sinuous, as if it could wrap around a person and squeeze.

She moved into the cell like a nymph through water, her long black robes flowing behind her.

Gains followed her in, and then four of the most dangerous people in all Bomard were gazing upon Briony.

Adrenaline flooded her, and Briony swallowed around the fear in her throat.

Mallow tilted her head, catlike. She was thinner than Briony remembered. Her long black hair was pin-straight and fell like a sheet. She had a necklace of onyx stones and earrings to match. Her eyes traced down Briony’s body, taking in her dirt- and bloodstained dress.

“The escape attempt happened before bathing, I presume.”

This woman had killed her father, killed her brother, and still had the audacity to care about the grime on Briony’s skin and clothing.

“We were on our way to the baths and the medics when she organized her little stunt,” said Gains.

“She’s feisty,” said Reighven. “She got another killed—”

“Silence,” Mallow all but whispered.

Briony noted the reaction—the immediate way the men quieted. The way their breaths caught in their chests, waiting for instruction.

Mallow’s lips twitched. She stepped forward, and Briony could see the endless tunnels in her eyes.

“Isn’t it fascinating to see that she bleeds just the same as we do?” she said to the others. She gripped Briony’s jaw and turned her face, examining the bloodstains on her. “Not a speck of gold anywhere. Makes you wonder why there’s such a fuss about the Rosewood bloodline after all.”

Briony pulled her face out of Mallow’s grip. It was a common legend that the king and his family bled gold. It was founded on nothing but the presumption that the king was predestined to rule by the nobility of his bloodline.

Mallow tilted her head. “Miss Rosewood, I am only letting you live because my followers have requested it. It seems you haven’t kept from catching the eye of all the Bomardi men since the last time I saw you.”

Briony shivered.

Mallow reached up a bony hand and traced one of Briony’s curls.

“You still intend to put her up for bidding, Gains?” she asked.

“Yes, Mistress.”

Briony’s eyes flicked to him at the use of the title. Seats of Bomard went by “High Seat” or “Sir” or “Madame.”

“All right,” Mallow said. “We’ll need to spay her.”

Briony’s stomach dropped. Her mouth opened. She couldn’t mean—

“Wait.” The words rushed out. “Please—”

“Do you wish to have Reighven’s children, Briony?” Mallow said with a twist to her lips. “I hear he’s the most likely to win you. And I think he’d find it hard to keep his hands off a … prize like you.”

Briony swallowed, refusing to look at the man in question, who was probably smiling at her.

“He wouldn’t—He could use protection,” she mumbled.

She had always wanted children, always craved the creation of a family she hadn’t had. But not like this.

And more than that, she wanted to believe that this wasn’t the end of Evermore. That one day they would organize and rise from the ashes. That she would find a way to save her family’s future.

Mallow stared at her, realizing Briony’s deepest desires.

“Oh. No, Briony,” she said softly. She ran her cold fingers down her cheek. “No, it’s over, dear heart. I killed him. And I burned his body.” She leaned in to Briony’s ear and whispered, “There is no home to go back to.”

Briony saw red. She lunged forward, reaching out with her teeth for Mallow’s skin. There was bone under her grip, and she bit down as Mallow screamed.

Magic was flung at her from all directions. She was forced back against the stone, her head cracking. Her jaw was shoved wide, almost to the point of breaking.

Orion was at Mallow’s side, but Mallow wrenched away from his protective arm. A perfect circle of teeth was impressed on the corner of her dainty jawline.

If Briony could smile with her mouth winched open, she would have.

The men spoke over one another, snarling threats, but Briony only had eyes for Mallow. I’ll kill you myself one day , she thought, hoping the intention was clear.

Mallow stared at her in fascination, bringing her hands up to halt the men. The spells suddenly released her. Mallow narrowed her eyes and smiled. “You’ll have your hands full, Reighven. I like her.”

With a twist of Mallow’s hand, Briony’s mouth snapped shut, her teeth clicking loudly, and she was unable to separate them. She was muzzled.

Mallow stepped toward her again, only inches away.

“Just so we’re clear. I’m keeping you alive because you’re interesting and because my men wish it.

” She shrugged. “I also happen to believe you’re headed to a fate worse than death.

But bear in mind that there are no promises kept for the other women.

If you try to run again, I will kill every Eversun in that cell.

And I will start with Cordelia Hardstark. ”

Briony’s chest shook, but she refused to cry.

“Do you understand me?”

Briony nodded. “Yes,” she said through her closed teeth.

“Good.” Mallow tugged her fingers at the air, and Briony felt something heat in her throat. “That’s the last word I want to hear from you.”

She’d taken her voice.