ley

arger and colder than my previous room, the walls covered with tapestries depicting

ed the servants,

imself a drink, sinking into a large armchair. In

't seem surprised by today's ev

as well, taking the chair opposite him

id in his glass. "Keele

A patient dying from a curse, or a warrior w

nt battle in the air. Nei

h escaped his lips. "You are more

chair. "That potion," he said, his voice low.

ad back to look at him, my expression one of pure con

face for any crack in my facade, bu

rning away toward his desk as

uard remained up. I began to scan the room, my eyes catalog

the weapons rack... and then it stopped. It stopped

f familia

art s

the window to admire the night view,

a document, seemingly o

ne swift, silent motion, I

drained fr

silver bracelet. Engraved with irises-

r eighteenth birthday-the one she was wearing the

acelet here? In his room? The room

o immense it made me dizzy was

rnelius, my vision blurring with a r

aw the bracelet in my hand, saw the murder i

e. Grief and rage ob

launched myself at him, sh

xplosive strength and stumbled

waist, my hands closing around his throat

rd torn from my throat. "Why is my sister's othe

in his throat, he simply stared up at me. His deep gray eyes held no

nger and disturbing intimacy, the air