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But the distraction had done its work. Lila melted from Rafe’s hands. Before he could react, she was on the other side of the room, her hands clenched into fists. Electricity rippled through the room, leaving the faint smell of ozone behind. A moment later, the two Hoods began to rise to their feet, the motion fluid and graceful despite their bulk.

The moment they stood, a blazing light filled the room, like a thousand cameras flashing at once. Rafe hurtled backward and landed awkwardly, wrenching his shoulder as he rolled upright. His ribs ached like he’d taken a roundhouse kick.

Rafe swayed a moment, senses reeling from the impact. Then shock speared through him. The robes of the minions had fallen open during the fight, revealing the figures beneath. They were taller than Rafe and equipped with beaks, wings, and claws the length of lawnmower blades. Their skin was a dark mud color, leathery and pebbled with sharp spines sticking from each joint. Gargoyles?

He didn’t have time to think about it—they weren’t alone. A female fae he hadn’t seen before stood between them, appearing as suddenly as if she’d stepped through a rift in space and time.

“Mother,” Lila said. The word held uncertainty, as if she expected a reprimand.

Mother? Rafe held his breath as the newcomer scanned the scene, a frown tugging at the corners of her full mouth.

“Where is the vampire?” the older fae demanded.

He heard Lila’s wordless exclamation. His own heart raced with a mix of triumph and tension, because Izetta was no longer there.

“I don’t know,” Lila replied. “I’m sorry.”

Lila’s mother turned to Rafe. “And what is he doing out of his cell?” She took a step forward and grabbed his chin, forcing him to look her in the eye.

Rafe stopped breathing until she let him go and wiped her fingers on her robe.

“Deal with him,” she said to her pet monsters. “He’s more trouble than he’s worth.”

CHAPTER 8

“No,” Lila said. “Stop.”

She didn’t raise her voice, but the effect was as swift as if she’d screamed the words. The two hooded figures froze in place, their tattered robes eddying around their feet. Lila swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry.

Galeeta’s brows raised in question. “Daughter?”

Lila faltered, wondering why she’d spoken—and why she’d used a voice of compulsion. Maybe she didn’t want to witness what her mother would do next.

It wasn’t sympathy for the wolf. He was their adversary, and they both knew it—in fact, now he was giving her a puzzled look.

“Let him live,” Lila said, her cheeks heating beneath his curious stare. “Please.”

“Why do you care?” Galeeta asked, raising her brows. “Did he win your heart with his sad tale?”

“No. His teeth are too sharp for that.” Lila groped for excuses. “He’s got more information. There’s something he’s not telling me. I’m not done questioning him.”

Rafe’s lips curled back, showing teeth that were a little too pointed for his human form. Without a word or sound, he made it clear he would tell her nothing. That kind of bravery only came from someone with little to lose.

After a pointed pause, Galeeta waved a hand at her retainers. “Put the beast in a cell. One he hasn’t broken yet.”

Lila ducked her chin, avoiding Rafe’s eyes. He’d just gambled away his freedom—and probably his life—to protect his friend. This beast was heroic—or stupid—to a fault.

With cool efficiency, her mother’s servants frisked Rafe and found the key fob, silently dropping it into Lila’s palm. Then they dragged their prisoner away. Rafe cast one last glance over his shoulder, which Lila pretended not to see.

Galeeta studied her with a frown. “How did this happen?”

Lila’s hand traveled to her breast pocket. He’d brushed against her for the barest second, but now her cheeks burned at the half-remembered touch. “He’s a thief.”

A distant door clanged, deep as a mourning bell. The wolf was caged again. Both Lila and her mother turned toward the sound to see the servants were on their way back, clawed hands hidden in their sleeves.

“Go search for the vampire,” Galeeta said to them. “It should be an easy task, since she was bleeding just minutes ago. Bring me proof you found her and dispose of the rest.”

The two bowed and moved silently toward the stairs. Although they didn’t run, they moved faster than Lila’s gaze could follow.

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