Page 28 of Elven Lies

“We’re currently focused on the variations of simply transferring magical energy and abilities and stabilizing them with viable recipients. Of course, that part’s always a little tricky, though I will say I’m impressed by how quickly humans mastered the process with blood transfusions among their own species. Given how young they are.

“Once I’m satisfied with the success rate of our transfer techniques, I plan next to investigate specific reactions and even beneficial augmentations, once the extracted magic meets the recipient’s inherent abilities and the various energies come to a certain…mutually beneficial homeostasis.

“Quite honestly, I had at one point the perfect initial study subject in mind for such an auspicious new application but recently discovered that subject was in fact unavailable for such a historic venture.” His green eyes burned into Rebecca’s. “Pity.”

This stuck-up asshole.

He hadn’t said anything specific, with zero details whatsoever, but his words combined with the hungry and still playfully disappointed look in his eyes made her fairly certain she knew who that “perfect initial study subject” was.

It made sense that he’d think ofherto test his new theories on. It wouldn’t have been the first time someone had attempted such a thing, let alone considered it. But then, he must have realized once he’d found her that Rebecca commanded Shade now. She was a lot higher on the totem pole these days, even Earthside, than he’d expected her to be.

Which meant she could no longer be bought or sold, unless of course she decided to sell herself. And that was beyond the realm of possibility.

She wanted to spit in his face.

“I’m sure you’ll find a suitable alternative,” she said dryly. “As long as they agree to the process and enter the trials of their own free will.”

The second she said it, she wished she hadn’t, but he’d just pushed too many of her buttons.

Harkennr chuckled and raised his wine glass toward her in a mocking toast. “That is an integral part of our process here. I would never ask someone to join in my work if they weren’t already open and willing to see things through.”

“That’s good to hear,” she muttered, then realized she was playing with the laughably tiny amount of food on her plate because she couldn’t think of anything else to do that wouldn’t get her and Maxwell instantly thrown out.

And they still hadn’t reached the part where Harkennr handed Nyx back.

Good to hear?

Just saying it made her stomach churn. She already knew how many intelligent officials and dignitaries and military leaders had been sucked in by Kordus Harkennr’s reassurances like the one he’d thrown in her face.

Because he was always perfectly honest.

He would neveraskanyone to join him in his work if they weren’t already on board with what he was doing, so he simply didn’t ask. He just abducted civilians right out of their everyday lives and subjected them to his experiments instead.

No one could ever object to what he was doing if he never gave them the opportunity to do so.

“Be that as it may,” he added, “there is another very specific intention behind my invitation to have you here. With you as the new Roth-Da’al of Shade, I was hoping you and I might come to a few new arrangements together. Or at least that you might be open to further discussing such a prospect. If you were, I imagine there would be plenty of room for even improving upon past agreements I entered with your predecessor.”

Beside her, Maxwell choked on something, coughed twice, then pounded a fist against his chest and reached for the crystal pitcher of water that hadn’t yet been touched. He downed the entire glass he poured himself with admirable calm and control, especially after that last bomb Harkennr dropped on them.

Aldous Corriger hadactuallybeen in league with Kordus Harkennr. For how long was anyone’s guess, but the fact remained.

Blue Hells. Shade’s last commander reallyhadbeen a one-of-a-kind idiot.

Fucking changeling…

“The benefits of such a partnership are staggering,” Harkennr said, pouring himself more wine with one hand and dabbing the napkin against his lips with the other. “And, for individuals in our positions, those benefits naturally far outweigh the costs.”

The creaking groan of Rebecca’s teeth grinding together filled her head. She wouldn’t have been surprised if Harkennr heard it. She was sure Maxwell did.

“Naturally,” she hissed.

The warlock ignored her lapse in etiquette. He’d be patient with her for a time, simply because he knew he’d taken her off guard. It would be no fun for him if he didn’t first give her a chance to try to compose herself.

She also knew his patience didn’t last forever.

When she finally managed to stop grinding her teeth, she took a calming breath and stared at her plate as if she were mulling over the offer.

Not everything was an act for Harkennr, especially his pride.

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