Page 143 of Severed Heir

“Your whole family wields flame?” I asked, eyeing Caius more closely.

“A pure-blooded line keeps the legacy intact,” Hadrian replied, tone thick with smugness. “Too many diluted bloodlines these days, it’s no wonder civilian rulers have risen over the last few decades.”

It couldn’t be him, I thought. Hadrian would never risk tainting his lineage with a scavenger’s blood. Not with that comment.

I extended my hand. “Nice to meet you properly.”

Caius clasped my wrist instead, pulling me a breath closer. His gaze dropped to the flame relic at my palm, narrowing with interest.

“I felt the heat at that dinner,” he murmured. “Let me know if you’re up for a duel in the quell-off later.”

“A duel?” I arched a brow.

“No barters,” he said, smiling like he already knew the outcome. “Just win or lose. That’s how I prefer it.”

“Do most people barter?”

“Most do. I like the rush of a clean victory.” He said it like someone who rarely lost.

I met his stare. “Fine. I’ll duel you.”

“Western grounds,” he said. “Meet me near the courtyard in three hours. Let’s see what kind of flame you’ve got.”

“It’s antecedent,” I replied evenly. “Very powerful. Very old.”

His head tilted, expression sharpening. “Then maybe we’ll be evenly matched. Though I should warn you, I’ve never lost.”

With a snap of his fingers, he vanished.

Shit. Hadrian hadn’t been exaggerating about the invisibility power.

Hadrian turned back to Archer, his tone suddenly lighter. “Feel free to wander. I imagine a few Serpents are eager for a word with you. And now that your heir’s marriage has—dissolved, I might offer some introductions. Our family, at least, isn’t prone to drama. Forgive me for ever suggesting that courtship.”

Archer met his gaze coolly. “I won’t be needing your suggestions.”

Hadrian’s smile tightened. “Very well. I’ll see you both around.”

As we walked away, Archer leaned in, a smirk tugging at his lips. “We’ve been here for five minutes, and you’ve already challenged Wrathi’s heir to a duel?”

I shrugged. “He might be my brother, and I’m going to find out tonight.”

“And how exactly?”

“Quell sharing. When Malachi and I shared one, something clicked.”

Archer gave me a sharp look. “Most don’t share their quells willingly. It’s… personal.”

I winked and drained the rest of my drink. “Well, if you have suggestions, I’m all ears.”

We stepped into the main hall where music and movement pulsed like heat. Dancers spun between marble columns. Light shimmered through crystalline flutes, and the air was thick with the scent of oranges and expensive cologne—the kind my father used to wear to Serpent meetings.

I nudged Archer’s chest with a finger. “This isn’t so bad. I don’t know why you were so worried about this place.”

Before he could respond, the front doors creaked open. A man stepped inside, tilting a black curved hat over one eye. “Entertainment has arrived,” he drawled. “Prepare your gold. I repeat—prepare your gold!”

I glanced sideways. “An illusionist?”

He grinned, flashing yellowed teeth. “Finest herbs and strongest brew. Perfect for warping the mind while discussing politics... and payment.”

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