So the smart thing, now that the White Foxes had lost Cathrynne, would be to put all their resources into finding Kal.
Unless Markus decided that she needed to be silenced.
It was possible, but Cathrynne felt she knew him better than that. He was a cautious man.
They could both destroy each other. Therefore, the best option was to call a truce—for now.
A tiny smile curled Cathrynne’s lips.
I am learning to think like Morningstar.
Hysto and Nestania brought trays of food. She pretended to be asleep so she didn’t have to answer their questions.
Her half-sister Lara didn’t turn up until the fifth day. As usual, Cathrynne closed her eyes the moment the door opened. The mattress shifted as someone sat on the edge of the bed.
“It’s been a long time, but you’re still my sister,” Lara said fiercely. “I want you to know that I’m going to rain fire and fucking brimstone down on whoever did this.”
Cathrynne opened her eyes. Twenty years had transformed the surly teenager into a poised witch with elegant clothes and glossy dark hair. Of course, Lara had grown up with all the wealth and privilege that came with the Lenormand name.
“I knew you were faking.” Lara looked grim. “So who was it?”
Cathrynne regarded her stonily. Never had the gulf between them seemed so wide. “I don’t remember.”
“For Minerva’s sake. We’re blood.” Her eyes narrowed. “You worked for Lord Morningstar. Was it him?”
She gave a pained laugh. “Gods, no.”
“So you do remember.”
“It wasn’t him.” She kept her voice carefully neutral. “Have you heard anything? He was ill. That’s why I came to Arjevica. We brought him to Suriel at the Angel Tower.”
Lara shrugged. “No idea. But there’s been quite a commotion about you.”
Cathrynne chewed her lip. “What about Mercy Blackthorn? She’s my partner.”
“Still missing. Who are you protecting? And why are you protecting them?”
When Cathrynne didn’t answer, her eyes flashed. “You don’t trust us.”
Simmering anger tipped over to a boil. “Why should I?” Cathrynne retorted. “And don’t give me that line about us being blood. You never came looking for me after I was taken away. Never gave a damn before.”
Lara looked away. “I was ordered not to.”
But they both knew she wouldn’t have come to Arioch regardless.
“You don’t know me, and I don’t know you,” Cathrynne said. “So as soon as I can walk, I’ll get out of here. I don’t need your help.”
“Whatever.” Her petulant expression reminded Cathrynne of the old Lara, who always threw a fit when she didn’t get her way. “If someone did that to me,” she snapped, “I’d kill them.”
Her heels clicked against the hardwood floor as she strode from the room.
Chapter 28
Gavriel
His wings sliced the air, each powerful downstroke carrying him in a circle beneath the domed cupola of the Angel Tower. Gavriel dropped abruptly, feet touching the polished floor just long enough to pace five steps before launching himself aloft again.
The waiting corroded his temper like acid.
