He gave Cassius’ shoulder a squeeze. “And let’s not kid ourselves, you still do remain stronger than Cornelius Martel. Me saying that, I was just needling you. Your power as an Immortal eclipses most others across the supernatural world. There is no need for True Celestial power and might. Besides, that’s not what will see to these threats we now face. It’s knowledge, us standing together, tactical know-how.”
“You are employing a version of my words to you regarding your bound state.”
“Could be,” Sylas said with a lift of his lips. “Could also be that it resonated with me.”
Cassius grasped Sylas’ hand on his shoulder. “I do very much prefer my life now to what it was when I was… disconnected from things and the world.”
“Glad to hear it, Immortal bastard.”
“You are not calling me that.” His lips quirked. “Monarch of the Macabre.”
“Wow,” Sylas uttered. “Not bad.”
“Velra informed me that you did not care for her attempt to call youDark Prince.It was beneath you, apparently. OnlyKingor above was good enough for you, yes?”
“Well, my ego is a true behemoth, as you well know.”
“Something we share in equal measure.”
Sylas shook his head. “How do they put up with us, hmm?”
“I truly do not know,” Cassius said, grinning.
He pulled away then and the tone became a little more serious as he told Sylas, “I will replace Cornelius’ magic infused in some of yourSpecus Relicswith my own.”
“You will?”
“It provides you with peace of mind, yes? To have that as a fallback should the worst befall us? Especially if I am not around or within immediate reach?”
“Yes,” Sylas actually admitted.
“Then it will be done. Although, I do believe you should inform Velra. She is close with Cornelius and Warlow. They opened up their home to her and care for her much like a family member.”
“I know, yeah.” He grimaced. “Shit.”
I stepped forward, revealing my presence. “Shitis right, naughty necromancer.”
Cassius smiled and turned to me, while Sylas spun, caught off guard.
“Velra…Dark Beauty… did you…” Sylas started.
“Oh, I heard the entire thing. It was really illuminating.”
“Listen—”
“I get why you did it.” I walked to him and grasped the sides of his jacket. “And knowing Cornelius as well as I do, he would be well aware that his magic is being used by you. After Ryker stole some of his magic decades back as retaliation for a brutal dust up they had, he put measures in place to track even traces of it being siphoned from his wards and protections, or whatever else, all over the supernatural world. He knows, Sylas. And the fact he hasn’t come to you means he’s fine with it. He is a big-picture strategist, so I’m sure he knew somebody like you being in possession of Specus Relics powered by Immortal magic could come in handy.”
“They’re not all powered by his magic. Many just contain mine.” He eyed Cassius. “That shield was an emergency. I couldn’t take any chances after Victor regained the upper hand with Lazriel.” He gritted his teeth. “I couldn’t let him touch him again. It was already bad enough that it had to occur at all, that I couldn’t stop it instantly like I would normally have been able to if I wasn’t bound. But with only the Relics, I had to be strategic, be careful how and when I made a move.”
“I know. I understand.” I tugged on his jacket, jerking him against me. “But stop now. No more. Do you hear me? We work as one. You’re not alone. I need you to get that.”
“Yeah, aren’t you supposed to be a quick study, Sylas?”
We looked to see Lazriel striding out.
He settled in between me and Cassius and smirked at Sylas, folding his arms across his chest. “Well?”
Sylas took my hands in his and looked out at each of us in turn. “You all know I’ve been trying. Not just that, but I’ve made great strides.”
