Valerius's answer came like a command, flat and absolute. "You will lead us. If you betray us, if this is trickery, you will die a slow death under my hand." He paused, the scent of iron and decision heavy on his words. "If, however, you lead us true and Chloe lives, we will speak of your reward afterward."

For a heartbeat Morwen's relief was almost visible, like a slow exhale. Then the witch bowed once and the pith of a new pact settled across the air: dangerous, unsteady, and swaddled in the ...