Cain strained against his chains. “Rett, stop!”

But Rett only laughed, the sound broken and unhinged, echoing harshly against the stone walls of the dungeon.

“If you had just listened and used her when you had the chance,” Rett barked, his voice rising with every word, “none of this would be happening! We would have power. We would have ruled!”

His eyes burned as he glared at Althea.

“The plan was simple,” Rett continued. “She was meant to be used. Toyed with. You knew the ...