Page 115 of Heart of Thieves

“Hopefully getting some cashews.”

“He’s lost his damn mind,” Enzo says to me, not even bothering to lower his voice.

Nic ignores that, keeping his focus entirely on me. “Have you seen Laurel?”

I frown, shaking my head. “Why would I have seen her?”

“Wait . . . Laurel?” Enzo looks at me. “She’s in Aethera?”

“You’ve got to get out of here.” Nic pushes to his feet. “Out of the city.”

“We’re not going anywhere,” Enzo says. “Not until we’ve won Nocturne’s game, anyway.”

Nic squints at me. “You haven’t told him yet?”

“Told me what?” Enzo interrupts, looking between us.

“We don’t have time for this,” I snap, reaching for Nic. “Let’s go.”

“Go where?”

“We’re rescuing you.” Enzo crosses his arms, pushing strategically so his biceps bulge. “Never thought you’d see the day, did you? Well, you were wrong, Donnic Sinclair. Wrong. The time has come, and I’m doing the swooping and the saving.”

“The swooping?” Nic deadpans.

Enzo drops his arms and glares. “You’re just jealous I’m the more attractive brother.”

“Are you, though?”

“Also, Lola prefers me.”

“Debatable,” Nic retorts, nostrils flaring.

“Hey, Lola, which of us do you like more, Nic or me?” Enzo stands next to his brother facing me, cocking his cunning Thief smile. “Keep in mind, I can run the fastest.”

I roll my eyes as Nic says, “You don’t run.”

“I have run before!”

“Like twice.” Nic raises a brow.

“You know what? I’ve changed my mind,” Enzo announces before I can reply. “We’re not going to rescue you after all.”

“Enzo!” I roll my eyes. “Yes, we are.”

“He’s fine!” Enzo holds up his hands, defensive. “I mean . . . He was whistling. He was having a great time.”

“We can’t just leave him here,” I hiss. “Look at the blood. And his eye!”

Enzo frowns at the injuries. “Shouldn’t those be halfway to healed by now?”

I follow his gaze. It’s true. The wound on Nic’s arm only looks marginally better than when we got here, and the eye is still just as purple. I try not to panic. I never considered how siphoning their magic might make them more susceptible to injury.

“You don’t care that my father clearly was just torturing him?” I ask Enzo exasperatedly. “What if Nic says something incriminating?”

“You honestly think I would do that?” Nic scoffs.

“Do you want to be rescued or not?” I snap at him.