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Theo flinched. “I wasn’t—”

“You were standing on a chair like you owned the place. Like an arrogant asshole.”

He sighed. “When you put it like that …” He picked up a mug and shook it. “Got any more of this stuff? I think it’s growing on me.” He looked over at me. “I was just trying to forget for a while.”

“Forget what?” I said softly.

“Everything. The plague. The city. Vaughn. Me.” His voice cracked. “Especially me.”

“I don’t understand,” I whispered.

“I don’t want to be what I am,” Theo said hoarsely. “I don’t want to be Theo Drakharrow, anymore. Not tonight, not—”

“Theo.” A woman’s voice. Sharp and regal. Our heads swiveled toward it. “I need to speak with you, Theodore. Get up.” An elegant highblood woman stood there, impeccably dressed in a crimson skirt and jacket of rich brocade. Her jewelry was understated but unmistakably expensive. Her pale blond hair was swept up into a smooth chignon, every hair perfectly in place.

I knew at once who this must be: Theo’s mother. Blake’s aunt. Viktor’s younger sister.

Everything about her screamed highblood wealth and privilege. But it was her eyes that held my attention the most. They were an uncanny replica of her older brother’s. Except Theo’s mother’s pupils were a lighter gray, not an unsettling shade of red.

“Theodore, get up,” the woman repeated. She glanced around the room as if she were uncomfortable being there. I stared at her. She was so unlike Theo in every way. Undeniably aristocratic—and yet there was something off about her. As if she were trying to project confidence but still doubted her own value, despite all her trappings of wealth and privilege. “I need to speak to you. Alone.”

“Yes, you’ve already said that,” Theo replied. He glanced at me. “This is my mother, Medra.” He raised a hand, gesturing to me, then the woman. “Medra Pendragon, meet Aryel Drakharrow.”

Aryel stared down at me coldly. Neither of us said anything. “Alone, Theo,” Aryel Drakharrow finally repeated with a frown. She tapped her foot impatiently.

“Fine,” Theo said loudly. He stumbled to his feet, swaying only slightly now as he followed her to the door.

I looked at Visha. “What was that all about?”

She shrugged. “I’m sure we’ll find out soon. I’ll go get some food.” She headed to the counter before I could argue.

A server was just placing a tray loaded with mugs of kava, steaming bowls of a yellow curry chicken stew, and soft hot buttered bread on the table when Theo returned, slamming the door to the café behind him. He sank back down into his chair looking distinctly miserable.

“So,” I said carefully, swallowing a bite, “that was your mother?”

He nodded tightly. “She’s not just my mother now. With Viktor and Blake both missing, she’s the head of our house. Not that she wants the position.”

“She doesn’t?” I said curiously.

He shook his head. “She’d prefer to stay out of sight. Go to lots of fancy parties. Pretend I don’t exist.”

I stared. “That sounds … horrible.” But it did sort of explain a lot about Theo. “Was she one of the hunters that day in the woods?” He nodded. “Right.” I shredded a piece of bread.

“Anyhow, until Blake gets back, she wants me to step up.” He glanced at Visha. “You know I don’t want to. Nothing will change.”

“It has to change a little. You have to keep order,” she said mildly. “Until Blake gets back.”

Theo looked relieved. “Yes, until Blake is back.” He glanced at me. “What’s the plan for that, anyhow?”

“I’m working on it.” I looked between the two of them, suddenly realizing something. If they could help, maybe there’d be no more need to take dark rituals into my own hands—or to involve Rodriguez more than necessary. “How skilled at blood magic are you two?”

“I’m middling, but Theo’s proficient. He’s one of the best in our house,” Visha said immediately. She leaned forward. “Why? What’s the plan?”

Chapter 10

FLORENCE

Can I tell you something, Medra? All my life I’ve wanted to be one.”