“Not telling you a damn thing, cambion.” She spits into his face. Sel growls low in his throat and lifts his T-shirt to wipe it away. He presses the blade deeper, drawing black blood from her skin in a thin, inky line.

“Did you know the man behind you is studying to be a doctor?” Kizia’s expression turns uncertain at Sel’s measured, easy tone. His smile and bright eyes. “Currently, he’s terrifyingly strong. Stronger than you and me combined. You’ve felt it, haven’t you, Kizia? How he could, if he wanted to, take you apart”—he taps the flat of the blade against her neck—“bit… by… bit. Probably name each joint, ligament, and tendon as he goes.”

She shoots Sel a haughty sneer.

“You Legendborn don’t have the stomach for it.” She looks at each of us, and a knowing smile blooms over her face. “Your precious code won’t allow it. You’re descended from the most self-righteous knights on the planet.”

“Now, that last bit I won’t argue with.” Sel shrugs, glancing to William. “But the rest…”

Snap!

I jump as Kizia screams, mouth wide, eyes burning. Heart hammering in my chest, my eyes fall to where William’s forefinger and thumb have just… twisted her elbow joint completely apart. Her limb is still held together by flesh. But now it’s in two pieces. Not one.

She wails, but William holds her still. Behind the struggling demon, his eyes have gone flat.

Alice drops to her knees, vomiting on the grass. I’d do the same, except I know what it cost William to do this—the price he’s paying to torture someone, even a demon. That thought scares me into action.

“I… uh…,” I begin, swallowing and wincing. Kizia’s watering eyes dart to me, as do my friends’. “I’ve never seen him like this. Just answer. Before he has to do more.”

She pants for a moment and eyes me shrewdly, then looks to Sel. Makes her decision. “Never met that old Legendborn before tonight. Said he needed a demon for a job and my employer brokered a one-day deal.”

“Who’s your employer?” Sel asks.

“Someone you don’t wanna meet.” She grins.

Sel narrows his eyes, as if deciding whether to believe her. He changes tactics. “Who else knows about your and Jonas’s little murder plot tonight?”

Kizia shakes her head, eyes darting to me. “No one else knows where the pretty Scion is, if that’s what you’re asking. And no one else will, if you just let me go.”

“And then what? You go back to your boss? Turn around and try and kill her again?” Sel asks. “I don’t think so.”

“I won’t touch her!” Kizia cries. “I promise!”

“Sure, you won’t,” Sel drawls.

“I think she’s telling the truth,” I say.

Sel’s eyes dart to mine. “Why would you say that?”