Sel tugs at his own collar. Even he feels the heat, and he always runs hot himself.

What is Valec?

Valec gestures vaguely over the documents, as if we are as familiar with them as he. “Altogether, you have violated Lounge policies, removed someone’s rightfully owned and paid for abilities, and in the process undermined my authority as proprietor.” He looks up, shrugging. “You are both in my debt until I call us even.”

Beads of sweat begin to drip down my spine. Moisture at the roots of my hair making my scalp too warm, uncomfortable. “What do you want from us?”

“To begin, Briana, what deal have you struck, and which demon did you strike it with?”

Sel and I exchange glances. “She didn’t strike a deal with a demon.”

“Of course she did.” Valec scoffs. “And I am impressed with that flame, I must admit. So impressed that I might let Briana go on all counts if she tells me everything she knows about that power.” He looks between us, doing some calculus in his mind. “Yes. Her freedom in exchange for that extremely valuable information. This is balance.” A smile spreads across his mouth. “So, who was your broker? If the contract has an aether-infused NDA, that’s all right; I can break its bond to you.”

Abruptly, the stifling air in the room thins. Sel and I look at each other, each thinking the same thing. He speaks before I can. “There’s another broker?”

Valec blinks. “Yes, of course.” He tilts his head. “Care to share which other broker concerns you, and why?”

Sel and I exchange another glance. The fact there is another broker in the area might change things. But if there is one thing I know about this new world I live in, it is that even if someone may not be who you fear the most, that doesn’t mean they are safe.

“No, thank you,” I mutter, just as Sel says, “We’re good.”

Valec raises a hand to his chest in a mock bow. “I am the only local broker that facilitates deals between humans and demons.”

“What kind of humans?” Sel asks.

Valec raises a brow. “The regular, nonmagical human kind of humans. Why, what other humans do you know of?”

Sel goes still. Legendborn are technically human, but once they have their inheritances, they become magical. “Just a question.”

Valec doesn’t believe that for a minute. “As I said, I am the only broker of my kind. Which is how I know someone made a mint of a commission off a deal like yours. Permanent aether generation, demon-power destruction, tucked into such a pretty package.” He whistles.

My jaw drops. “Are you… hitting on me right now?”