“He’s a cambion,” I reply. “Just like you.”

In a blink, Sel’s in front of me, eyes blazing. “Valec is nothing like me.”

“Is this a one-drop rule thing?” I ask, brow raised. “Because, ew.”

“It is not the same.” He runs both hands through his hair, pacing. “That is… white supremacist bullshit. I’m talking about the actual, active evil in someone’s blood.”

Alice taps her chin. “So, what percent actual, active evil are you, then?”

Sel glares at her. “Don’t try to be clever.”

She laughs. “I don’t need to try, fang boy.”

I throw my hands up in exasperation. Behind me William groans. “Now would be a wonderful moment for me to intervene and remind you all that evil deeds are not written in hemoglobin. You can’t see them under a microscope.”

“No, but you can see them in action,” Sel spits. “Valec arranges for humans to become food.”

“The humans come to him, actually,” I reply reasonably. “He said it himself. Clients on both sides of the deal approach him. I’m not saying it’s something I would do, or that it’s objectively ‘right,’ just that if they’re consenting adults, I’m not entirely sure what the problem is. It’s better than letting the demons ravage the human population. And less work for the Legendborn to manage. He might even be making your jobs easier.”

“Or creating more work for us, because goruchels and uchels have a steady source of food and all the time in the world to plot with one another, or join forces with the Morgaines!” Sel thrusts a hand out. “There is no reality in which making it easier for demons to survive is a good thing, Bree. The Order—”

“Are you really going to quote the Order to me right now?” I spit back. “You of all people? The Order has lied to you your entire life. Locked you up. Why are you clinging to made-up rules by an organization only in place to serve itself?”

“Because those made-up rules are what can keep me remotely human!” Sel roars. “And the Order, even Davis, even Isaac, even Erebus, took me in and kept me alive and trained me when my parents left me behind! Because no matter how awful the Regents are, our Oaths mean something. Which you wouldn’t understand, because you’ve never sworn yourself to anything or anyone in your life.” Sel curses, then he’s gone in a whoosh of black.

Tears spring at my eyes, and I fight them away. My chest is heaving. When did I start breathing hard? When did this turn into a fight? Why does it always have to with him?

William releases a slow breath and wraps his arm around my shoulders. “Valec hit a sore spot, and Sel took it out on you. He’ll get over it.”