Sel’s eyes remain blank. If he’d considered shapeshifting to evade the cuffs, his expression doesn’t show it. I’ve only ever seen him transform once, and didn’t realize it was possible at the time, or how rare the ability is among Merlins. They begin to lead him away.

As Sel passes, the Seneschal offers parting words. “You honor yourself by going peacefully this time, Kane. This, too, is service to the Order. It will help you, and keep everyone around you safe.”

Sel nearly answers, but decides against it.

They pull Sel forward toward the cars. He passes without looking back, leaving me standing in the street.

Erebus is a looming shadow at my side. While the rest of the Mageguard are focused on the demon’s destruction, his eyes are only for me. The Mageguard’s aether constructs are silver-blue lightning bolts reflected in his irises.

Abruptly, the Seneschal speeds past me toward the Beast, and his focus on the broken metal door lying in the street chills me to stillness. He sweeps his coat back and kneels on the ground, long fingers trailing over the dents from my heels. Lifts the metal up, flips it over easily, like it’s made of paper and not thick layers of heavy steel. Still kneeling, his eyes flick up to me, considering, then back down. He twists, finds the sword in the street, and makes a thoughtful sound. Stands. Is back at my side in an instant.

“You truly possess Arthur’s strength.” A statement, not a question. “You wouldn’t be able to put a scratch on that door otherwise.” My fingers flex at my side, and Erebus eyes them with interest. “To be appointed as Seneschal, I was first a Master Mage for decades, teaching young Merlins how to serve the Order. I’ve always been curious as to whether the fabled strength of the Awakened king would be a match to mine.” His own hand moves, rubbing fingertip to thumb.

“Is that a threat, Seneschal?” I ask, letting every ounce of my fury wind through my words, bleed into my eyes. This man is not my ally. Probably never was.

Erebus’s eyes grow wide. “No, Crown Scion. An observation.”

I don’t believe him. Even if I thought I could be a match for Erebus, the entire squadron of Mageguard is here now. I’d be surrounded by the most powerful Merlins in the world faster than I could blink.

“Let us continue this conversation in your alternate transportation,” Erebus says, gesturing to the limo he’d arrived in. “I will escort you to the Rite of Kings myself.”

I slip in the back seat with the nauseating feeling that something horrible has been happening, and I’m the last to know. Anger simmers in my chest, but I have nowhere to put it; the Seneschals only answer to the Regents and, for now, the Regents are still in charge.