If Nola was his reason to live, Aveline was his reason to rage. The queen had called him repeatedly. Afraid she would order him to harm Nola, he hadn’t responded. But...

He thought he sensed the queen nearby. Which had to be a mistake. Surely! No way Aveline would risk the wrath of the High Council or Bane’s disqualification by coming to Terra before a winner was declared.

No way? Please. She’d do it in a heartbeat. Anything to feed her need for more power. He pressed his tongue to the roof of his mouth. If she had come to Terra, he would have to perform Nola’s Blood Rite right away, regardless of the war. He couldn’t allow Aveline to awaken the Terran beasts. They would hunt and kill Nola, and he wouldn’t be able to stop them.

As new taunts rang out, Bane cleared his mind of any debris. More combatants had arrived. In ten minutes, roll call would begin. They were missing Zion, Knox, Vale, Colt and Carrick, a prince who owned a dagger able to turn blood into lava.

Scratch that. Carrick arrived next.

Where were Knox and Vale? Bane knew how badly Nola desired information about her sister, and he couldn’t wait to be her hero. If something had happened to the couple—

Bane expelled a relieved breath as Knox entered the circle, Vale only a few feet behind him. The two didn’t touch, or glance at each other, but they didn’t move away, either.

Physically, Vale hadn’t changed. She had the same black-and-white hair, slender build and tough yet ethereal beauty as before. But she carried herself far differently, confidence wafting from her. She’d even altered the way she walked, adopting a sensual, challenge-issuing swagger.

In one of their late-night cuddle sessions, Nola told him how Vale had helped her during every illness, ensuring she ate, helping her get to the bathroom and giving her a reason to go on. Now, Bane felt beholden to the other woman.

“I didn’t realize this was bring-your-whore-to-work day,” Carrick called.

Knox bristled, but said nothing, silently fuming.

Vale spread her arms and said, “What makes you think we’re sleeping together? And news flash. Whore isn’t exactly an insult to my way of thinking. You just implied I like sex and money. Guess what? I do. Oh, and good news. This whore is trolling for customers. Tonight is the grand opening of Vale’s Little House of Slays, and you’re all invited. I give good beheadings, free of charge.”

Bane almost smiled. In many ways, Vale reminded him of Nola. Spirited, witty and unwilling to let anyone gain the upper hand.

The trash talk amped up, but Bane lost track. Colt had just strode into the circle, his head down.

Anticipation battered the dam of Bane’s control, unleashing a tide of impatience.