She swallowed, wondering if the mightiest of the Asteri somehow knew she was standing in a towel, hair dripping onto the carpet. “You’re … welcome?”

Rigelus laughed softly. “You have had quite a day, Miss Quinlan.”

“Yes, Your Brilliance.”

“It was a day full of many surprises, for all of us.”

We know what you are, what you did.

Bryce forced her legs to move, to head to the great room. To where Hunt was standing in the doorway of his bedroom, his face pale. His arms slack at his sides.

“To show you how deep our gratitude goes, we would like to grant you a favor.”

She wondered if the brimstone had been a favor, too. But she said, “That’s not necessary—”

“It is already done. We trust you will find it satisfactory.”

She knew Hunt could hear the voice on the line as he walked over.

But he just held out his wrist. His tattooed wrist, with a C stamped over the slave’s mark.

Freed.

“I …” Bryce gripped Hunt’s wrist, then scanned his face. But it was not joy she saw there—not as he heard the voice on the line and understood who had gifted him his freedom.

“We also trust that this favor will serve as a reminder for you and Hunt Athalar. It is our deepest wish that you remain in the city, and live out your days in peace and contentment. That you use your ancestors’ gift to bring yourself joy. And refrain from using the other gift inked upon you.”

Use your starlight as a party trick and never, ever use the Horn.

It made her the biggest idiot in Midgard, but she said, “What about Micah and Sandriel?”

“Governor Micah went rogue and threatened to destroy innocent citizens of this empire with his high-handed approach to the rebel conflict. Governor Sandriel got what she deserved in being so lax with her control over her slaves.”

Fear gleamed in Hunt’s eyes. In her own, too, Bryce was sure. Nothing was ever this easy—this simple. There had to be a catch.

“These are, of course, sensitive issues, Miss Quinlan. Ones that, were they publicly announced, would result in a great deal of trouble for all involved.”

For you. We will destroy you.

“All the witnesses to both events have been notified of the potential fallout.”

“Okay,” Bryce whispered.

“And as for the unfortunate destruction of Lunathion, we do accept full responsibility. We were informed by Sandriel that the city had been evacuated, and sent the Asterian Guard to wipe away the demon infestation. The brimstone missiles were a last resort, intended to save us all. It was incredibly fortunate that you found a solution.”

Liar. Ancient, awful liar. He’d picked the perfect scapegoat: a dead one. The rage that flickered over Hunt’s face told her he shared her opinion.

“I was truly lucky,” Bryce managed to say.