“Did you really think we had no idea you were coming?” Dante asked, a pleased smile curling his lips as he confirmed my suspicions. He met my glare and shook his head. “Did you really believe your presence went unnoticed at the crash site? Why do you think Miranda was on television to begin with? Because we knew you would recognize her, and if you did, you would come snooping around. We had her giving ‘press interviews’ on every news station for three days straight, to make sure you saw her.” He circled the desk and stood behind it, two guards flanking him like attack dogs. “The evidence would lead you here, as we knew it would, and everything else just fell into place.” That arrogant smile turned sharp as he gazed at me, eyes glittering with hatred. “I will admit, I’m going to enjoy watching you die, Cobalt. For everything you’ve done, all the grief you’ve caused me, and Talon, I hope it’s painful. A quick death is more than you deserve.”

I smiled coldly back. “You think you can take me down, hatchling? Do your worst.”

“Dante.” Ember stepped forward, prompting half the guards to level their guns at her. The heat inside flared as Cobalt surged up, making my skin feel tight. Ember ignored the guards and their weapons, keeping her gaze on Dante. “Don’t do this,” she pleaded. “Please. You can still walk away. Look at what Talon is doing. They destroyed an entire town, killed every human there. That can’t be what you wanted. My brother was never a killer.”

“You don’t know me anymore, Ember.” Dante’s voice was weary. “You don’t know what I’ve done, what I’m willing to sacrifice, for our race. I know what Talon is planning. It’s far too late for me to go back.” He raised his chin, his voice becoming defiant. “I gave the order to wipe out that town. No witnesses, no survivors. And I would do it again, if that’s what Talon wanted.”

Dammit. I spared a glance at the soldier as they were talking. He was tense, pistol drawn and ready, his body coiled to spring into action. He caught my gaze and gave a tiny nod. I returned my attention to the twins as the air in my lungs started to boil.

“You gave the order,” Ember repeated softly. “But...why? How could you do that?”

“You don’t understand now,” Dante said. “But you will. Once you come back with me, you’ll understand everything, I promise.” His voice softened, turning almost gentle. “We belong with Talon, Ember. It’s our destiny. Once you come back, you’ll see why.” His attention shifted to the guards standing around the room. “Bring me the girl,” he ordered, taking a step back. “Kill the rest.”