“We’ve studied your maps,” said Leyus. “It won’t be a problem if you provide the diversion you promised.”

Kyra’s entire body clenched, and she leaned closer. Diversion? Was that what the blueflower extract was for?

“It’s taken care of,” said James. “Just be careful inside the compound. I need enough left alive to keep Forge running. A city in anarchy is of no use to me.”

“I will send my most experienced cats in there. They won’t lose control.”

“Then we’ll meet again soon,” said James. “Do try the garments and let me know if they’re to your liking.”

As he turned away, Leyus spoke again. “There is one more prisoner you might be interested in.”

Kyra’s guards dragged her forward. James’s eyes widened and he wheeled on Leyus, furious.

“Why is she still alive? Your people told me they’d feed her to your cats.”

“We had need of her.” Leyus’s tone held no hint of an apology. “But now we’re through. She is yours to deal with as you please.”

“It’s not like you to treat our agreements so loosely.”

“This was a special case. I assure you it will not happen again.”

For a moment, James glared at Leyus. But he was outnumbered, and judging from the frustration in his eyes, he was all too aware of it. Kyra only had a moment to savor this small victory before he turned to her.

“She’s too good at staying alive,” James murmured. He reached for Kyra. She tried again to break free, but her guards still held her with a bruising grip. Gathering what moisture was left in her mouth, Kyra spat in his face. It was a pathetic attempt, but James’s jaw tightened.

“This time I’ll make sure you’re dead.” James unsheathed his dagger and stepped close to her. “You say she’s mine to deal with, Leyus?”

“Do as you wish.”

Kyra felt the entire clan watching as James raised the blade. In the corner of her eye, she saw Tristam straining against the assassins holding him. She squeezed her eyes shut, hearing nothing but the sound of her own harsh breathing. She felt her guards behind her, muscles taut in preparation for any final escape attempt. So this was it. She’d die here, and the clan would attack the Palace, killing all of Malikel’s people in exchange for a hundred winter garments.

A hundred winter garments, to be worn close to the skin.

Ten vials of blueflower extract.

“Poison!” she shouted.

James’s blade halted.

“James has betrayed you, Leyus.” Kyra spoke in a jumble, desperate to get the words out before James slit her throat. “The garments are poisoned.”

Strong arms jerked Kyra back and a Demon Rider pushed himself between her and James.

The assassin’s eyes narrowed. “You said you wouldn’t interfere, Leyus.”