“I doubt someone like me and someone like you have the same friends,” the girl answered.

“One never knows.” He was too eager, damn it, and the girl knew it. He could see a glitter in her eyes, like she knew she had just gained the upper hand, and he had to gain it back. His instinct was to make her afraid by whatever means necessary—pain, most likely. But if his suspicions were correct, if this woman did somehow know Aurora, torturing her into giving him information might backfire in the long run. This required less blunt force, more a precise incision. He backed off a little, crossing the room, breaking the frantic pace of their conversation, before finally saying, “For all I know, your special friend could be the Stormlord.”

The girl laughed openly. “If you thought that was the case, we would hardly be in this average-sized room with acceptable beds on a normal floor, with guards outside the door. And you certainly would not have called for blankets. And food.”

Cassius gestured in Novaya’s direction. “You clearly were able to breach the dungeons, so I decided spontaneity was in order. And whatever you might think, I am not a monster. You have information I want. Working with me will make each of you much more comfortable. And longer lived.”

“Oooooh!” she mocked, half laughter, half ghostly howl. Then she leaned forward with a hand up to one side of her mouth and whispered, “Your evil villain monologue does not work as well when an actual evil villain is laying siege to the city you stole.”

Cassius realized suddenly that his casual movement about the room had turned to outright pacing. The audacious little chit had turned the entire conversation around on him, and he’d lost control. He stopped abruptly, planting his feet and glaring at her.

“I could have you executed for my pick of offenses at this very moment if I so chose.” He raised an eyebrow carefully.

“You could. But I do not think you would.”