“When I return to full strength, I’ll be back to my usual charming self, but right now, I want you to shut up and do what I tell you. The Sceptre is hidden in Valkyrie’s house, probably her bedroom. It’s bonded to her baby sister so she won’t be able to use it, but even so, if it’s out there, it’s a threat. It’s something that can hurt me. Kill me. I cannot stand those things.”

The irrational part of Sanguine’s mind expected her to swing round and pounce on him, and he brought his hand closer to the dagger.

“I want it in my possession,” Darquesse continued. “I’m thinking of hiding it on the moon, once I’ve mastered space travel.”

“The Sceptre,” Vex said, giving another nod. “We’ll retrieve it for you, you have my word. Is there anything else I can help you with?”

Faced with Vex’s calm demeanour, Darquesse paused, allowed herself to stop fretting. “Your brothers and sisters. Are they ready to strike?”

“They await your command.”

“I haven’t heard of any major Remnant disruption.”

“You asked us to lie low,” said Vex. “That’s what we’re doing.”

“How have you kept them under control?”

Vex shrugged. “I like to think all they needed was the right kind of leadership. I’m their boss but I’m also their friend, you know?”

Darquesse took a moment. “You don’t talk to me the way the others do.”

“Because they’re afraid of you,” said Vex.

“And you’re not?”

“Why should I be? You’re going to destroy the world. You’re my dream girl.”

Darquesse grunted. “Next time I call, be here sooner.”

Vex flashed her a dazzling smile. “Your wish, my lady.”

He bowed again, and left.

Darquesse turned to Foe and Samuel. “Are you scared of me?”

Samuel didn’t reply. Sanguine doubted anyone expected him to.

“I have a healthy respect for your power,” said Foe. “In some circles, that may be seen as a type of fear.”

“And you, Billy-Ray?” Darquesse asked. “Are you scared of me?”

He saw no point in lying. “Yes.”

“And yet,” Darquesse said, walking closer, “you released Tanith. You let her escape, and you stayed. You didn’t even try to run. If you’re so scared of me, why are you still here?”

“Because you’d probably be able to find me,” Sanguine said. “I felt I had a better chance talking to you face to face than running from you. At the very least, I’d be able to see the killing blow coming.”

“Interesting.” She stopped just out of arm’s reach. Did she know? Did she know he possessed one of the only weapons in the world that could kill her? He waited for her to take one more step. One more step, he decided, and he’d go for the dagger, no matter what.