He moved Bethan to the table with their names on the place settings. He was thankful it was not anywhere near Tharin or Canden.

But they were seated close to Julius.

Kellan took the seat across from him, and Bethan sat next to him. Elnora took the empty chair beside Julius. Sam sat on her other side.

He leant over and whispered to Bethan, ‘Do you think you’re going to be all right with Tharin?’

She nodded, and Kellan leant back into his chair.

‘Thank you for checking in,’ she said.

By that point, Kai and Sunni presented themselves at the table, with Kai sitting at the head. In fae culture, it is sacrilege when the host of a party that isn’t a monarch sits at the head. It is a sign that the host believes he is superior to the crown. It caused a stir in his chest.

Kai coughed, and everyone turned to him as if he demanded it.

‘It has come to my attention that you are searching for the First Grimoire. What a wonderful step for your career,’ he said, staring at Bethan. Much like Kellan, he could sense that Bethan wanted to shrink under pressure.

‘Kellan and I have been hard at work researching for The Councillor . . .’ she stammered.

Julius scoffed. ‘I can tell you now, Brother, they have not accomplished much.’

Kellan had to stop himself from rolling his eyes; he watched Julius smirk, taking a sip from his crystal wine glass.

‘That’s why we’re here, actually, Mr Rennigan,’ Bethan said.

Sunni inched closer.

‘Is that so?’ Kai inquired.

Julius looked on with furrowed brows, eyes shooting daggers at Bethan.

She nodded, completely unaware of the silent conversation between the two brothers.

‘I spoke with Mr Lenovik; he told me my sister believed the Antiphonus Scripts might lead us to the grimoire. I thought it was absurd at first, but the more I thought about it, Kurai Rennigan mentioned the Original Family a lot in it; perhaps they could clue in to where it was hidden.’

‘Gareth Lenovik told you that.’

Sunni’s voice was once sultry, but it grated on Kellan’s heightened fears. Kai and Julius shared a look, causing Julius to shrug.

‘A preposterous notion. Did you not think we’d get experienced historians and archivists to look over the Antiphonus to ensure its validity?’

‘It would have been years ago. Historiography changes so quickly every few years because of technology advancements. It wouldn’t hurt having fresh eyes look over with an unbiased perspective.’

Kai leant back in his chair, a sneer growing on his face. Sam shifted in his seat and stared down at his place. Elnora’s jaw clenched, and Sunni glanced at Kai with raised brows.

‘Edington requested I ensure these two have whatever they need. If the Antiphonus is what they require, it’s what they get,’ Julius said.

Kai glared at his brother.