I slip into one of the hallways unnoticed until I’m certain the wave of Residents has passed. Silently, I follow one of the corridors to an unlit library. Heavy curtains frame the windows, but I can still make out the front courtyard just beyond the glass. Avoiding the moonlight pouring over the tiled floor, I walk along the shadows until I find a place near the window to hide myself.

It’s hard to hear anything at first. Only a stream of muffled voices makes it past the thick walls. I consider leaving my hiding place for a better spot, but I’m not sure there’s enough time. Half the guards have already extracted their metal wings, preparing to take flight.

And the human prisoner is still with them. The prisoner with an older Theo’s face.

“Whatever will Mother say about this one?” Prince Ettore asks, sharp as a razor. He’s still leaning against the pillar, only a few feet away from the window.

I try not to breathe.

Caelan flashes his silver eyes toward his brother. “Haven’t you had enough fun for one evening?”

Ettore shrugs innocently. “You can never have too much fun at a party.”

Caelan turns to his guards. “Search the skies and the streets. If the human has an accomplice, I want them found.”

The commander nods, his vivid red hair curling at his forehead. He gives a quick series of orders over his shoulder that are too difficult to hear, and within seconds, several of the guards disappear into the darkened clouds.

“I want this one questioned,” Caelan says, motioning toward the prisoner like he’s nothing more than a mild irritation. “I find it hard to believe someone who looks so unaware could set fire to my courtyard, but if he really did act alone, I want to know how.”

Ettore holds up a hand, inspecting his dark fingernails dismissively. “Do humans often wake up spontaneously in Victory?”

Caelan’s neck goes stiff. “You are a guest in my court, Ettore, so kindly act like one.”

“I’d be happy to. What role would you prefer me to play, dear brother? The obliging subject? The obedient guard?” Ettore sneers. “Is it even possible for anyone in your court to have a personality, or has all the wine and laughter permanently gone to their heads?”

There’s a brief silence before Caelan speaks again. “Victory’s ways are foreign to you because you’re still fighting a war. Last I heard, you had a rebellion of your own to deal with.”

Prince Ettore’s laugh cracks at the air like a whip. “We live for a rebellion. Nothing like letting the humans build themselves up just to crush them back down.”

“Well, then, perhaps it’s time to say your goodbyes and return home. I’d hate for you to miss out on so much excitement,” Caelan retorts.