I traced her spine from the base of her neck down to the curve of her bottom, then up again.

She sighed, her breath warm against the bare skin of my chest. “I’m not going to let her kill my mother.”

I felt her hold her breath, as though she expected me to argue with her. “I know,” I said. “We won’t let that happen.” Even if Genevieve did deserve it.

She lifted herself up onto one elbow, her raised eyebrows mirroring the surprise I felt. “I thought you would argue about putting the life of one human ahead of the life of many.”

“She’s your mother,” I said, watching the tiny ball of light float above us. “Haven’t I caused enough hurt in your life without sacrificing your family members to a murderous witch?”

“Your father, and by extension, your mother and aunt, are in just as much danger as my mother.”

“I don’t care about my…” I broke off, the word father catching in my throat. It’s not a lie! I screamed at myself. But no amount of effort could force the statement from my lips. Whether I liked it or not, I did care what happened to him. “My father will not be unaware of Angoulême’s plots,” I muttered, annoyed with myself. “And he is far from helpless. What’s more, he made this bed – it’s his own damn fault if he has to sleep in it.”

“And what about everyone else in Trollus?” she asked. “Must they sleep in it too?”

“Don’t ask me that.” I turned my head sideways against the pillow so I didn’t have to meet her gaze.

“Can you imagine what would happen if Angoulême succeeds? It would be a thousand times worse for the half-bloods under his rule than your father. And what’s more, he knows who Anushka is. If he catches her and kills her, all the gains you’ve made will be lost.”

I ground my teeth together. “Do you think I don’t know all of this?”

“I’m well aware of the fact you know it, but what you seem unable to admit is that you want to see her dead. That your reaction yesterday night wasn’t an act of desperation, but a reflection of what you really want.”

“You…” I cut off, the sound of footsteps and a loud thud reaching my ears. “There’s someone outside.”

“The dogs would be barking like mad if anyone came near.” She bit her lip, eyes wide. “Oh no.”

Climbing off the bed, we both went to the tiny window, Cécile inching the curtains apart. “It’s too dark,” she whispered. “I can’t see anything.”

My eyes were better. “It’s a large box or chest.” Grabbing my shirt, I pulled it over my head. “Stay here.”

Cécile didn’t pay me any heed, following me out the door and down the stairs.

Louie was peering out the front door, a pistol that looked like it hadn’t seen action in years held firmly in one hand. “Whoever it was, they’re gone now.”