Chapter 223

Lila half-turned toward Malik.

Malik dissolved into flame. That familiar dancing blaze of gold and orange contained within a human outline with the merest suggestion of a face.

"If the Brotherhood is trying to repeat history?" he said. "Your peaceful isolationism is over."

"I have survived much. These games mean nothing to me."

"No? Not even if they carry out David's plans? If your ex-lover wins even while in the grave?"

Eww. David had slept with both mother and daughter? Tacky.

The floor-to-ceiling window spiderwebbed with cracks. My wine was crystalizing. Shivering, I put the glass down in case it shattered.

It was an unholy showdown. Malik was pure flame. Hot. Bright. Awesome.

Lilith was a deep freeze. Winning in the scary-as-fuck department. She relaxed by degrees: the lowering of her shoulders, the looser clasp of her wine glass. "Like I said. These games mean nothing to me."