"The Night Prince sent you a message."
The words reverberated in Cain's mind, conveyed by Apex. Whatever thrill or excitement he had felt upon obtaining the Nightmare Heart dissipated the instant he heard them.
Cain gave a small nod, his expression turning cold. "Yes," he said quietly. "He's letting me know he keeps his word—and that he can reach me even inside the sect."
A dangerous glint crossed Cain's eyes, hinting at how he felt about the Night Prince's veiled show of power. But rather than dwell on the matter, he pushed it to the back of his mind. There was no question the Night Prince was dangerous, yet Cain also knew he wouldn't make a direct move—at least not as long as Cain remained useful.
Taking a moment, Cain examined the rest of the package. Besides the Nightmare Heart, there was a crystal about the size of a baby's fist. Cain's demeanor sharpened as he picked it up, and at once, the Night Prince's voice emerged from within.