Korac sighed outside of Colita’s quarters.

It was hard to imagine that dour brood passed for a good mood these days with Nox. But then again, it was hard to imagine anything but Rayne’s tears bringing the King of Cinder any relief or joy. And they would wring them from her until Celindria’s descendant cried blood.

Fuck, Korac wasn’t in much better spirits.

Why?

Why was Nox asking him to do this? Not that reconnaissance was beneath the General. In fact, the personal touch was one of his fortes. But…

Dream invasion?

It was unheard of—borderline uncivilized. To enter someone’s sleeping consciousness intruded on their deepest fears and darkest desires—It just wasn’t done.

And it seemed like an extremely fucking bad idea for Nox to intrude on Rayne’s mind. After everything Celindria had put Nox through, it could only bring more anguish and further sour Nox’s mood. It was rare to see him in any other state, and only occasionally did Korac see a glint in his King’s black eyes—When torturing Celindria’s descendant was in his thoughts.

Obsession.

There was no remedy for this. Once they commenced with the invasion, they would have their revenge.

Simple.

Colita answered after forcing Korac to knock a second time. She languished in a silk robe, clinging to her skin. Her blond tresses were still wet from the bath, where two of the male Icari from her harem awaited further in the room for Colita’s return. Cinnamon mingled with other scents rushed into the hallway. Her lids were lowered headily around sky-blue eyes, extending an invitation to Korac.

One he would always turn down.

“Colita, Nox wants you performing subterfuge for the Progeny. Are you still in possession of the capsule we gave you for the task?” Korac enjoyed that his professional manner in the presence of Colita’s nearly naked body agitated the viper.

Her eyes flashed as she said, “Of course. I wouldn’t dare toss it after how much Razor charged us for it. Does Nox even know how you came by those credits?”

Ah… So Colita thought she could elongate her fangs at Korac? A little blackmail because he’d spurned her advances?

Korac wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of a response. “Begin the reconnaissance, tonight.” He let his eyes wander down her body, taking in the silk surrounding her slender curves, before Korac met Colita’s eyes again. They shone with wanton need. Korac smirked. “And remember your place as consort to the King. Find your dignity and try to maintain it for more than five seconds at a time.”

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Korac walked away, leaving Colita scowling in the doorway. The ugly twisting of her pretty features better matched her insides. He felt the daggers of her eyes in his back all the way to his quarters down the hall.

This compound was tighter living than Nox’s Castle on Cinder, but the humans in the Cult of Night tried their best to appease their gods. As General and Nox’s second-in-command, Korac warranted a decent-sized apartment, with a massive bed, fireplace, and an en suite. As did Colita as Nox’s blood consort and third-in-command.

Korac went to the sitting area and sat in an armchair before the fire. He stared into it, imagining this setting was as good a place as any to introduce himself to the Progeny. But which one would he meet first?

Oh, hell. Korac knew without asking. He’d wondered over the years how T.a.o.’s descendants had fared. Did any of them inherit her affliction? Or her gift?

It was time to find out.

Korac straightened his slacks, swiped any wrinkles from his button down, and checked his manicure. He muttered to himself, “Shit.” Yesterday, when he’d disposed of the fanatic Enforcer, he’d dented his black nail polish.

While Nox refused to assimilate to human clothing, preferring to remain shirtless in leather pants, Korac indulged himself in shiny shoes and tailored garments. And there was something to be said that Nox had given his General the freedom to do so.

A thought to consider for another time.

Korac noted the time was three in the morning before swallowing the subconscious capsule. Sleep claimed him within moments.

Sagan Sterling appeared, facing the fireplace with her back to Korac. She was the shortest of the Progeny women at five feet, three inches, and she looked especially small in her pajama pants and sleep shirt. He watched a moment as she peered around, taking in the space. While Sagan acclimated, Korac propped an elbow on the chair and rested his face against his hand, observing.

Young. Fifteen years old. Born a brunette, Sagan had bleached her hair a few nights ago with a fresh cut. Her stance was one of someone with no experience in combat—as was her physique. Sagan Sterling was simply a teenage human girl—

With wild, violet eyes.

When she’d turned and faced Korac, it was a shade he’d recognized instantly. A forgotten pain twisted in his heart.

An innocent being, Sagan raised her hand in a stiff wave. “Hello.” To herself, she muttered, “Wow. Weird dream.” There was wonder in her voice, and a soft friendliness in her smile.

This required a change in tactics.

Korac stood, and Sagan took him in, fearlessly. Despite him towering over her by a foot, her smile never left her lips. He said, “I’m here from The Brethren. Xelan sent me to train you in an arena where you can’t be harmed.”

Sagan’s smile blossomed into a brilliant grin. “Awesome. I’m Sagan.” She held out her hand.

When Korac took it, Sagan’s warmth enveloped him. He actually returned a smile of his own. “I’m Korac.”

“That’s a pretty name. Are you Icarean?”

Korac fought to keep his eyes from narrowing as he wondered what version of the truth Xelan had told the Progeny. He said, “Yes. I was left behind after the Vacating. While we work, you can catch me up on what you already know.” As he spoke, Korac pushed the chairs aside to clear the space. “Have you sparred with anyone, yet?”

Sagan helped with the last chair, saying, “Oh, no. We can barely run the course without dying, but I’m eager to try out some moves since you’re here to teach me.” Yes. The enthusiasm glittered in her violet eyes, further warming her ever-present smile.

Was this underhanded tactic beneath Korac?

As soon as he questioned it, he recalled the sensation of being pulled inside-out by the conduit as Celindria and the Progeny sealed them behind it on Cinder.

“Let’s begin with your stance, and you can tell me all about your training so far.”