Van Lagos stared at me—two cat-eyed rubies, glassy and hard.

I betrayed him… again.

Why did it make my chest tight? My stomach sink?

He was my enemy. He was always my enemy. Yet, his look of disappointment picked at an old wound.

Kateen and Finnick scowled in unison at our direction. Murmurs broke out among the cartel members sitting at the front of the platform.

THUD! THUD! THUD!

Reed banged her club on the platform hard enough to shake the table, drawing their attention.

"I understand your concerns, but I have it on good authority that the curse can be ended while keeping the ore deposits intact. Once Nostrand Del is eliminated, it will be business as usual."

"What about my business?!" Kateen asked.

It was true. With the curse lifted, the environment could be returned to its natural state, removing the need to import food and water.

"An enterprising woman like yourself can adapt. Instead of selling food, you could sell farm equipment, for example. There is also growing concern in the capital about the longevity of the Vangrave line. To ensure the annual tithe is not disrupted, the King may be convinced to raise a few trustworthy commoners to nobility."

Reed smiled.

"Of course, the Sanctifiers have a say in these conservations. What do you think? Do you want to become a real lady?"

Kateen pressed her finger against her lips, imagining the possibilities.

Castille leaned into me and whispered.

"She's good."

I nodded.

By now, I knew Reed's style. She unbalanced her opponents with their fears and desires and then sold them solutions that ultimately benefited her Guild. In a matter of minutes, this collection of hardened Steeltowners would be eating out of her hand.

"Now, if there are no more complaints, I will discuss the terms of the new Steeltown Compact."

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Everyone's ears perked up.

"I'm creating a task force to put down Nostrand Del for good. Each Compact member will assemble their best fighters, including themselves, in the case of the Lagos brothers and Tom Harwick."

The large man smiled through split lips.

"Your level of participation will determine how favourable your terms will be in the new Compact. I ask each of you to organize and bring your forces to the Pit. We will meet here tomorrow morning to lay out my plan of attack."

"So soon?" Arwen asked.

"Nostrand Del has been building his strength for over one hundred years. Our best chance is to attack him quickly before he can execute whatever he's been planning."

Reed wasn't good. She was great.

Tying participation in the task force to the new Compact was a genius move. It guaranteed that each Compact member would provide a large force and motivated them to fight harder. It also added two more mages to the offensive. We just might have a chance.

"Any more questions?" Reed asked.

Van Lagos drummed the table with his fingertips, staring down at his hands. He lifted his head to meet the Inquisitor's reddish-brown eyes.

"I have a counteroffer, Special Inquisitor. You and your minions can fight this Nostrand Del and his stone army. We will focus on securing our properties."

Sharp gasps broke out from the seated audience. Reed narrowed her eyes.

"Is that wise, Van Lagos? Two more Landbound mages could turn the tide. You are powerful weapons."

Van Lagos slammed his palms on the table, making Arwen almost jump out of his seat.

"The Lagos brothers are not weapons!"

Reed didn't budge. She dissected the Dahlgeshi cartel leader with dispassionate eyes.

"Then what are you?"

Van Lagos grinned ear to ear.

"We're free..."

He jolted to his feet, knocking his chair over on the makeshift platform. Reed raised a hand to hold off her guards.

"I believe that concludes our business," Van Lagos said.

"Are you sure? You'll be cut out of the new Compact if you don't participate."

She glanced at the shorter Dahlgeshi brother.

"Does that sound good, Finnick?"

She looked down at the seated audience.

"How about you, Lira?"

"I lead the cartel, Special Inquisitor, and I made my decision."

Van Lagos walked off the platform with his brother tugging on his sleeve. The other Lagos cartel members jumped out of their chairs, surrounding Van Lagos like gnats he swatted away.

He was walking straight for us.

Great…

Just when I thought this day couldn't get any worse.

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