Page 117 of Smoke, Mirrors, & Misdemeanours

That startled a real smile from Cassia. “I’m not sure he’d agree.”

“Few things bruise a demon’s ego more than a well-placed boundary,” Lucindra said breezily, opening her clutch to take out a tube of lipstick. “But he’ll get over it. He’s always been like a rubber ball—never fails to bounce back.”

Cassia watched her in the mirror. She had expected Alderrath’s sister to be cold, polished, cut from the same marble as her brother. Instead, Lucindra spoke about him with the exasperated fondness of someone who’d known him long before he became a threat to people like Cassia. It was strange, almost disorienting, to realize the man who wanted to tear down Starlight had a sister who laughed about his moods and carried lipstick in a clam-shaped clutch.

Even monsters have families, Cassia thought. Even monsters are someone’s brother.

She tucked the unsettling realization away and met Lucindra’s gaze in the mirror.

“You’ve known Arkenoth a long time, haven’t you?” she asked.

Lucindra’s reflection softened. “Since we were barely more than children.” She turned to Cassia more fully. “We never courted, if that’s what you’re wondering. But he was kind, even as a boy. I’m glad to see he still is.”

Cassia murmured, “He’s been . . . a revelation, to say the least.” She paused. “But I haven’t met his mother yet.”

Lucindra’s smile tilted knowingly. “Ah. So that’s what you’re really powdering your nose for.”

Cassia chuckled. “Am I that transparent?”

“Not at all. You’re not the first to feel nervous about the Daemaris. Most of Meredith is.”

“Should I be worried?”

“Only if you plan to lie to her.”

Cassia blinked. Was she still lying? But no matter what, her arrangement with Ark had begun as a deception, and the Daemaris might not accept anything less than full honesty.

“I don’t lie well,” she admitted.

“Then don’t.” Lucindra turned to the mirror, smoothing an invisible line from her gown. “The Daemaris doesn’t suffer performance. She’s seen it all. Meredith’s elite like to pretend she’s merely the Daemar’s mate, but she’s been quietly ruling alongside him for decades. When the Daemar retreats, she speaks. When the council splits, she steers.”

Cassia absorbed the words slowly. “She rules beside the Daemar?”

“He’s often detained. Whenever he’s unable to attend, she sits in his stead. If you try to impress her, she’ll smell the effort and grow bored. But if you stand your ground, she might just look twice.”

Cassia’s fingers curled around her silk skirt, the crystals abrasive against her palms. She had faced city officials, pompous donors, families who wanted nothing to do with her children—and she had smiled through it all. What was one more powerful demon?

“I’ll keep that in mind. Any last advice?”

Lucindra met her eyes in the mirror. “Don’t lower your gaze. That’s how she knows who’s prey.”

Cassia’s throat tightened. “Thank you. I wasn’t sure what to expect tonight. But you’ve made it a little easier.”

Lucindra smiled and squeezed her hand lightly. “You’ll do just fine, Cassia. And for what it’s worth—I don’t think Arkenoth is the type to bring just anyone home.”

She winked and left.

When Cassia emerged from the powder room, Ark was waiting where he said he would, leaning against the polished banister. His eyes found hers immediately, his face breaking into a slow, devastating smile. As she moved to join him, he pushed off the railing, closing the distance between them. He didn’t touch her, but his presence was a solid wall at her side. He opened his mouth to speak⁠—

And the room went silent.

The music died mid-note. The tapestry of conversation was cut. Every head turned as one, pulled by an invisible wire toward the top of the sweeping marble stairs.

Cassia followed their gazes. A woman stood there—one who could be none other than the Daemaris. She didn’t descend immediately. She allowed the silence to stretch, allowed every guest to comprehend her presence fully. Then, she began her descent, each step a study in complete control, her gown whispering against each marble tread like a fall of ghostly snow.

Ark gently pulled her hand and tucked her against his side. Cassia straightened her spine. Lifted her chin.

You’ve faced worse. You’ve faced worse.