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The space was pretty big, so getting it ready was no simple job. Sure, they could have hired a company to take care of it all, but there was some satisfaction in playing such a big part in setting everything up. They’d decided to keep the name “Urban Ink,” and one of her cousins had created the most amazing sign with a font that was part calligraphy, part graffiti.
“How are your plans for the grand opening coming along?” Jolene asked.
“Pretty great. There are only a few last things to take care of.” Belinda had been shocked that Harper didn’t want her help planning the opening. She was also horrified that Harper was throwing a street party and stated that it would never be successful. Whatever.
“Several people have asked me when the new studio will open,” said Knox. “I think it will do very well in the Underground.”
“Did you know that a smug glint pops into your eyes whenever we talk about it?” asked Harper, amused. “You’re still gloating that you got your way.”
“Not gloating,” lied Knox. “I’m just happy that you’ll be somewhere safer.”
She gave a soft snort. “You’re totally gloating.”
A hush fell as Jonas took his seat at the head of the table. “Let us have a light lunch before we begin.”
Servers then entered the dining hall with platters. There were posh-looking salads, little fish-cake thingies, bruschetta, caviar, and a variety of small weird stuff. Harper wrinkled her nose. What are they?
A range of hot and cold canapés, Knox replied.
Oh.
Her glum tone made his mouth quirk. He flicked her earring gently and kissed her temple. I’ll take you to a restaurant of your choice after we’re done here.
Dude, you’re so getting lucky later. Sipping at her red wine, she saw Alethea watching them with an inscrutable look on her face. The dolphin quickly looked away.
Harper tried the bruschetta, which was kind of nice but it sadly left her hungry. When the clink and clatter of tableware came to an end about an hour later, the servers removed the plates and cutlery.
Jonas cleared his throat. “Now, shall we begin?” Murmurs of agreement spread throughout the hall, and Jonas nodded in satisfaction. “Good. Is there anything in particular that anyone wishes to discuss?”
“Isla’s lair has not yet agreed on a replacement for her,” said a Prime at the far end of the table. “It is currently operating without a Prime.”
The demon beside Beck spoke. “I heard there’s a lot of arguing going on about who will rule it.”
Another Prime frowned, confused. “I heard they simply don’t intend to replace her until they’ve grieved her death. In any case, the fact that there’s a lair operating without a Prime is concerning.”
“It’s also none of our business unless there’s a reason for us to step in,” said Raul. “Right now, the lair isn’t being a problem for anyone.”
“Onto another subject, Dario has gone off the grid,” one Prime announced. “I don’t suppose anyone knows why that is?”
Jolene’s brow furrowed. “Gone off the grid?”
“He’s become quite the recluse,” said Alethea. “There are rumors that he’s building an army.”
There was a short silence. Harper broke it. “Our kind don’t do war.” Mostly because demons found it boring.
“Yes, but he’d hoped to be elected as a Monarch over us all,” Alethea reminded her. “Perhaps he’s angry that the elections didn’t go in his favor. Perhaps he’s so determined to be a ruler he intends to fight for that.”
“I find it difficult to believe Dario would feel that way,” said Raul, leaning back in his chair with his hands behind his head. “He didn’t seem all that bothered by losing the election.”
Harper happened to agree with that.
Apparently, Malden also did because he nodded. “He was disappointed by the result of the voting poll, but not terribly angry. It was only Isla who reacted badly.”
Alethea twisted her mouth. “In all honesty, I don’t believe he’s forming an army. But I still find his behavior odd. I don’t like to say it, but it’s possible that Dario’s strange behavior is a result of him turning rogue.”
Malden’s jaw hardened. “I will not believe that.”
“It was just a thought,” she said with a shrug. “Maybe it’s something we should investigate, just to be sure. I went to his home, hoping to see him for myself and put my mind at rest. He refused to see me.”
“You say that like you’re someone important,” one Prime said to Alethea with a derogatory snort. “You’re not a Prime. He’s not obliged to see you. And you’re certainly no friend of his.”
Harper fought a smile as spots of color entered Alethea’s cheeks.
Alethea’s hand curled tight around her napkin. “Dario and I have history.”
“Yes, history,” said Malden. “As I recall it, you two didn’t part on good terms. Unlike you, I am his friend. Until recently, I was in regular contact with him. He showed no signs of mental degradation.”
Jonas spoke up. “I’m skeptical about him being rogue and about him forming an army. But I can’t think of a reason why the man would lock himself up in his own home.”
“Maybe he’s found himself a nice woman and they’re not inclined to leave the bedroom,” joked the Prime beside Harper.
