Darius, meanwhile, was experiencing a rapid succession of emotions.
Terror. Confusion. Relief. And then, as his brain caught up with what was happening, a resurgence of his old arrogance.
Whatever had happened before—some trick of the light, maybe something he'd eaten disagreeing with him it was over now.
The natural order had reasserted itself. He was Darius Valheim. Cassius was nothing.
He pulled his hands free of Cassius's grip and straightened his coat, a sneer spreading across his face.
But just as he was about to kick Cassius away like the pathetic worm he was—
—Cassius suddenly leaned in close, his breath brushing Darius's ear.
The gathered nobles leaned forward slightly, expecting more desperate pleas whispered in private.
Instead, Cassius's voice came out low, silky, and dripping with venom.
"You pathetic little worm..."
