Felicia’s eyelid twitched, her lips curling in frustration. She finally understood master manipulation; Maurice embodied it perfectly. His moods shifted unpredictably, impossible to decipher. His actions lacked rhyme or reason; no one knew his intentions. He lived for entertainment, every decision a whim.

Felicia took a deep breath. “Mr. Glovers, I used the twin venomous creature for self-preservation. As long as you don't harm me, I won't scheme against you. What's done is done. Come to Khogend. I'll remove the creature, and we'll part ways, even. How about that?”

Maurice remained unmoved. “No.”

Speechless, Felicia realized negotiation was futile. Her patience snapped. “Fine. I’ll remove the creature from myself. Without the connection, yours will become useless.”

“Hmm, not a bad plan,” Maurice replied sincerely. Then, “But do you think anyone will believe you?”

“What do you mean?” Felicia froze, understanding his implication. “You’re planning to spread this? Maurice, are you out of your mind?”

“Why, thank you for the compliment.” He wasn't offended; her anger amused him. She was, he thought, a kitten puffing up its fur.

He was certain she would lunge at him. Grinding her teeth, Felicia seethed, powerless. Even if she removed the creature, would anyone believe her? Maurice could simply leak the information—a single sentence linking their lives—and his enemies would attack, targeting Felicia. No matter her explanations, who would believe her? Even a sliver of doubt would suffice.

After a long pause, Felicia spat out, “You’re ruthless.”

Maurice chuckled. “I learned that from you.”

Felicia bit back curses, forcing a cold smile. “Fine. If that’s how you want to play, we’ll hurt each other. You’d better hope none of your enemies catch wind of this, because if I’m in danger, you’ll die too.”

Without waiting for his response, she hung up, tossing the phone to Maurice’s subordinate. The subordinate, still reeling from shock, was kicked out the door. It slammed shut with a loud bang, leaving him grimacing. He wondered what madness possessed Mr. Glovers to refuse removing the creature. If Felicia pulled another stunt—like last time, dislocating her arms—Maurice's arms would be wrecked! They should have been in Ablil; maybe they could have reasoned with him.

“What do we do now?” The four subordinates exchanged helpless, despairing looks.