Before Rhiea's eyes had a chance to adjust to the lightlessness of the room, Mihai made his move. He stepped forward, the steel head of his flanged mace a lesser shadow among shadows as it swept down. He aimed for her lower back; he wanted to put her out flat before she had a chance to retaliate ...

Smoke billowed free from Ilias' lips as he watched the table with studied intent. "Are you trying to insult Pietro?" He looked up in time to see his words affect, if barely, the man across the table.

Of course, the room was darkened. The meeting presently taking place was not something one wanted ...