"So we're all just going to stand here like this?" he asked, the sarcasm stronger this time. "That could get a little tedious, don't you think?"
"What I think," I said, taking another step away from him, though my retreat wasn't just physical, "is that Azriel was right. You will lie, cheat, steal, and fuck to get what you want. Nothing and no one else matters—it's all about you and your endgame. And while I might have been able to forgive the lying, I can't forgive the attack. I don't want that sort of violence in my life. Not now, not ever."
"Risa—"
He reached for me again, but I slapped his hand away.
"No. I mean it, Lucian," I said, anger and perhaps a touch of regret in my voice. Whatever else he was, he'd been a good lover, and I mourned the loss of that if nothing else. "You and I are finished."
"As lovers, perhaps, but you will need another sword when it comes to finding the keys. Our last attempt proved that."
"I would rather fight alone than fight with someone who plays this game for reasons he has not yet fully disclosed," Azriel commented.
"I don't believe I asked for your opinion, reaper," Lucian snapped, then flexed his fingers and added, "I intend to remain part of this quest, Risa."
"Well, I'm afraid that's an option no longer open to you."
My voice was resolute, but deep inside, doubt stirred. There was a saying about keeping your friends close, but your enemies closer. If Lucian was playing a deeper, darker game than mere revenge, it might be far better to keep him around and keep an eye on him.
That is a very dangerous game to play with one such as him, Azriel commented.
Perhaps, but I just get the feeling that there's more going on here than what we think.
Have I not been saying that? It was wryly said, even if there was a hint of rebuke embedded within the words.
You've said a lot of things, reaper, most of them nasty in regard to Lucian.
He deserves nothing less.