He frowned and held his hands wide, as if pleading his innocence. For the first time it actually registered that we were underground. Both the walls and ceiling that soared high above us were stone, and the air was thick with the scents of moisture and damp earth.
"I didn't steal the key, Risa. Indeed, I was hoping to trap the thief in the cage that now surrounds you."
"I'm not talking about the fucking key, Lucian, and you know it."
His frown deepened. For half a second I honestly believed he had no idea what I was talking about; then I remembered what a consummate actor he was. What a liar he was.
"Trust me—"
Never again. "I'm talking about my mother. You killed her."
"Ah." His voice was soft. "That."
Rage exploded, and I leapt at him without thinking. The cage bowed under the force of my impact but it didn't break, and I was flung backward, landing in an inelegant heap on the floor.
"That," I hissed. "That's all you've got to say about my mother's murder."
He shrugged. "She died well, with great grace, if that is of any consequence."
"But you killed her."
Amusement touched his lips. "Yes, I believe we've already established that fact."
"But why?" The word was torn from me. "What the hell did my mother ever do to you?"
"Nothing, of course. But without her presence, without her advice, you were infinitely more alone and vulnerable."
So he'd killed her merely to make me more accepting of his advances?