"Gallahan offers a soft life that leaves her vulnerable. And what Boris offers is pure barbarism. On the other hand, the House of Lucas offers practical, lethal security."
Lucas looked at Seraphina, dropping his voice to a gravelly, conspiratorial whisper.
"We are a family of retired assassins, My Lady. Our ancestral stronghold is hidden beneath a mountain. But we are a modern, progressive family of killers. We have an indoor playground. The throwing knives in the ball pit are padded with enchanted foam so you do not lose an eye while practicing your arterial strikes. We value communication, emotional availability, and the swift, silent eradication of our enemies. If the Archduke continues to exhibit toxic, avoidant attachment styles, you give the word, and my uncles will ensure he wakes up with a venomous centipede in his mythril boots. You can be the supreme matriarch of the shadows."
