Dante laid Novalee's unconscious body on the bed. Arranged her almost tenderly. Pulled the blanket over her.
Then he stood, adjusted his clothes. Buttoned his shirt. Smoothed his hair.
Atlas was still on the floor. Naked. Shaking. Dante's taste and Novalee's blood still in his mouth.
"Stand up," Dante said.
Atlas stood on trembling legs.
"Get dressed."
Atlas gathered his clothes with shaking hands. Put them on. Every movement mechanical.
When he was dressed, Dante circled him slowly. Considering.
"Ten years," Dante said quietly. "Ten years you've been my right hand. My most trusted lieutenant. The man I relied on above all others."
Atlas said nothing.
"And tonight you betrayed that trust." Dante stopped in front of him. "You let your emotions compromise your judgment. You got att
