Claimed By Chaos by Abigail Graves

study window and found the letters we were after. With Aldous recovering from his wound, we couldn't refuse her help. She was so efficient and effective and there was no way she'd let us leave her behind once Aldous recovered. Giselle could do anything. All we had to do was point her at someone or tell her to get something.”
    “She saved your life!” Mirabelle whispered. If Giselle had been in the room she would have hugged her out of relief and gratitude.
    “I lost count of how many times she saved my life.” Gilles said softly. “Aldous fell ill and we lost him to a fever. At first, we didn't know how to go on. For days we just existed, in silence. Finally, Giselle said we had to get back to work. She was unstoppable, she couldn't rest. It was as if she purged her grief through violence.” Alastair's head snapped up and his gaze narrowed.
    “I'm certain you saved my life just as many times.” Everyone turned toward the door to find Giselle leaning against the wall. Her eyes were damp and her smile was weak. Mirabelle couldn't help but envy the soft blue day dress she wore. The neckline was more daring and the waist higher than the current English style. It suited her alluring, petite figure. She was a perfect example of a pocket Venus. Giselle was sleek and looked soft and gentle, she reminded Mirabelle very much of a kitten. She walked toward them and took the glass Lucien offered and sat in the chair next to Gilles’. “And you make me sound like a monster. I never minded killing if it was for a good purpose. If I was protecting someone I loved or I knew that it would save British lives, it had to be done.” She shrugged as she sipped her wine. “I don't think I would be able to sleep at night if I murdered an innocent.” Lucien and Alastair exchanged glances.
    “How did the two of you become separated?” Alastair asked. Giselle looked at Gilles and he nodded.
    “Giselle, I should make Alastair and Lucien known to you.” Her brows pulled together as he gestured to Alastair. “I believe you know him as The Chess Master.” Her gaze flicked to Alastair as she gasped and he dipped his head. “You will have heard Lucien referred to as Adonis.” He smiled as he bowed his head. Mirabelle rolled her eyes.
    “Oh, you can't be serious! Why would you have encouraged him?” She asked incredulously.
    “Well, if one looks like a thing and behaves like it, one must therefor be it.” Lucien teased. She swatted him and turned her attention back to Alastair. Gilles snorted.
    “How could you direct everyone and how could you all know of each other but not know who each person was?” She asked. Alastair sat back.
    “The fact that I worked at the War Office is not a secret, Mirabelle. If it had become known that I was controlling numerous operatives, I would have become a target. I could have been tortured for information. The fewer names I knew, the better.” His voice was flat, unconcerned. Mirabelle felt her pulse gallop at the idea that he could have been in such danger. Gilles nodded.
    “Mirabelle was not employed by the war office but she can be trusted and there is nothing that you told me earlier that would put her in danger. I think Alastair should know everything.”
    Alastair focused on Giselle. She nodded, kicked off her shoes, tucked her feet under her and settled into her seat. Mirabelle felt herself lean forward knowing that whatever was about to come next, was going to be riveting.
    “Where shall I begin?” She looked at Alastair.
    “The night you and Gilles became separated. What led to you getting shot?” His voice was hard. She sighed and smiled wryly.
    “I admit, I never should have gone. I was nearly delirious with fever and it was miserably cold and wet. But agents weren't making it back to England from France and we were close to finding the person responsible.” Alastair’s posture became alert and tense.
    “The last traitor.” He whispered. Giselle’s head tilted in question,