Eight that evening. The steakhouse.I pushed the door open and walked in.Julian was sitting at the head of the long table, cutting into a plate of venison — hunted after the last patrol.Celeste sat beside him, sipping from a bowl of broth.When he saw me come in, Julian didn't even lift his eyes."Five minutes late."He set down his knife and fork and dabbed his mouth with his napkin."But seeing as you've finally come to your senses, I'll forgive the rudeness."He snapped his fingers.A servant immediately brought out a plate of roast lamb chops — my favorite."Eat.""When you're done, we'll go to the admissions center and you'll hand over the slot. Once that's done, I'll release the lock on your blood seal."He slid a pre-printed transfer statement across the table.Next to it, a jewelry box."Consider this your compensation.""Latest moonstone necklace. You've been eyeing it for a while, haven't you?"He leaned back, hands folded across his stomach.Pure confidence in every line o
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