Another test. Everyone in this place was constantly testing, evaluating, trying to figure out who was useful and who was dangerous.
"Prague," I said. "Favorite city. The architecture is stunning, and there’s a supernatural community there that’s been around since before the city had a na."
"Good choice. Worst job?"
"Tried to take a painting from a demon’s hoard once. Turns out dragons have excellent peripheral vision and worse tempers."
She laughed. "How’d you survive that?"
"Fast feet and creative negotiation."
"And why you’re really here?"
I t her eyes. "Because Rachel thought I’d enjoy the club. And she was right."
"That’s the safe answer. Want to try the honest one?"
Before I could respond, a presence appeared beside us. Selene.
"Jade, stop interrogating my guests," she said, but her tone was amused.
"I’m just being friendly."
"You’re being nosy." Selene looked at . "Mr. Cross. I didn’t expect to see you back so soon."
"You asked to return. I’m following instructions."
"Are you?" She gestured to one of the private booths. "Walk with . I’d like to discuss sothing."
Jade raised her eyebrows but said nothing as I followed Selene across the club. We settled into a booth that was sohow isolated despite being in full view of everyone. Sound wards, probably. Magic making privacy in a public space.
"You’re distinct from the usual newcors," Selene said without preamble. "I usually find them terrified, and sotis trying too hard."
"Should I be?"
"Terrified? Probably. But the fact that you’re not tells you’re confident or perhaps quite foolish." She leaned back, studying . "Which is it?"
"I suppose we’ll find out in ti"
"I suppose we will." She sipped her drink. "Rachel tells you’re a consultant. What kind of consulting?"
Here it was. The real question underneath the social pleasantries.
"Problem-solving. Usually for people who need sothing done quietly and efficiently."
"A fixer."
"In a sense."
"And you’re in my city for...?"
"A few months. Maybe longer if I like it here."
"What would make you like it?"
I t her eyes. "Interesting work. Good food. Company that doesn’t bore to tears."
She smiled – a real one this ti, not the cold calculation she usually wore. "Honest. I appreciate that."
"You said you value creativity and adaptability. I figured honesty was a good way to demonstrate both."
"Quoting Jade’s conversation with you, are you?" At my surprised look, she laughed. "This is my club, Mr. Cross. I know every conversation that happens within these walls. Sound carries in interesting ways when you know how to listen."
Shit. She’d been monitoring from the start.
"Then you know I’m exactly what I seem," I said, keeping my voice level. "Soone trying to navigate your world without stepping on toes."
"Is that what you’re doing?" She leaned forward. "Because it seems to you’re doing sothing more interesting. You’re watching, learning, figuring out how things work. That’s more than just navigation. It seems like reconnaissance."
My heart rate spiked, but I kept my expression neutral. "Everyone does reconnaissance when they enter new territory. It’s basic survival."
"True. But most people are subtle about it. You’re bold." She tilted her head. "I find it slightly concerning."
"Then I did well to make an Impression."
She laughed again, and I realized I’d never heard her laugh this much. "You’re entertaining, Alexander. I’ll give you that."
"Is that a good thing?"
"In my world? Yes. Entertainnt is currency." She stood. "I’m having a private gathering next week. Small group, VIP level, invitation only. I’d like you to attend."
"What’s the occasion?"
"Does there need to be one?" She smiled. "Consider it an opportunity. Attend, et so people who actually matter, show if you’re as interesting in a smaller setting as you are on the main floor."
"What ti?"
"Saturday. 10 PM. Co alone." She started to walk away, then paused. "And Alexander? I have high expectations."
She left, and I sat there processing what had just happened.
From first-ti guest to invited to a private VIP gathering in less than a week. That was insanely fast, which ant either my approach was working perfectly or Selene was suspicious and giving rope to hang myself.
Possibly both.
I finished my drink and left the club, texting Marco the update as I walked.
: VIP gathering invite. Next Saturday.
Marco: Are you fucking kidding ? That’s unprecedented.
: Should I be worried?
Marco: Probably. But also – this is exactly what we need. VIP access ans interior mapping and retrieval opportunities.
: Or it ans she knows sothing and is setting up.
Marco: That too. Be careful.
Back at the safehouse, I found Sarah and Viktor having a late-night sparring session in the training area. They stopped when I entered.
"How’d it go?" Sarah asked, breathing hard.
"Got invited to a private VIP gathering."
Viktor whistled low. "That’s fast. Too fast."
"That’s what I thought."
"Could be a trap," he rumbled. "Selene’s known for testing people. Sotis those tests are lethal."
"Could also be genuine interest," Sarah countered. "Cain’s good at making impressions."
"Either way, I’m going." I leaned against the wall. "This is what we need for the job. Can’t back out now."
"Just don’t go alone," Sarah said. "At least let us have backup outside. If things go wrong, we can extract you."
"Selene said to co alone."
"And you’re going to follow those instructions because...?" She raised an eyebrow. "Cain, this is a woman who dismbered the last thief who tried to steal from her. Pardon for wanting backup."
She had a point.
"Fine. Backup outside, but stay hidden. If she catches wind that I brought a team, it’ll blow everything."
"Agreed."
I retreated to my room and lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling.
[Quest Update: The Velvet Room Infiltration]
[Major Progress: VIP Gathering Invitation Received]
[Selene Blackwater: Interest Level - High]
[Recomndation: Proceed with extre caution]
[Potential Outcos: VIP Access, Retrieval Opportunities, or Violent Death]
[Estimated Survival Probability: 65%]
Sixty-five percent. Better odds than I’d had falling from Heaven.
I’d take them.
Reviews
All reviews (0)