The next evening, I stood in front of the mirror in my room, adjusting my tie and thinking about power.
Two percent.
I’d been stuck at this threshold for weeks now. The system had locked my power level, and no amount of fragnts seed to push it higher. lissa had given enough to survive. Vivienne had provided substantial energy – 191 fragnts total now – but the barrier remained.
[Power Analysis]
[Current Level: 2% - LOCKED]
[Fragnts: 191.2/1000]
[Threshold Break Requirents: UNKNOWN]
[Possible Solutions:]
[- Acquire significantly more fragnts (Est. 300 )]
[- Corrupt a target of exceptional power]
[- Achieve a breakthrough event]
[Analysis: Standard corruptions providing diminishing returns]
[Recomndation: High-value target required for advancent]
High-value target.
Selene.
A five-hundred-year-old vampire with the kind of power that made other supernaturals defer to her automatically. If I could corrupt her – and that was a massive if – the fragnt gain would be astronomical. Easily 30-50 fragnts in a single session, possibly more.
And more importantly, it might be enough to break through the 2% barrier.
I needed that breakthrough. Especially now, with the Covenant watching, Sebastian plotting, and threats mounting from every direction. At 2%, I was stronger than an average supernatural, faster, more durable.
But against a coordinated assault from experienced supernatural hunters? I’d be overwheld.
At 10%? 20%? I’d be a serious threat. Soone who couldn’t be easily eliminated.
But corrupting Selene...
She was the most dangerous target I’d considered. Paranoid, powerful, surrounded by loyal subordinates, and suspicious of everyone. Getting close enough to even attempt seduction would take ti I might not have.
But what choice did I have?
"You ready?" Sarah called from downstairs. "The poker ga starts in an hour."
"Coming."
I took one last look in the mirror. Tonight was reconnaissance. Scout the retrieval locations, map the upper floors, gather intelligence.
And maybe, just maybe, find an opening with Selene.
---
The Velvet Room was packed when I arrived. Apparently, word of the VIP poker ga had spread, and everyone wanted to be seen in proximity to power.
Jade t at the elevator to the VIP level.
"You look tense," she observed.
"Long week."
"I heard about the gala aftermath. Sebastian’s been complaining to anyone who’ll listen about you ’stealing’ Vivienne." She smiled. "Congratulations on making an enemy of one of the city’s most vindictive families."
"It’s a gift."
We ascended to the VIP level, and I imdiately noticed the changes. The usual lounge setup had been reconfigured – a large poker table in the center, surrounded by plush seating. About a dozen people were already there, nursing drinks and making small talk.
Selene stood near the windows, wearing a black dress that probably cost more than most cars. She looked up as I entered, and sothing flickered across her face.
Interest? Calculation?
"Alexander," she called. "Glad you could make it."
I moved through the crowd toward her. "Wouldn’t miss it."
"Do you play poker?"
"I know the basics."
"Good. We’re playing for favors tonight, not money. Winner gets to ask one favor from each of the other players, within reason." Her smile was sharp. "Makes things more interesting than just betting chips."
"What counts as ’within reason’?"
"Nothing illegal by human standards, nothing that violates the neutral ground rules, nothing that would cause lasting harm." She gestured to the table. "Beyond that, creativity is encouraged."
Playing for favors. Smart. It gave her a way to bind people to obligations while maintaining the appearance of a friendly ga.
"I’m in," I said.
"Excellent." She touched my arm – casual contact, but I felt the subtle probe of her power testing mine. "You know, I’m still extrely curious about it."
"What’s that?"
"What you are exactly, Alexander Cross?" Her eyes locked on mine. "I’ve been trying to figure it out since we last spoke...your vauge description seed to only deepen my curiosity."
When my voice ca it was asured and careful.
"I’m soone who prefers to keep so mystery," I said carefully. "Doesn’t everyone in this world?"
"Most people, yes. But most people don’t have power signatures that make my wards uncertain whether to admit them or repel them." She leaned closer. "You’re sothing old. Sothing that doesn’t quite belong in this realm. And that makes very curious."
"Curiosity killed the cat, they say."
"But satisfaction brought it back. And I’m very difficult to kill." She straightened. "We’ll talk more after the ga. For now, let’s play."
The ga began, and I quickly realized I was outmatched in terms of pure skill.
These people had been playing poker for decades, so for centuries. They could read tells I didn’t even know I was making.
But I had other advantages.
Enhanced perception let catch micro-expressions. Divine senses picked up on heart rate changes, stress indicators. And the fact that I’d been alive for over a millennium ant I’d learned a thing or two about reading people.
I played conservatively, folding more often than not, watching and learning.
And while everyone was focused on the ga, I let my awareness expand, mapping the VIP level.
Private booths along the periter. A door marked "Staff Only" that likely led to service areas. Another door with heavy wards – Selene’s private office, probably. And a third door, less obviously protected, that led to what Jade had ntioned was the collection room.
Two of my three targets were on this level. The third – the compromising docunt in Victor Zhao’s private booth – would require accessing his space when he wasn’t here.
"Your bet, Alexander," Selene said, pulling my attention back to the ga.
I looked at my cards. A decent hand, but not great. I could fold and stay safe, or I could push and see how people reacted.
I pushed my chips in. "Raise."
Jade folded imdiately. Natasha considered, then called. Victor Zhao, sitting across from , studied for a long mont before calling as well.
Selene watched with amusent. "Interesting play."
The flop ca down. Two of my suit. If the turn or river gave another, I’d have a flush.
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