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“Come,” he says, extending his hand to help me up. His palm is warm and dry as it envelops mine, pulling me to my feet with surprising gentleness. “You shouldn't have to witness the...unpleasantness of cleanup.”

I allow him to guide me away from Bianca's body, my legs moving mechanically. The smell of gunpowder and copper fills my nostrils, making my stomach roil.

“My guards will escort you to suitable quarters where you can refresh yourself,” Victor continues, his tone as casual as if we're discussing dinner plans rather than standing over a corpse. “You will dine with me within the hour. We have much to discuss about our new alliance.”

VESPER

I stareat my reflection in the bathroom mirror, Bianca's blood drying in rust-colored flecks across my cheeks and neck. My hands tremble as I grip the marble countertop, the diamond-encrusted watch on my wrist catching the light. I've seen death before, delivered it myself, but the casual way Victor executed her, like swatting an annoying insect, has left me shaken to my core.

The bathroom door opens behind me, and Talon steps in. “They're listening,” he mouths silently, tapping his ear beforeturning on the shower. The rush of water creates a shield of noise as he moves closer.

“Are you alright?” he asks softly, his hand warm against the small of my back.

I shake my head, words failing me as the enormity of what we've walked into finally hits. Victor Petrov shot Bianca without hesitation, without trial. His own daughter-in-law executed, and in the next breath, invited me to dine with him. Victor Petrov may be a bigger monster than my own grandfather. What would he do to me if he discovered our deception?

“I need to get this off me.”

Talon reaches for a plush hand towel, wetting it under the faucet before gently turning me to face him. With tender care, he begins to wipe away the blood from my face. Each gentle stroke removes another spatter of Bianca's life from my skin, but nothing can erase the image of her crumpling to the floor.

“You should shower. I'll stand guard at the door.”

I nod, suddenly desperate to wash away every trace of this nightmare. "Thank you."

As Talon turns to take up his position at the door, I shed my blood-stained clothes, letting them fall to the marble floor in a heap. The hot water scalds my skin as I step under the spray, but I welcome the pain to ground me in the present, to wash away the shock threatening to paralyze me.

I scrub until my skin turns pink, watching as the last traces of Bianca's blood swirl down the drain. Steam fills the massive shower enclosure, clouding the glass walls and creating a momentary illusion of safety.

Wrapping myself in one of the plush towels, I step out of the shower, my mind racing with contingency plans. I need to contact Z and Oz to confirm they're safe and warn them.

A soft knock at the outer door catches my attention. Talon motions for me to stay where I am as he answers it. I freeze,watching through the partially open bathroom door as Talon speaks in hushed tones with someone in the hallway. My pulse quickens, imagining Victor's guards coming to escort me to dinner—or worse.

When Talon steps back into view, he's holding something that makes my breath catch. A designer dress sways gently from a satin hanger in his grip, its midnight blue fabric shimmering under the chandelier light. It's exquisite, and clearly meant for me.

“Compliments of your host.” His expression is unreadable as he holds up the garment. The dress is a masterpiece of understated elegance, with a plunging neckline and a slit that would reach mid-thigh. “Victor thought you might appreciate something...fresh to wear.”

I step forward, my fingers brushing against the silky material. “He works quickly.”

“Efficient monsters usually do,” Talon mutters. “There are shoes to match. And jewelry.”

As if on cue, I notice the velvet box sitting on the bed behind him. My stomach churns at the thought of Victor selecting these items for me. This isn't hospitality, it's ownership. Marking me as his property before I've even agreed to our alliance.

“How thoughtful.” It takes everything I have not to roll my eyes when I open the box and find a brilliant diamond necklace with inlaid rubies. He’s wasting no time spoiling the broodmare to his empire.

Talon peers at it over my shoulder. “Subtle. Nothing says ‘welcome to the family’ like a collar of diamonds and blood.”

I lift the necklace from its velvet nest. The central ruby is the size of my thumbnail, surrounded by diamonds that catch the light. It's breathtaking and suffocating all at once.

“Help me?” I turn my back to Talon and lift my damp hair. His fingers brush my neck as he takes the necklace, the touch sending an involuntary shiver down my spine.

“Just so we're clear,” he declares as he fastens the clasp, “we're still sticking to the plan, right? Even after...” He doesn't finish the sentence. He doesn't need to.

The necklace already feels like a noose around my neck. “Yes.”

“I know." Talon's jaw tightens. “I just wanted to make sure we're on the same page.”

The diamonds lie cold against my skin as I drop the towel and step into the midnight blue dress. It fits as if it were made for me specifically. The thought is unsettling. I had assumed this dress belonged to my recently departed cousin, but she and I weren’t even remotely close in size or body type. The idea that Victor had a dress waiting for me makes my skin crawl with fresh horror.

“How would Victor even know my size?” I turn to examine the fit in the mirror.