The Vanguard summit room was made of glass and obsidian. It was designed to make everyone inside feel small, except for the predators who sat at the long, dark round table.
The meeting ordinarily was designed for all that company all over the four districts.
Adrian stood beside Lucian.
He didn't stand a step behind him like a subordinate. He stood exactly level with the Director. He wore the charcoal suit Lucian had chosen— they were actually matching suits right now.
As they entered, the low hum of conversation died instantly. Then, the whispers started. They weren't even subtle.
"Concordant."
"Look at the eyes. The connection is already visible."
"I thought they were all dead."
"Lucian is holding a nuclear weapon in a silk tie."
Adrian felt the stares. It made his skin crawl, but he didn't lower his gaze. He had survived the East Side by never looking like prey, and he wasn't going to start now.
