When Merlin finally rose from the table, the world beyond the window had already sunk into a glittering ocean of night.
The city stretched endlessly below, cars threading through streets like veins of light, the soft murmur of life pulsing through every block.
He should have left. He knew that.
But something about the silence in that dining hall felt deliberate, as if it wasn't finished speaking.
And then—
The door slid open again.
Not Kael.
A woman stepped in, poised, dark-haired, dressed in a black suit with a small silver emblem pinned to her lapel. Her movements were quiet but precise, like she belonged to the air itself.
"Mr. Everhart," she said smoothly, bowing her head just slightly. "The Chairman requested I deliver something before you leave."
Merlin straightened, his hand unconsciously brushing his coat. "And you are?"
"Arden Vale," she replied. "Chairman Kael's chief operations officer."
