"Now that the king has heard your confession, we return back to your contract."
Alabaster stared at the empty space where the hologram of the King had just been, then slowly lowered his gaze to the contract and the handless stump on his wrist.
The fear and pain were now replaced by a chilling resignation.
"It—it was already decided, wasn't it?" Alabaster whispered, his voice thin and hollow.
"Pretty much," Dorian confirmed with a slight tilt of his head.
"Though I will admit, I was prepared for a little more resistance. You've saved us all some time." He pushed the document closer to the Governor.
"All you need to do is sign. Or, since one of your hands is currently… indisposed, a blood seal will suffice. A quick prick of a finger on your remaining hand, and you press it where your name should be."
He glanced at Maria, who immediately took a small, ornate silver letter opener from her sleeve and held it out, its tip dangerously sharp.
