Amazing.Twenty-three human women competing for the attention of a domesticated orc while cameras capture every moment for public consumption. The tribal council's idea of diplomatic outreach.
I head back toward my quarters, already mentally preparing for the evening's performance. Charming but not threatening. Exotic but not alien. Different enough to be interesting, similar enough to be acceptable.
Image rehabilitation.
The scent of cinnamon follows me down the corridor, a reminder that some people create beauty while others simply perform it. That authenticity exists, even in artificial spaces.
But authenticity is dangerous when you're trying to manage perceptions, control narratives, rehabilitate reputations. The moment you let your guard down, show who you really are instead of who you need to be, everything can unravel.
I learned that lesson three years ago when I chose honor over diplomacy and destroyed any chance of peaceful resolution. I won't make that mistake again.
Tonight, I'll play the role they need me to play. Sophisticated but approachable. Dangerous enough to be exciting, civilized enough to be trustworthy.
Emotionally distant.
Because the mission matters more than whatever Trinity Lewis represents, and I can't afford to forget that again.
Even if she does smell like cinnamon and move like someone who's never doubted her place in the world.
Especiallythen.
CHAPTER 3
TRINITY
"Ladies, welcome to your first mixer with the bachelors!"
Jessica's voice booms through the ornate ballroom as twenty-three women in varying degrees of cocktail dress finery shuffle nervously around the edges. I smooth down my simple black dress, the only remotely formal thing I packed, and try not to feel underdressed next to Scarlett's sequined number or Amber's plunging neckline situation.
At least I smell like cinnamon rolls instead of desperation.
The thought makes me snort, which earns me a sharp look from Madison, the Instagram influencer who's been practicing hercandidlaugh for the past hour.
"Remember, this is your chance to make first impressions with all five of our eligible bachelors," Jessica continues. "You'll have rotating fifteen-minute sessions, so make them count!"
Five bachelors. Right. Because apparently one orc wasn't enough of a spectacle for reality television. They've assembled what looks like a supernatural dating service: Korgan the orc, a vampire named Sebastian who's already making half the women swoon with his accent, something called a "shifter" who keeps flexing like he's posing for romance novel covers, a demonwhose charming smile doesn't quite hide the predatory gleam in his eyes, and a fae prince who looks like he stepped out of a fairy tale and knows it.
Welcome to the monster mash,I think, fighting back another inappropriate giggle.
"Trinity!" Maya would be cackling if she could see this. Twenty-three women competing for supernatural beings while cameras capture every mortifying second. It's like a fever dream spawned by too much late-night television and stress baking.
"Our first rotation begins now!"
The women scatter like startled birds, each gravitating toward their target of choice. I hang back, watching the chaos unfold. Scarlett practically throws herself at the vampire, while Madison makes a beeline for the fae prince with her phone already out for selfies. Three women surround the shifter, apparently fascinated by his ability to make his muscles ripple on command.
Which leaves me and four other women eyeing Korgan uncertainly.
He stands near the far window, somehow managing to look both imposing and uncomfortable in his perfectly tailored suit. The other women seem torn between fascination and intimidation. He's definitely the most physically impressive of the five bachelors, but also the most alien. Different in ways that go beyond supernatural abilities into genuine cultural otherness.
Well, I didn't come here to play it safe.
I grab two champagne flutes from a passing waiter, liquid courage never hurt, and approach the orc bachelor who might be my ticket to saving the bakery.
"Hi." I offer him one of the glasses. "I'm Trinity."
Those heavy-lidded amber eyes focus on me with surprising intensity. "Korgan."
"Right. The name on all the promotional materials was a pretty big clue."
