“I trust the Council’s judgment,” I say instead. Deflection.
“That’s not what I asked.”
Before I can answer, Ember intervenes. “Kieran. He’s alive. He has information that can help us. That’s what matters.”
He subsides. Not convinced but willing to let it drop.
I’m grateful. I don’t know how to answer that question honestly without revealing too much.
I realize I’ve been scanning the cafeteria while we talk. Looking at faces. Searching for someone who won’t be here. Jericho’s under restrictions. Monitored. He wouldn’t be allowed in general population spaces yet.
But I keep looking anyway.
My wolf approves. She wants to find him. Wants to know where he is, what he’s doing, if he’s safe.
I tell her to shut up.
Mara notices. Of course she does. “Looking for someone?”
“No.” Too quick.
Her eyebrow arches. She knows. I can see it in her face—that particular mix of curiosity and amusement that means she’s figured something out.
Ember is watching me now, too. Reading my body language with her hybrid instincts that see through lies. She and Mara exchange a look. Some silent communication I’m not privy to.
Viktor’s arrival pulls their attention away.
He appears at our table with his own tray, shoulders relaxed in the way they only get when he’s off duty. Not commander. Just… one of them. Family.
“Mind if I join you?” he asks.
“Of course.” Mara gestures to the empty chair. “We were just discussing the meatloaf conspiracy.”
Viktor sits and eyes his food skeptically. “Should I be concerned?”
“Always,” Mara says seriously. “Trust nothing. Question everything. That’s the motto.”
He almost smiles. Then his attention shifts to me. “Nadia. How are you doing after your ordeal?”
Viktor has always looked after his people—one of the reasons Aurora inspires such loyalty. The question is real. He wants to know.
“I’m fine,” I assure him. “Ready to report back to duty whenever you need me.”
Mara jumps in. “Does this mean she’s back on the team?”
Viktor studies me. “There’s always a place for you here, Nadia. If you’re ready. If you want it.”
“I do.” The words are immediate. This is home. These people are family. I belong here.
“Good.” He looks pleased. Relieved, even. “I’m glad to have you back. We need you.” Then his gaze sharpens slightly.Professional assessment returning. “As long as you have a clear head about… everything.”
The pause before “everything” is deliberate. He means Jericho. Means the complications. Means whatever happened in those mountains that he suspects, but I haven’t confirmed.
“Completely clear,” I say. I hold his gaze. Keep my voice steady. Convincing.
I’m lying. To Viktor. To them. To myself.
But Viktor accepts it. “Good. Briefing tomorrow, 0800 hours. I want you there.”
