Draco nodded. “They’ve arrived. Eris is showing them to the parlor now.”
I took a deep breath and followed Draco out into the common area where Aiden and Percy were waiting.
Percy’s dark eyes found mine immediately. “You don’t have to do this.”
“Yes, I do.” I straightened my spine. “I’m not afraid of them.”
Something flickered in his expression. Pride and relief, but mostly relief. He offered me his arm, and I took it.
The private parlor was located in the administrative wing of Dominion, a space reserved for important visitors to the academy. As we approached, I could feel Percy’s tension mounting through our bond, his emotions like a storm of resentment and resignation.
“Remember,” he murmured as we reached the door, “they’re going to see you as a thing, not a person. An asset to be acquired. Don’t take it personally. They have no souls.”
The parlor was exactly as fancy as I’d expected with plush seating arranged around a crackling fireplace, rich wood paneling on the walls, and a well-stocked bar cart in the corner. Director Waverly was already there, making polite conversation with a tall, distinguished-looking couple.
The man was clearly Percy’s father. They shared the same strong jawline and broad shoulders, though where Percy’s dark eyes held warmth, at least when looking at me the last few days, his father’s were cold and calculating. The woman beside him was beautiful in a severe way, her dark hair pulled back into a perfect chignon.
“Ah, there they are,” Director Waverly said, turning as we entered. “Mr. and Mrs. Whitlock, may I present Jupiter Black.”
Every eye in the room turned to me. I felt the Nightfall Shield move protectively closer, Aiden and Draco flanking us while Eris stood slightly to the side, watching everyone with careful eyes.
“Ms. Black,” Percy’s father said, stepping forward with an outstretched hand. “Charles Whitlock. What an honor to meet you at last.”
I shook his hand, noting the firm grip and the calculating assessment in his eyes. “Likewise, Mr. Whitlock.”
“And I’m Eleanor,” Percy’s mother said, her smile not quite reaching her eyes. “We’ve heard so much about you.”
“All good things, I hope,” I replied, matching her insincere smile with one of my own.
“Extraordinary things,” Charles said jovially, his gaze sliding over me like I was a prize horse at auction. “The first Ophis designation to manifest in recorded history. The Assembly has been quite vocal about your potential.”
I felt Percy stiffen beside me, his hand coming to rest possessively at the small of my back. Through our bond, I could feel his anger building.
Director Waverly cleared her throat. “Perhaps we should all sit? I’ve had refreshments prepared.”
We arranged ourselves around the fireplace, Percy keeping me close to his side on a small loveseat. Aiden and Draco took chairs nearby, while Eris remained standing, his posture casual but his eyes alert.
“So, Ms. Black,” Eleanor began, accepting a glass of wine from a server, “tell us about your family. I understand they’re not from established zodiac lines?”
The question was deliberately phrased to emphasize my lack of prestigious background. I smiled, refusing to take the bait.
“My parents are wonderful people who raised me to value kindness and integrity above social standing,” I replied smoothly. “They’ve been incredibly supportive of my journey.”
Charles made a noise that might have been amusement. “Admirable qualities, to be sure. Though perhaps not the most useful in navigating zodiac politics.”
“I’ve managed just fine so far,” I said.
“Indeed you have,” he agreed. “Your performance in Philadelphia was quite impressive. The Assembly Council has taken special note.”
Percy’s hand tightened on mine. “Jupiter nearly died in Philadelphia.”
“But she didn’t,” Charles pointed out. “Instead, she demonstrated unprecedented control over bane portals. A skill that makes her invaluable.”
“I’m not a weapon, sir” I said quietly. “Or a tool.”
“Everyone is a tool in the right hands,” Charles replied, his smile never wavering. “The question is whether you’ll be wielded effectively.”
The temperature in the room seemed to drop several degrees. Through our bond, I could feel the Nightfall Shield’s collective anger rising like a tide.
