Her eyes glisten. "That's very possessive."
"Yes."
"I should probably object to being called yours."
"Probably."
"I don't want to."
I pull her into my arms and hold her tight against my chest. She fits there perfectly, like she was designed for exactly this space.
"When this is over," I murmur into her hair, "when we've dealt with Konstantin and secured the network and stopped running from crisis to crisis, we're going to find out the truth. About Valentina, about your turning, about all of it. I promise you that."
"And if we don't like what we find?"
"Then we face it. Together."
She pulls back to look at me. Whatever she sees in my face must satisfy her, because she nods slowly.
"Together," she agrees.
The door opens. Marcellus stands in the doorway, his expression tight.
"We have a problem."
Of course we do. The universe has a sense of humor, and it's not a kind one.
"What now?"
"Konstantin sent a message." Marcellus holds up a small envelope, sealed with dark red wax pressed with an elaborate K. "Hand-delivered to the compound gates. By Valentina. Security has already cleared it, no contaminants, no traps. Just paper."
Celeste goes rigid beside me.
"She's here?" Her voice is barely a whisper.
"Was here. She left before our people could intercept her." Marcellus crosses the room and hands me the envelope. "She said to tell Celeste that they'll see each other soon. She was smiling when she said it."
I open the envelope. Inside is a single card, thick cream paper, elegant script.
My dear Maximus,
I believe you have something that belongs to me. I'd likeher back.
Tomorrow night, at the gathering your people have so carefully planned, we can discuss terms. Bring Celeste. Come alone.
Refuse, and I'll burn your network to ash and scatter the remains.
Your old friend, Konstantin
P.S. Ask her about Rome. She'll understand.
I hand the card to Celeste. Watch her read it. Watch her go completely still as she reaches the postscript.
"Rome," she breathes. "I was never in Rome."
"So, what does he mean?"
"I don't… " She stops. Frowns. Presses a hand to her temple like she's fighting a headache. "I don't remember. But the word means something. Something important. I can feel it, like it's right at the edge of my memory, but I can't quite..."
