"I'm talking about recognizing talent when I see it." I turn to Celeste. "You're wasted as simple muscle. I saw how you fought tonight. You think strategically. You adapt. You read situations and respond intelligently."
"What exactly are you offering?" she asks.
"A position. A real one, not just working off debt. I'll train you properly. Teach you everything you need to know about vampire politics, power structures, and survival. In exchange, you become part of my core team. You help me defend this network and expand it."
"And if I say no?"
"Then you work off your debt as we agreed, and you leave when you're done. But you'll never be more than a fledgling struggling to survive in a city controlled by vampires who see you as competition or a liability."
It's not a threat. Just reality.
She looks at her glass, swirling the whiskey thoughtfully. "If I say yes, I need something in return."
"Name it."
"I have a sister. Simone. She's in Savannah. I've been sending her money,wassending her money, to help with therapy, rent, life. She thinks I moved to Miami for work. She can't know what I am, but she still needs help."
"You want me to provide for her."
"As part of my compensation. However, you need to structureit. Anonymous benefactor, scholarship, trust fund, I don't care. Just… take care of her."
I’m quiet for a moment, studying her. "You're negotiating for someone else before yourself."
"She's all I have left. And she has no idea I'm gone."
"I'll set up a trust. She'll receive monthly deposits from a fictional remote employer, your 'Miami job.' As long as you're in my employ, she'll be taken care of."
The relief is apparent on her face. "Thank you."
"Don't thank me. You'll earn it."
She takes a breath, steadying herself. "And one more thing."
"Go on."
"Help me find the vampire who turned me. I want answers about why she did it."
"Valentina Russo," I say. "That's her name."
She looks up sharply. "You know who she is?"
"Part of my research over the last three days. She's connected to Konstantin, part of his inner circle."
I see her processing this. The vampire who ruined her life works for my enemy.
"Then finding her serves both our interests," she says carefully.
"Perhaps. But hunting her down will bring complications. Konstantin won't take kindly to us targeting one of his people."
"But you'll do it anyway."
I exchange a glance with Marcellus. He knows what I'm about to agree to and doesn't approve. But complications are inevitable anyway.
"Yes," I say. "I'll help you find her. But on my timeline, when it's strategic."
She extends her hand. "Then we have a deal."
I take her hand, and something passes between us. Recognition.Understanding. Her grip is strong. Fighter's hands. Scarred knuckles, no hesitation.
