Nadia holds my gaze for a moment, then nods. Whatever she's thinking, she keeps it to herself.
"The plan proceeds," I say. "Marcellus, coordinate with Julian on team positioning. Nadia, I want intelligence on likely approach vectors. Ethan, keep monitoring Konstantin's communications."
They file out. Marcellus lingers.
"You know this could go wrong," he says quietly.
"I know."
"And you're doing it anyway."
"It's the right tactical decision."
"Is it?" He moves closer, lowering his voice. "Or are you trying to prove something to yourself? That you can still make the cold calculation? That she hasn't changed anything?"
I don't have an answer for that.
"Just make sure the teams are in position," I say. "I want zero margin for error."
Marcellus nods slowly. "And if she finds out? If she realizes you used her as bait without telling her?"
I think about her face in the firelight. The trust in her eyes when she shared her secrets. The way she leaned into my touch.
"I'll deal with it."
"That's not an answer."
"It's the only one I have."
I brief Celestethe next evening, keeping my voice neutral and professional.
"You'll be vetting a potential donor tomorrow night. She works at a restaurant in Midtown. Meet her at the location, assess her suitability, and report back."
Celeste nods, absorbing the details. She's been cooler since our conversation in the training room. Not cold, but careful. The easy rapport we'd been building has hardened into something more guarded.
I did that. And now I'm compounding it by sending her into danger she doesn't know is coming.
"Questions?" I ask.
"What's my backup if something goes wrong?"
"Julian will have a team positioned nearby. You'll check in every fifteen minutes, and if anything feels off, you get out immediately."
"Understood."
She turns to leave, and I should let her go. I should let her walk out without adding to the deception.
"Celeste."
She pauses at the door.
I want to tell her the truth. I want to warn her, to call off the operation, to find another way. But the part of my mind that's kept me alive for six centuries won't allow it. This is the right tactical play, even if everything else in me knows it's a betrayal.
"Be careful," I say.
Something flickers across her face. "I always am."
She leaves, and I stand there staring at the empty doorway longer than I should.
