Chapter 43 · I know the authorization seal on Vesper's file came from your office

"I know the authorization seal on Vesper's file came from your office."

The confession came out before either of us could stop him.

My mentor stared at him.

I stared too.

"You saw it," I said.

Julian's shoulders tightened. "I saw enough."

"You knew she signed the order."

"I suspected."

"You let me believe you didn't know."

"You wouldn't have stayed if I told you."

"Maybe I would've."

"You would've put a knife in my throat."

"Maybe I still will."

My mentor lifted the black blade. "This is getting sentimental."

The vault door behind her slammed shut.

The League soldiers outside shouted. Their weapons struck the metal, but the seal held.

My mentor looked over her shoulder. "Silas doesn't want the boy dead yet."

Julian's face hardened. "You work for him."

"I work for the person who will win."

"He'll drain the grid. Millions will lose their shields."

"Millions already live beneath protection they didn't earn."

"That's your excuse?"

"That's my reason."

She raised the blade toward him.

I stepped between them.

"Move," she ordered.

"No."

"You don't understand what he's carrying."

"I understand enough."

"He isn't the golden boy you think he is."

"I never thought he was golden."