Chapter 16 · Midnight Sale, Blood Price

The clock in my head hits eleven forty-seven and I feel Vex step through the gate.

She's not alone. Four guards. One lawyer. And something else that tastes like burnt copper on my senses. I pull my attention to the main hall and there she is, heels clicking on the cracked tile, a leather folder under one arm and a smile that could sell you your own grave.

Ivy's already there. She didn't go home. Didn't run. She's leaning against the fountain base with her arms crossed and her jaw set like she's about to bite through rebar. Her vest is still torn from yesterday. There's blood on her knuckles. I don't think it's hers.

"Ms. Rowan." Vex stops ten feet away, just outside the circle of busted lights I haven't fixed yet. "You're prompt."

"You said midnight." Ivy's voice is flat. "I'm here."

Vex tilts her head. The smile doesn't move. "And the mall?"

"Noah's listening." Ivy doesn't look up. She knows where I am. She always knows.

I push a little warmth into the tile under her boots. Not much. Just enough so she feels it.

Vex notices. Her eyes flick to the ceiling. "Mr. Kane. How convenient.