I understood the offer behind his question. For five years, Liam had used my work while he controlled the company and the story.
Julian could give me more power, but he still expected to set the terms.
Whatever title he imagined, my value still came from silencing his mind. Liam had valued what I could build. Julian valued what my body and voice did to him.
Both men had begun with what they wanted.
“I can dismantle his company before sunrise,” Julian said. “His reputation, his freedom, his future. Say the word and they're gone.”
“And in return?” I asked, my voice flat.
He stepped closer. “You. Stay with me. You quiet the noise in my head, Aria. I would burn cities to keep that. You'll never have to worry about anything again.”
He offered vengeance, security, and power. In return, I
