Mara POV
The Artisan Café sits tucked between galleries in the Arts Quarter, all exposed brick and wood tables. I chose a corner booth, back to the wall, exits mapped.
Old habits from debate team. Always know your escape routes.
Evelyn arrives exactly on time, gliding through the door in cashmere and pearls. She looks like she belongs here, among the art students and trust fund bohemians pretending poverty is aesthetic.
"Mara." She air-kisses both my cheeks, her perfume expensive and subtle. "Thank you for coming. I wasn't sure you would."
"Curiosity won." I sip my coffee, watching her settle across from me. "You said we should talk."
"I did." She orders Earl Grey with a smile that could charm snakes. "I know Lucien told you to stay away from me. He always was protective of his... po
