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Hamal was explaining the evening's events to the bronze-skinned newcomer, while Dee pretended not to freak out. That this stranger was here on Hamal's request had her seething. Hamal's quick explanation, centered around the idea that he'd wanted to show Dee the reality of what she was up against in a controlled environment, hadn't pacified her.
-Controlled, my ass… what was with that other guy?-
That other guy was Barnard. Sent by The Ophiuchus, an enemy to all the Houses. No one was sure how he'd gotten word of Desiree's existence. This was all according to the stranger standing in her kitchen was Atkins, a Soldier from another House. Not one of Zi's. Not one of the Ophi guy.
-Fortuitous they arrived on the same night.-
Atkins studied Dee for a moment before returning his attentio
