““And the other part?” Chu asked, as cautious as a man defusing a cheap bomb. He didn’t say vampires. He didn’t say witches. He didn’t say magic. His eyes shifted to Cassian and Moira and then away like it burned.
“The other part can wait for the second meeting,” Cassian said. “Your people think in steps. So do we.”
Hope added, “The second meeting will be easier. We’ll make it so.”
“Will you make it so,” Kline said slowly, “or will you trick us into believing it is?”
Hope didn’t flinch. “If we trick you, you’ll feel dirty afterward. If we help you, you’ll feel tired but clear. You’ll know the difference. We know you will, because you’re still here.”
Jess exhaled a laugh that sounded like she’d held it in too long. “I thought I’d be more scared,” she said. “Is that you?”
“It’s you,” R
