The late afternoon sunlight streamed through the massive windows of Ilian Aerion's private office, casting long streaks of gold and shadow over the polished wood floors. Kaliah sat in one of the leather chairs across from his desk, her legs crossed, her back straight, exuding the confidence she had learned to wear like armor. The tension in the air was subtle but unmistakable, a game of wills that neither of them could afford to lose.
Ilian leaned back in his chair, his sharp, stormy gray eyes fixed on her. They were piercing and unreadable, contrasting with the dark, neatly combed hair that framed his angular face. The scar that cut through his left eyebrow and the faint one above his upper lip added a ruggedness to his otherwise aristocratic features. His rolled-up sleeves revealed tattoos—intricate designs that curled around his forearms, black ink against tanned skin—silent markers of stories untold.
"You're not what I expected," Ilian said finally, his voice smooth yet laced with a quiet intensity.
Kaliah tilted her head slightly, allowing a small smile to play on her lips. "Is that a compliment or a warning?"
His lips twitched upward, just enough to hint at amusement. "That depends on you."
"I'd prefer it to be the former," she replied, keeping her tone light but her gaze steady. "Compliments make better conversation."
"True," he said, steepling his fingers as he studied her. "But warnings can be far more valuable."
She didn't flinch under his scrutiny, meeting his gaze with unwavering composure. "Then perhaps you should tell me which one I'm getting, Ilian."
His eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of interest passing through them. "Fair enough," he said, leaning forward. "Tell me something, Ms. Reid. Why are you here?"
Kaliah's pulse quickened, but she kept her expression neutral. "To do the job I was brought in for," she said smoothly. "Unless there's another reason you'd like to suggest?"
His smile didn't reach his eyes. "You're sharp. I respect that. But trust is a currency in my world, and I'm careful about how I spend it."
"And what will it take to earn yours?" she asked, tilting her head slightly, her voice measured but curious.
Ilian studied her for a moment, his gaze as heavy as the silence between them. "For starters, honesty. You're clever, Ms. Reid, but cleverness can only take you so far without loyalty."
"I'm here because Dorian vouched for me," she replied, her tone steady. "Doesn't that count for something?"
"It counts," Ilian admitted. "But Dorian's word only goes so far. Trust has to be earned."
"Then tell me how," she said, leaning forward slightly. Her blue eyes locked with his, unblinking. "I'm here to prove myself."
Ilian leaned back again, a faint smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. "You're confident. I respect that. But confidence without purpose is dangerous."
Before Kaliah could respond, a knock at the door interrupted them. Dorian stepped inside, his expression neutral but his eyes betraying a flicker of curiosity. "Ilian," he said, tilting his head. "The team is ready for the meeting."
"I'll join you shortly," Ilian said, his tone brisk. Dorian nodded and turned to leave but hesitated for a moment, glancing at Kaliah before exiting the room.
Ilian's eyes returned to her, his demeanor softer but no less calculating. "There's a dinner tomorrow night," he said, his tone measured. "Key players from the Syndicate will be there. I want you to attend."
Kaliah raised an eyebrow. "A dinner? That's quite the invitation."
"It's not an invitation," Ilian corrected, his voice firm. "It's a test."
"And what exactly am I being tested on?" she asked, keeping her tone light despite the weight of his words.
Ilian's gray eyes gleamed with something unreadable. "Your ability to navigate my world. And to prove that your confidence isn't just for show."
She inclined her head, her expression unreadable. "Then I'll see you tomorrow night."
Ilian's lips curved into a faint smile, one that didn't entirely reach his eyes. "Don't disappoint me, Ms. Reid."
As Kaliah left his office, her mind raced. She had passed this round, but the game was only just beginning. Trust, as Ilian had said, was a currency. And she had to spend it wisely.9Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtGi5p30Oa4
