I headed to my room and pulled one of the suits at random. Hangers laden with dark, luxurious fabrics jammed the closet. My parents insisted that their children stay on trend and their tailor constantly sent new pieces for Cassie and me. Mostly for me. She hadn’t been going out into society much the last few years.

I stripped down and set my glasses on the mahogany dresser. The frames were the one rebellion I refused to abandon. Even if they were out of style, low tech, and unnecessary as far my parents were concerned.

They reminded me of the one thing I could never let myself forget and senatorial ball or not, I wouldn’t go without them.

In any case, my parents would have a more glaring flaw to pick at. It was too short notice to remove the full-sleeve tattoo that traced the line of my pectoral and looped down to my wrist, obscuring my Green Helix in Old Norse braids. I was going to catch grief for the ink that ran past my cuff, but I’d give it right back. Even though the ink microbeads were non-permanent, removing them would take at least an hour with a laser. Not possible after such a late invitation.

Obscuring an official tattoo with a decorative one was the worst faux pas in Seligo society. To earn a Helix was to earn a permanent place in the social hierarchy of the Citadel. A Helix should be proudly displayed and celebrated.

Looking at mine made my conscience scream.

So I’d covered it, even if that wasn’t done. I could only play so perfect without losing my mind.

As I knotted a silk tie around my neck, my thoughts looped a familiar track. Nights like this, I wanted to abandon it all. Leave the Citadel. Leave the Ravens. It would be the easiest thing to arrange a new identity and disappear into the Voids where no one gave a shit about the name Orpheus.

Instead of running, I buttoned my black jacket closed. Only I could play this role, and I had to play it until I absolved my sins. I shouldn’t complain about my obligations when my family connections were getting me ahead. If I kept playing the right cards, I’d be promoted within the year. Then I’d have better access to current research and more resources to advance my own agenda. I’d work my way into Doctor Nagi’s good graces, even if it killed me.

I practiced my smile on the way down the lift.

My face already ached.

Chapter Three

Chapter Three

QUANTA

As Darren strapped a bunch of sensors to my forehead, his hot, stale breath moved against my face.

Yak. Being this close to him flipped all my panic switches.

He knew that and he loved it.