But the Raven tattoo wasn’t fully visible. The image hinted at the ink, but only because I was looking for it. Anyone else would think it was glare or part of the Norse tattoo that extended past my wrist. My pulse beat hard, but if there were sensors following my reactions, a little shock made perfect sense in this situation. “What does this mean?”

“I’ve been reading your latest on gene stabilization.”

That wasn’t at all what I’d asked. I swallowed, and let myself be led. “It’s an interesting field. I’d make more strides if I had access to better samples…”

Doctor Nagi’s lips quirked in the barest smile. “No doubt.”

I didn’t like where this was going, and I couldn’t afford to play around here. Forcing my shoulder straight, I looked him in the eye. “I’m sorry to be so blunt, but what are we really discussing here?”

“I’d like to bring you onto one of my teams.”

I stilled. Just like that?

It couldn’t be this easy.

“I’ve been following your research the past few years,” Doctor Nagi said. “You’ve always been a strong candidate, but this premonition put you over the edge. It bodes well that the subject sees you coming.”

Did it? I doubted that. She’d complicate things and the situation was already complicated enough.

Regardless of the danger, a knot of pride warmed my chest. Years of work. Finally some payoff. I didn’t have to fake an answering grin. “Thank you, sir.”

“There’s one caveat to your appointment.”

That spark of pride shriveled to nothing in an instant. “Yes?”

“You’ll have free access to any samples or resources you require, but you’ll also work directly with the subject.”

“Sir…” I struggled to word what I wanted to say. To sound enthusiastic, but still realistic. “I’m no psychologist. I’ll take the position regardless, but I can’t guarantee I’ll be useful for anything but the hard science.”

“That’s ideal. She doesn’t respond well to attempted manipulation.” I wasn’t sure what he expected me to do if that was the case, but he continued before I could ask. “I want you to build a relationship with her.”

“To what end?” My curiosity was definitely piqued. Few Reds were kept breathing longer than weeks—just enough time for live testing before they were broken down as specimens.

It was the definition of cruelty. Yet somehow this girl was alive. But how long had she been captive? And how was she faring?

“To build trust.” Doctor Nagi leaned closer, stare intense. I had to fight not to break away from those eyes. “I’ll be looking forward to your scientific take, but I have high hopes for you in other areas as well.”

Shit. That sounded deadly ominous.

I walked a fine line here.

A very fine line.