“People did the things you’re talking about,” Lexi fires back at her. “Crache is a place, and any place is nothing more than an idea. It’s left to people how that idea is executed. The idea of Crache has been corrupted by the self-interested and indifferent. They are the ones we must unseat. You want to split the foundation of our society in two. I will not raze fertile ground to kill a few weeds, especially to seed it with an antiquated notion like the purity and entitlement of blood.”

Lexi’s breathing is shallow and labored as she finishes speaking; such is the fire in her own blood. She stares back at Burr defiantly, even challenging the Ignoble with her gaze.

Daian bursts out laughing, shattering the tension of the moment. He begins applauding Lexi, loudly clapping his hands together.

Burr flashes eyes filled with reprimand at him and he quickly falls silent.

Daian clears his throat. “Sorry,” he placates her. “But it was a good speech!”

The Ignoble moves her focus to Lexi once more. “I truly hoped you would understand and accept my position. Perhaps even see some value in it. A futile hope, I suppose. This would have been much easier and much more effective with your full cooperation.”

“Why?” Lexi demands. “Why do you need me? I don’t have the evidence Brio collected. If Taru was able to retrieve it, the Protectorate Ministry has them both by now. I can’t prove anything. What good am I to you or your cause?”

“All is not as it may seem,” Burr says cryptically.

Lexi glances at Daian. “Nothing is, as of late.”

“You have far more value than you may be aware,” Burr reiterates, again without further explanation. “However, the usefulness of your Gen, to Crache and to my cause, has expired. I’m afraid you won’t be attending the academy or becoming a pleader after all. You and your retainer have murdered several agents of the Protectorate Ministry and disappeared. No doubt you’re hiding amongst the rabble in the Bottoms you love so much.”

The implication lashes Lexi like the chain of a flail. Winter fills her veins and she takes a wild, angry step toward Burr.

Daian deftly steps between them, raising a hand to halt her. “Now, now, tread softly. Your eyes don’t hold murder well, Lexi. They’re too innocent.”

“I’m learning,” she all but spits up at him.

“The Council will most certainly revoke the Stalbraid franchise by week’s end,” Burr assures Lexi.

“What value can I possibly have to you, then?” Lexi demands. “Why hold me here like this?”

“It’s actually quite simple, my dear,” Burr patiently explains. “For our plans to bear fruit, we will first need a revolution. You’re going to give us one.”