“Oh.” Of course Judge didn’t tell me. Why would he? “I don’t know that he’d even allow it.”

Theron smiles, the mischief returning to his eyes. “You don’t look like the type of woman who allows a man to permit her anything.”

I never thought I was either. Until Judge told me what to do. But Theron is right. I need to remember who I am.

“Thank you for the invitation.” I smile at him graciously. “I’d love to join you.”

“Oh, Mercedes.” Judge’s mother, Margot, greets me in the hall as soon as we enter the house, fussing over me as if we are old friends.

I find it odd, considering that we’ve only ever seen each other in passing at Society events, and she’s never taken it upon herself to speak to me. But I suspect her demeanor probably has more to do with the familiar face standing behind her. I recognize the man immediately as one of the Councillors from The Tribunal, The Society’s own court system. Within IVI, the members are governed by our own sets of laws and rules, and when there are consequences to be meted out, they are done so by The Tribunal. But The Society doesn’t stop there. We also have influence in the outside world. Members like Judge, who work within the boundaries of our communities, using their connections to benefit IVI when it’s needed. It’s safe to say that IVI has infiltrated every sector of government, politics, law enforcement, and any other industry or organization they find beneficial. These are the people I rub elbows with often as a Society daughter. Typically, I wouldn’t even blink twice at being in the presence of such a high-ranking official. But that was before.

Before the murder. Before the very thought of The Tribunal sent fear skittering down my spine. I’ve witnessed Hildebrand up on his dais, large and indomitable as he presided over Ivy’s initial appearance after my brother’s poisoning. Truth be told, I couldn’t tell if he would sentence her to death then and there. He is a terrifying man, and I suppose it’s the way most people feel about Judge. The difference is that Judge might punish me and make life temporarily unpleasant, but Hildebrand has the power to destroy me completely should he ever find out what I’ve done.

I swallow, hoping my nerves don’t betray me. It isn’t logical, but a part of me still worries he could already know something. That maybe Santiago hadn’t cleaned up the mess I left behind entirely. I want a moment to gather my senses, so I force myself to smile and charm him the way I always do when I see a high-ranking man.