As the meeting winds down, Maximus assigns tasks. Julian is to coordinate with security teams on defensive positions. Nadia will reach out to her contacts in the eastern territories, gauge sentiment. Isabelle will secure additional resources for extended siege conditions. Ethan will focus on mapping Konstantin's fighting ring operations.
"Celeste," Maximus says, and I straighten slightly. "Tomorrow night, I want you to do a field assessment. There's a potential new donor in Decatur, restaurant worker, night shift, already aware of the supernatural community through a friend. Elena has done the preliminary vetting, but I need someone to meet them in person, verify their story, and assess whether they're viable for the network."
My first real assignment. Not training, not shadowing someone else, actual operational work.
"You'll go alone," Marcellus adds, his tone making it clear thisis non-negotiable. "Consider it a test of your ability to operate independently in the field."
Alone. First solo mission. Either they trust me, or they're testing whether I'll run.
Probably both.
"I understand," I say. "What's the threat assessment for the location?"
"Neutral territory," Maximus answers. "No known Konstantin presence. Low risk, but stay alert. Things can change quickly."
"I'll brief you on the full details tomorrow evening," Marcellus says. "Meet me in my office at 8 p.m. You leave at 9."
I nod, trying to project confidence I don't entirely feel. This is what I wanted, a chance to prove myself beyond just training and fighting. But now that it's happening, the reality of operating alone in a city full of hostile vampires feels heavier.
The meeting breaks up, people filing out in small groups, still discussing defensive preparations and contingencies. I stand and move toward the door, but Marcellus catches my eye.
"A moment," he says.
I wait while the others leave, until it's just me, Marcellus, and Maximus in the conference room.
"Tomorrow night's assignment is straightforward," Marcellus says, his tone businesslike. "But don't underestimate it. Vetting potential donors requires judgment, reading people, identifying deception, assessing risk. You'll need to determine if this person is genuinely interested in joining our network or if they're a plant."
"What if they're a plant?" I ask.
"Then you walk away and report back. You don't engage, you don't confront, you don't try to be a hero." His eyes are hard. "Your job is assessment and intelligence gathering. Nothing more."
"Understood."
"The donor's name is Clara Ellis. She's twenty-six, works nightshift at a diner in Decatur, has a friend who's a donor in our network. That friend vouched for her, said Clara was asking questions, seemed interested."
"That could be genuine or suspicious," I observe.
"Exactly. Which is why you need to meet her and make a judgment call." Marcellus pulls out his phone and sends me something. "I just sent you her file. Study it tonight. Know her background, her story, what to look for."
My phone buzzes. I glance at it, a detailed file on Clara Ellis. Work history, residence, known associates. They've already done significant background work.
"Questions?" Maximus asks. It's the first time he's spoken since giving me the assignment.
"How much autonomy do I have in making the assessment?" I ask. "If I think she's genuine, do I make the offer on the spot, or do I report back first?"
"Report back first," Maximus says. "You're not authorized to bring anyone into the network yet. Your job tomorrow is purely assessment."
That makes sense. They're testing my judgment, not giving me recruiting authority.
"Anything else?" Marcellus asks.
"No. I'll study the file tonight and meet you at 8 p.m. tomorrow."
Marcellus nods and leaves, his footsteps echoing down the corridor.
I turn to follow, but Maximus's voice stops me.
"Celeste."
