08-31-2025, 12:31 AM
Carter followed Jay’s glance, lips curving faintly. His posture was impeccable even here, the hospital’s sterile lighting somehow unable to diminish the sharp lines of his tuxedo or the cultivated composure he wore like a second skin.
“Her name is Cyrena Marveet,” he said evenly, voice low so it didn’t carry. “Daughter of the Custody’s newest Privilege. Ascendancy himself made the announcement tonight.” He adjusted the cuff of his sleeve as if brushing off an invisible speck of lint. “Which explains our attire. It was a ball in honor of some high ranking Custody somebodies.”
His gaze flicked briefly toward the hallway where Cyrena had disappeared, then back to Jay. “Unfortunately, Miss Marveet turned an ankle before the night was through. Hence the detour.”
After a pause, Carter straightened and extended a hand, the gesture polished from a lifetime of introductions, though he checked himself at the last moment, eyeing Jay’s injured one. The hesitation was brief, replaced by a small nod of acknowledgment.
“Carter Volthström,” he said at last, letting the name hang between them. His expression didn’t change, but he waited, watching Jay closely for the flicker of recognition that usually followed.
“Her name is Cyrena Marveet,” he said evenly, voice low so it didn’t carry. “Daughter of the Custody’s newest Privilege. Ascendancy himself made the announcement tonight.” He adjusted the cuff of his sleeve as if brushing off an invisible speck of lint. “Which explains our attire. It was a ball in honor of some high ranking Custody somebodies.”
His gaze flicked briefly toward the hallway where Cyrena had disappeared, then back to Jay. “Unfortunately, Miss Marveet turned an ankle before the night was through. Hence the detour.”
After a pause, Carter straightened and extended a hand, the gesture polished from a lifetime of introductions, though he checked himself at the last moment, eyeing Jay’s injured one. The hesitation was brief, replaced by a small nod of acknowledgment.
“Carter Volthström,” he said at last, letting the name hang between them. His expression didn’t change, but he waited, watching Jay closely for the flicker of recognition that usually followed.