Masquerade [Kuskovo Estate]

[Maksim Marveet]

Maksim shook his head. He trusted Alina more than any being in this world, but in this moment, he had to engage in a rare disagreement with her. “I already gave him my gratitude, Lina. If we cross his path again, be kind to him, but give nothing away that you know. I was sworn to secrecy, and I would not risk my family.” He held her eyes, knowing that she might well do something risky anyway, but he hoped that the love she saw in them conveyed as much urgency as he felt.

---

Tarik Marveet

The hits of P were erratic in their effects. Sometimes next to nothing happened, and other times, such as the present moment, a pleasant sort of sedation came over him. Tarik folded himself into a chair and laid his head back to watch the water reflections dance on the ceiling. Conversation fell to dullness in the next minute, and he was aware that he was lulling into slumber.

With a gasp, he suddenly sat up, having no memory of the intervening time. He felt better, as though having been dunked into a frozen lake and emerged vibrant and alive. Nearby, Guillaume and Grisha were still conversing, and a glance at his watch revealed that mere minutes had passed.

He rubbed the remainder of the sedation from his eyes and climbed to his feet, stretching.