The door creaked open, and the Gamma stepped into the dimly lit room where he had left Meret earlier. He had been gone for only a few minutes after receiving a call, but whatever news he got seemed to please him. He now wore an unusual smile — one that stretched too wide, showing teeth that never quite matched the warmth of it.

Meret lifted her head slowly from where she sat, the sound of his footsteps filling the quiet room. Her neck ached, her body weak, but she forced herself to meet his ...