Zeda’s phone blared the next morning, jolting her violently from sleep. She squinted at the clock—6:56 AM. With a groan, she snatched the device to check the caller ID.

She let out a low growl when "Manipulative Bastard" flashed on the screen.

“You’re making it a habit of waking me up every time you call,” she clipped, her voice still rough with sleep.

“Good morning, Debtor,” Torvin replied cheerily. She could practically visualize the infuriating, stupid smile stretching ...