The scarred man's smile widened as he watched Julian's transformation. "There he is. The real Alliance Master Hong. For a moment I thought you'd gone completely soft."
Julian kept his expression neutral despite the cold dread spreading through his chest. "I asked what you want."
"We want to deliver a message. From an old friend."
More vehicles were arriving outside the school grounds. Through the open gates, Julian could see additional men taking positions around the perimeter. This wasn't a casual visit.
"Speak your message and leave," Julian said.
The scarred man gestured, and one of his companions stepped forward. This new figure was younger but carried himself with the arrogance of someone accustomed to fear and respect. His expensive clothes and manicured appearance marked him as wealthy, but his eyes held the cold calculation of a predator.
