The silence in the room was absolute.
Every conspirator sat frozen, their minds racing through possibilities—all of them ending in disaster.
Category S Guards weren't regular law enforcement. They were the Nether Realm's elite investigators, operating with authority that sometimes exceeded even Noble privilege when matters of realm security were involved.
Lady Meridian recovered first, her political instincts overriding her fear.
"Special Investigators. This is... unexpected. I wasn't aware the Category S Guards had any interest in the Dark Commerce District's internal affairs."
"We don't," Selene replied pleasantly, settling more comfortably into her chair. "Normally. The Houses can scheme and plot against each other all you want—that's not our concern. Politics, economics, territorial disputes... all beneath our jurisdiction."
Marcus stepped further into the room, his massive frame making the lavish chamber feel smaller.
