"Sit down, Amara."
Xavier's voice didn't rise in pitch, but it carried an unyielding edge that made my hands freeze over my bag. He stood up slowly, smoothing the front of his tailored uniform, his grey eyes locked onto mine with terrifying clarity.
"I told you I wouldn't turn you in," Xavier said, leaning his hands flat on the mahogany table. "And I won't. I will keep your secret buried where no one at this university will ever find it. But leverage is worthless unless it is applied. If I am to shield a commoner, you will fulfill three conditions for me."
My blood ran cold. "Three conditions?" I echoed bitterly. "You said you'd ask for favors later!"
"Consider this the framework of our agreement," Xavier corrected smoothly.
I swallowed hard, my chest tightening with dread. "Fine. What are they?"
