(Alexander)
The next morning, I showed up at the university before eight. Alone. Selene and I had agreed to come separately. There was no point walking in together and giving them more fuel than they already had. I didn’t bother dressing to impress. I came in black slacks and a fitted shirt, nothing more. I didn’t need to look like anything other than who I was.
A guard escorted me to the boardroom. I didn’t say a word. When I walked in, the air was filled with tension. Five members sat behind the long table. Thatcher was front and center, eyes on me like he was sizing me up for a fight. The others didn’t look friendly either.
Marcus sat on the far left. He looked uneasy, shoulders stiff, lips pressed tight. He gave me a short nod. I didn’t nod back.
“Alexander,” Thatcher said, motioni
