Page 168 of Mercy Written in Blood

"He ordered surveillance around your building."

Renji became still.

"He what?"

"His people are already checking traffic cameras and surrounding roads."

"He has no authority to—"

Kael laughed. It was brief and entirely without humour.

"There. That look again."

"This is not amusing."

"No."

Kael's expression sobered.

"It is dangerous."

"For him."

"For both of you."

"There is no both."

"You allowed him into your home."

"That does not create a collective identity."

"You told him what you are."

"Because he asked."

"You have been asked before."

Renji looked away. Rarely directly. But yes. There had been opportunities to tell others — people he loved, people who loved him. He had chosen silence until the truth became impossible, then allowed distance to do what honesty might have prevented.

Kael saw the answer.

"You told him because he asked," he repeated. "And because you wanted him to know."

Renji stood.

"This conversation is finished."

Kael remained seated.

"You played him music."

Renji stared at him.

"I am going to remove the key from you."

"You can try."

"You are insufferable."