Page 349 of Mercy Written in Blood

Renji's calm tightened.

"I am aware."

Mori studied him. The Commander had changed since the hospital. Not humbled — institutions did not become humble through fear — but he no longer regarded Renji as a useful anomaly within Accord structure. He saw Takahara now. The last of a bloodline seven others had considered too dangerous to survive.

"Can you feel them?" Mori asked.

Renji listened. The Casino unfolded through circulation. Human guards behind tables. Vampires holding the service corridor. Staff moving medical supplies upstairs. Haruki's heartbeat above — faster than Renji wanted, but strong enough to continue. Beyond the western walls, twenty-three hostile pulsesadvanced. Four vampire rhythms. Nineteen human. Another group remained below.

"Twenty-seven," Renji said. "Split between west access and service level."

"More than our estimate."

"Yes."

"Shibata?"

"Most."

"And the Unveiled faction?"

"Five humans with them."

Mina heard. Her face tightened.

"They are not with us."

"No," Renji said.

"They wear our bands."

"The cloth is not a conscience."

Ryota looked towards her. Mina lowered her weapon by a degree.

A voice sounded through the Casino's public speakers. Haruki. Calm. Slightly weakened. Still unmistakably his.

"All defenders hold position. Do not fire until targets enter the floor. The western corridor will remain open."

Mori looked towards Renji.

"He sounds better than he should."

"He is not."

The western doors opened. One side first. Then the other. A man walked through alone. Human. Middle-aged. No weapon visible. A white band around one wrist.

Mina swore quietly.

"You know him?" Renji asked.

"His name is Isao. He organised the depot."

The man stopped near the abandoned reception desk. His gaze found Renji. Then Riku.

"There you are."

Mina raised her weapon.