Page 182 of Problematic

My breath caught.

“Vale did.”

That hit differently.

“Vale,” I repeated.

Kalon nodded. “He gave the order for protection.”

“Oh, good. Great. Amazing. So the stalking now has an administrative department.”

“It’s not stalking.”

Mandi barked out a laugh with no humor in it. “That sentence has never once improved a situation.”

Kalon’s jaw flexed. “The south is revolting. Circeville made a move, and New Abaddon has people turning. Lux’s enemies know about you, or they know enough to start guessing. Vale believes you are exposed.”

“Vale believes,” I repeated. “Vale believes. Lux believes. You believe. Has anyone considered asking what I believe before moving armed men through my life?”

Kalon stepped no closer. That, at least, meant he had some sense. “I’m asking now.”

“You’re asking after showing up with your hand on a gun.”

His face tightened. “Because I saw a shadow move across the alley before I came in.” The room went cold.

Kalon’s voice softened. “I came as your friend. Not your bodyguard. Not his messenger. I’m here because Vale gave a protection order and because I care whether you make it through the day alive.”

“You don’t get to follow me.”

“I won’t unless you ask.”

“I mean it.”

“I know.”

“If I leave this shop and see you behind me, I will throw watered-down boba at your face.”

Kalon nodded once, slow and careful. “I won’t follow you.”

“Tell Vale that.”

“I will.”

“Tell Lux nothing.”

Kalon went quiet.

My mouth went cold. “Kalon.”

“I don’t report to Lux.”

“Everyone reports to Lux.”

“Not me.” His eyes held mine, tired and serious. “Vale called because he knew I would come for you as me. Not as one of Lux’s men.”

“You were safe to me,” I said, quieter now. “You were outside the mess. Then they touched that too. Now . . .” I shook my head. “Now, you’re just as corrupted.”

Kalon’s expression cracked. “I’m sorry.”