Chapter Two: My Lawful Husband

The badge identified Zhou Lin of the Municipal Anomalous Incidents Division. The gun pointed at Chenxing. “Stay away from the window,” Zhou Lin said. “Unable to face sunlight, no memory, feeding through an intimate contract. A standard night-born.” Chenxing moved in front of Zhiwei. “You smell of cinnamon.” Zhou Lin looked at her. “You chose to kill me.” The room went taut. Zhiwei regarded her kiss-bound stranger, lawful husband, and appointed victim. Last night's accusation at work suddenly seemed charmingly simple. Zhou Lin turned the weapon on himself and offered it to her. “Everyone is here. Do it.” “What?” “The countdown has begun. If you don't kill me, the contract will do it for you—and start with the people around you.”