Chapter Three: Everday Screening

Black marked Everday's direct bloodline, silver marked debtors, and white belonged to those who had awakened tonight. Su Mi could no longer stand. A server approached with a crystal glass of warm blood. “Drink,” Shang Xian said. “It's free.” Jianyue blocked Su Mi. “Whose blood? Why is it free?” The server looked approving. “Voluntary employee donation. No debt for the first glass. Contracts begin with the second.” Su Mi seized the glass and emptied it. An unhealthy flush spread through her face and her fangs slowly withdrew, but she did not release Jianyue's hand. “I wanted to bite you,” she whispered. “But you didn't.” “What about next time?” “Next time I'll take a truly terrible identification photo.”