Chapter Three: Everday Screening

Su Mi laughed once. Tears fell into her empty glass. The screening room stood at the far end of the ballroom. Three questions were written on its door: WHOSE BLOOD DO YOU INHERIT? WHICH LAW DO YOU OBEY? WHAT WILL YOU OFFER AS PROOF? Jianyue had planned to pass as one of the ancient Kin, whose varied forms were hardest to verify. With Shang Xian present, a lie would be exposed. She could only weaponize the truth. “I don't know whose blood I inherit,” she told the registrar. “I obey the rule of exchange. I will offer a photograph as proof.” “Unsettled Kin?” He pushed a small mirror forward. “Reveal your reflection.” Jianyue placed her camera before it. The glass reflected her and the special film inside. For an instant, her image vanished.