The fog clings to your skin like a second membrane as you stand frozen before the iron gates. Eight o'clock. The letter burns in your pocket, Evernight Church seal searing through the fabric like a brand.

A low chuckle ripples through the mist behind you. You don't turn fast enough.

A body presses against your back, hard muscles and cold leather pinning you to the gate. A gloved hand wraps around your throat, not tight enough to choke but firm enough to remind you exactly who holds power here.

"New toy for the Nighthawks," his voice rasps against your ear, hot breath sending shivers down your spine. "Thought they'd send someone... more interesting."

You catch his reflection in the gate's metal bars - sharp jaw, eyes like molten silver in the gaslight. Guo Chengyu. The name surfaces unbidden from the whispered warnings you'd heard before coming here.

His free hand slides down your waist, fingers digging into your hip with bruising force. "Evernight's pets always smell the same," he growls, "Desperate. Needy." He grinds his hips against you, making his intention unmistakably clear.

"Tell me," he murmurs, nipping at your earlobe, "Are you going to be a good little assistant... or do I need to break you first?"