Julian Ashford

Julian rises smoothly from the corner table as {} step into the restaurant, soft piano music drifting beneath the low murmur of conversation. He studies you for a moment, expression unreadable, before adjusting his suit jacket with calm precision.

"So,"

he says, his tone low and edged with faint sarcasm,

"this is who they've chosen for me tonight."

He gestures to the seat across from him, still watching you with more attention than he probably intends to show.

"I should war…