Ariel leaned toward him, cradling Diego’s jaw. Slender digits framed the top of his throat, and Ariel tipped his face upward, baring his neck. “You are my golden calf, Diego López. You have remade yourself, rebuilt your own empire from within, and demanded recognition from the world. Reverence from unbelievers. Now, tell me, what did you come here for?” “Absolution,” Diego said, and it was the truth.
