“So,” he continued, “tell me where the journal is. I want it.”
I said nothing.
I couldn’t say anything.
My throat locked, my body frozen.
Balthazar clicked his tongue, his wicked grin growing wider. “What’s wrong? Cat got your tongue?” His eyes danced with sadistic glee. “Or were you so stunned by the depth of love I shared with your mother that you can’t muster up a snarky little retort?” He chuckled darkly. “Didn’t we have the greatest relationship? The true love of a lifetime—so much passion and fire…”
The words snapped me from my torpor.
“My mother hated you,” I spat. “She despised you. You murdered her entire family.”
Balthazar waved a dismissive hand. “Lies. No matter what happened between us or what tragedies she endured, she still loved me. She wanted me until the end of her days.”
“You think I’m going to hand over the journal so you can twist the knowledge inside? Never.” I struggled to remain neutral. “With the truth I’ve uncovered, I will kill you. I don’t fear you anymore.”
Balthazar barked out a chilling laugh.
“You think you don’t fear me?” His eyes glowed with cruel delight. “Look at you.” He gestured to me, sweeping over my frame. “You are broken inside. I broke you.” His voice dripped with sick satisfaction. “You stand there shaking before me, your hands quivering, your breath short. The strong Olivia I once knew?” He leaned in, his breath ghosting over my cheek. “She doesn’t exist anymore.”
Before I could react, his hand shot out, his fingers clamping around my throat.
I gasped as he shoved me back, my spine slamming against a tree. Bark dug into my scalp as he pressed harder, his grip tightening.
“You think Malik will save you?” he sneered. “Where is he?” His fingers dug into my throat, just enough to remind me he could crush it in an instant. “I don’t see him anywhere.” His lips curled. “All I see is fear in your eyes.”
I gritted my teeth, refusing to give him the satisfaction.
“How do you even know Malik is here?” I forced out, my voice strangled against his grip.
Balthazar chuckled. “I know everything.” He tilted his head, watching my struggle with perverse amusement. “Malik fears me. That’s why he’s been hiding all these decades. He knows he can’t stand against me.” His fingers tightened just slightly, enough to make my pulse hammer against his palm. “So, tell me… where is he?”
I side-eyed Rosie, who huddled close to Emily, her small hands clutching Emily’s sleeve.
Balthazar’s gaze followed mine. His lips curved into something that might have passed as a smile if not for the malice lurking beneath it.
“What a beautiful child,” he cooed. His voice was soft, deceptively gentle. “Come here, sweetness.”
He stepped away from me, his grip loosening just enough for me to skitter out of reach, my hands instinctively flying to my sore neck.
Rosie shook her head furiously, burying herself against Emily, who held her tighter, protective and fierce.
Panic surged in my chest. Where was Marcellious? My eyes darted wildly. Where did he go?
Balthazar tsked. “Were you trying to hide this lovely little girl from me? I love children.” He extended a hand. “Come here, sweetness.”
Rosie recoiled, pressing herself deeper into Emily’s embrace.
“I won’t hurt you,” Balthazar promised.
“Don’t believe him,” Emily whispered, covering Rosie’s ears.
Then, leaves crunching behind me.
I whipped around.
Marcellious stood there, his face void of emotion.
