Balthazar’s expression darkened.
“Who saved you?” he demanded.
Malik didn’t answer.
Balthazar’s eyes narrowed, but then a sinister grin spread across his face.
“Malik, I don’t care who saved you.” His voice was a venomous whisper. “Because it won’t matter.” He tilted his head, his eyes gleaming with sadistic pleasure. “I will recreate Layla’s death—and you will watch as I drain the life out of Olivia.”
A cold dread coiled around my spine.
“I see it in your eyes,” he taunted. “How much you desire her.” He let out a dark chuckle. “Too bad you can’t have her either.”
Then—
Balthazar vanished.
Before I could react, he reappeared right in front of me.
I letout a sharp screech and collapsed to my knees.
This is it.
This is where I die.
Terror seized my chest, my breath coming in frantic gasps.
I’m sorry, Roman.
I’m so sorry.
I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for the inevitable.
Then—
A horrifying, strangled cry ripped through the air.
My eyes flew open.
Balthazar staggered, his face scrunched in agony.
Malik stood behind him, his grip tight around the hilt of a blade—one that was buried deep in Balthazar’s chest.
A violent shudder racked Balthazar’s body. His hands clawed at the wound, dark veins splintering across his skin.
“What have you done?” he roared a guttural snarl. “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE TO ME?”
Malik’s gaze was cold, his expression unreadable. He yanked the blade free, blood splattering across the ground.
“What I should have done long ago,” he declared. He let the blade slip from his fingers, tossing it into the underbrush.
Balthazar’s eyes bulged, his breaths coming in ragged, wheezing gasps.
“You… you… you’ve poisoned me!” His body convulsed, his fingers twitching like he could already feel the venom spreading through his veins.
Then, with a furious, deafening roar, he staggered upright. His wild, frenzied gaze snapped toward Marcellious.
He lunged, seizing Marcellious’ arm in a crushing grip.
