A sharp edge of frustration dug into my ribs.
“How the hell can you hide information from me?” My voice rose with irritation. “I need to know everything if I’m going to pull this off.”
Lee shook his head. “I can only tell you the pieces you need to know. It’s all part of a bigger plan. One that will end Balthazar—and every other darkness that threatens us.”
His expression turned distant, lost in thought.
I snapped my fingers in front of his face. “I hate being kept in the dark, Lee. Tell me what you’re hiding.”
He didn’t answer.
Instead, he turned on his heel and started walking away.
I stalked after him. “Where the hell are you going?”
“To my house,” he called over his shoulder, lifting a hand dismissively. “All you need to know is that this is part of the plan. If you can’t find Malik, you must find Giovanni. He has the blade.” He glanced back briefly. “Ask around.”
Lee reached for the doorknob, stepping outside without another word.
“Fuck.” I followed right behind him, my frustration burning through my veins.
Lee whirled around, his eyes blazing. “That’s all you need to know right now.”
His tone was final.
I clenched my jaw, forcing myself to back away—hands up, surrendering to the unspoken command.
If this was how it had to be, I had no choice but to follow orders.
If I’d learned anything in this strange, cursed lifetime, it was how to obey commands.
But I didn’t have to like it.
I stormed back into the house, my anger simmering beneath my skin. If anyone could give me a straight answer, it would be Jack.
I found him at the sink, scrubbing dishes, his movements methodical.
“I’m so angry at Lee right now,” I said, heading for the coffee maker. I needed something hot to burn away this frustration.
Jack wordlessly picked up a mug from the dish drainer and handed it to me.
I slammed it onto the counter with a loud thwack.
Jack barely reacted. He leaned back against the counter, his hands hooked over the edge, watching me with mild amusement.
“Welcome to the club.” His voice was dry, tinged with something like understanding. “I’ve known Lee a long time. Before Olivia was born, he was always secretive.” Jack exhaled. “I’d get so frustrated with him, especially during the worst moments with Alina. He and my wife would fall silent whenever I approached. And when I asked them what they were discussing,” Jack’s eyes darkened. “They’d say things like, ‘Nothing that concerns you,’ or, ‘Nothing meaningful.’”
He shook his head, a bitter smile tugging at his lips.
“I would press, argue—but no matter what, they never gave me a straight answer.”
His shoulders lifted and fell in a long, tired sigh.
I crossed to the kitchen table, my fingers curling around my coffee.
I sat down, dumping sugar and creamer into the steaming mug.
Then, finally, I took a long, welcome sip.
