She lifted her head, determination hardening her features.
“If Balthazar has the journal, he’s going to Italy,” Emily muttered. “He’ll try to get the dagger.” Her brows furrowed. “We need to get there before he does.”
She let out a long sigh.
“If only I could time travel,” she murmured. “Then I could help you.”
I rolled over to face her. “Neither you nor Rosie can time travel,” I said, frustration creeping into my tone. “And I don’t want to do this alone.”
My mind raced, searching for a solution.
Emily sat up, her face set with determination. “We have to ask Malik for answers.”
I grimaced.
“You mustn’t be scared of him, Olivia,” she continued. “He’s our only choice.”
She was right.
As much as I hated to admit it, Malik was our only option.
Wordlessly, we climbed off the bed and headed down the dimly lit corridor. The heavy silence between us only thickened as we neared his study.
His bedroom was empty, but a soft glow disappeared beneath his office door.
It was ajar.
I hesitated for a brief moment before easing it open.
Malik stood with his back to us, gazing out the window into the darkness.
“Lord Malik,” Emily said hesitantly, her voice careful. “May we speak with you?”
He whirled around, his emerald eyes blazing.
“Don’t call me that,” he snapped.
Emily flinched, hands flying up as if to ward off an attack. “Forgive me. I didn’t mean?—”
“What do you want from me now?” he snarled.
His gaze snapped to mine, locking me in place like an invisible force had gripped me by the throat.
A torrent of energy swirled between us, unseen but undeniable.
I forced myself to look away, breaking the spell before it could consume me.
When I spoke, my voice was stable.
“We must time travel to Italy and retrieve the Sun Dagger.” I swallowed hard. “Balthazar has the journal. His next move will be to go after the dagger.”
Malik remained silent, his expression impassive, watching me like a predator studying prey.
I was sick of his games.
The intrigue. The secrets. The silence.
I snapped.
