A fire burned within me—one that had been smoldering for too long.
I stormed into the stables, demanding a horse from the groomsman. The moment I was astride, I kicked the steed into motion, galloping through an endless sea of olive trees, its hooves striking the earth like rolling thunder.
As I neared my destination, outrage churned inside me.
Balthazar wanted me to steal the Sun Dagger. But I was done playing his sinister games. No longer would I bow to his every command. No longer would I be his pawn.
It was time to reclaim what was rightfully mine—my dignity.
I veered toward a tavern instead of heading toward Giovanni Zampa’s residence.
I needed a drink.
Slowing my horse to a trot, I rode up to the weathered building, dismounted, and tied the reins to the hitching post. Another horse stood beside mine—its presence made my pulse quicken.
Someone was waiting.
Inside, the tavern was dimly lit, the air thick with the scent of stale aleand woodsmoke. My eyes adjusted to the darkness, sweeping the room until I spotted a hooded figure alone in the corner.
I crossed the room, my boots heavy against the creaking floorboards, and slid into the seat opposite him.
“I can’t do this anymore. I want out.”
The man exhaled, then pushed back his hood.
Malik.
The sight of him sent a fresh wave of exhaustion through me.
“I just can’t do this, Malik.” My voice was tight, barely above a whisper. “I’m done being your spy. I can’t keep doing this.”
Malik studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable. “Did you retrieve the dagger from Balthazar?”
I patted my waistband. “Yes. I have it.”
A heavy breath left my chest. “I want out. I want my life back. This has gone too far. I’ve been gutted, tortured, and nearly killed. And now, just like you said, Balthazar trusts me. I did everything you asked. Now I want out. No more secrets. We tell the truth to Emily and Olivia.”
I ran a tired hand down my face.
Malik remained still, unmoving, his gaze calculating.
I swallowed hard. “You told me this wouldn’t take so long. Emily and Olivia hate me. They think I turned against them.”
My voice cracked, teetering on the edge of something bleak—something dangerously close to defeat.
“I want my life back.”
Malik nodded, his expression unreadable. “I know it’s been difficult, but I’m proud of you for staying the course. Things just got… out of control.”
I gaped at him. “Is that what you call it? Out of control? My wife despises me. She’s disgusted by what I’ve done. I had to tell her so many lies. I had to pretend to love Dahlia.” My voice rose, the bitterness cutting through each word. “You didn’t see Emily’s face when she saw me with her. It broke her. It broke me.”
My insides coiled, burning with self-loathing.
But Malik was unmoved. “I understand, but you knew the plan. You were supposed to bring me both Balthazar’s and Alina’s daggers, not hers. I still need his.”
I slammed my fists onto the table, the impact rattling the glasses. “Are you insane? How the hell do you expect me to get Balthazar’s blade? Do you have any idea what that would take? He trusts me now, but I’m dead if I even look at his dagger the wrong way. This time, I won’t make it out alive!”
Malik lifted a hand, tamping the air as if I were a mere inconvenience. “Patience. We are dealing with forces far greater than you can imagine. Now, you must bring me Balthazar’s dagger.”
