If I had to drop to my knees, I would.
I had no intentions beyond reconciliation.
But the real question—the one gnawing at my gut—was where could we go to escape Balthazar’s wrath?
Because no matter how far we ran, he would never stop hunting us.
When I reached Malik’s door, I was breathless, sweating, exhausted, and urgently coiled.
I pounded against the heavy wood, my knuckles aching from the force.
Seconds stretched into an agonizing eternity?—
Then, the door creaked open, revealing a stern-faced maid.
I moved to push past her, but she blocked my way, standing firm as iron.
“Good sir,” she said coolly. “Where do you think you’re going?”
I gritted my teeth.
“I need to see Emily,” I ground out. “It’s urgent.”
I tried to sidestep her, but she shifted swiftly, refusing to let me pass.
“I’m sorry, but it’s late, and Lady Emily is asleep. You can return in the morning if you like.”
She moved to close the door, but I slammed my boot against it, keeping it open.
“Where’s Malik, then?” My voice shook with frustration. “I must speak with him.”
The maid’s expression remained unreadable.
“He’s not here.”
Liar.
I narrowed my eyes.
“You’re lying,” I growled. “Where is he?”
The maid’s expression blanched, a brief flash of shock before her jaw clenched like iron.
“I’m sorry, sir,” she said, voice like steel, “but you’ll have to leave. You can return in the morning.”
Before I could protest, she pressed both palms against the door and?—
Shoved.
My boot slipped, my pride crumpling alongside it?—
And then, the door slammed shut.
The impact echoed, rattling my already frayed nerves.
I stood there, stunned, my hands clenching into fists at my sides.
No. No, this isn’t happening.
