I ignored them and stepped into Malik’s space, standing nose-to-nose. “It’s time they knew the truth,” I said, my voice a razor’s edge. “I brought you Alina’s dagger. I did everything you asked. And now I want out. No more lies, no more games, no more spying. I’m done.”
Olivia’s mouth parted in shock. “What is he saying, Malik? Is this true? He’s been working for you all this time? Playing some double agent?”
Malik’s expression darkened with anger. His jaw tightened. “You’ve failed me, Marcellious.” His voice was ice, controlled but lethal. “I told you to return only when you had secured Balthazar’s dagger.” His eyes bore into me. “Do you have it?”
My fists clenched. “I’ve risked my life, my limbs, my marriage. I’vesacrificed everything.” My voice shook with rage. “But I’m done. Do you hear me? Done.”
Olivia stared, her breath hitching. “Balthazar has a dagger?”
Malik’s gaze didn’t waver. He inclined his head slightly. “Yes. The darkness possesses its own dagger, passed down from its first time traveler.” His tone was eerily calm, but his eyes flicked to me, expectant.
“Now,” he said, firmer this time. “Do you have it?”
My hand shot out, the knife scraping free with a furious clatter. I thrust it forward, locking eyes with Malik as I growled, “Here it is.”
I extended Balthazar’s dagger with a dramatic flourish as if offering my heart on a platter.
Malik’s lips curled into the ghost of a smile. He reached for the hilt, testing the blade with a calculated motion. “I’m impressed, Marcellious. So, you followed through. Everything is according to plan. This is excellent news.”
The words had barely left his mouth when Olivia shot to her feet, Roman following instantly.
“This is outrageous!” she spat. “Do you have any idea what we went through tonight? Hundreds died! Was that part of the plan, too?”
Malik’s expression didn’t waver. “Yes. I knew Balthazar would try to save Tristan.” His smile turned secretive. “Please, don’t be upset.”
Olivia’s laugh was sharp, bitter. “Are you fucking kidding me? ‘Upset’? No. I’m outraged. I’m traumatized. And tell me, Malik—how could you have known Roman and I would survive the blaze tonight?”
My breath hitched. “Blaze? What blaze?”
She turned on me, fury radiating from every inch of her. “Balthazar came to the party tonight. The Timehunters had his son ready to torture and kill him. So, he intervened the only way he knows how—by setting the entire villa on fire. Roman and I barely escaped, listening to the screams of the dying. And now you’re telling me this was all part of some messed-up plan?”
She snapped her gaze back to Malik, eyes burning with accusation.
Malik’s smile vanished. “Most of those who died tonight were killers. Timehunters or their minions. You should be thankful.” His expression darkened, his voice edged with menace. “I knew you two would survive.”
Olivia stiffened, her breath hitching.
“Timehunters?” Emily asked, confused. “Who are they?”
Malik ignored her. His gaze locked onto me. “Where’s Balthazar?”
I swallowed the bile rising in my throat. “Healing his son.” The words tasted foul. “God, I despise that man.”
Turning to Emily, I softened. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, astorm of uncertainty brewing behind them. “Come, my love. I need to explain everything.”
I reached for her.
She slapped my hand away. “No! I need to hear it from Malik first.”
She turned to him, her hands clasped beneath her chin. “Please. If it’s true, if everything he’s said is real…tell me. I’ve endured so much agony—I need the truth.”
Malik exhaled, his shoulders lifting in a shrug. “Yes, dear Emily. It’s true. Marcellious has been working with me since Roman and Olivia were held captive in Balthazar’s lair.”
Emily’s breath caught, her lips parting in silent devastation.
I pivoted toward her. “Emily, my love, you must believe me.” My voice cracked as I seized her hands—she didn’t pull away this time. “Balthazar poisoned my mind long before I met Malik. I despised Roman and Olivia. I thought they were my enemies. But when Malik found me, he helped me see the truth. He saved me.”
Her fingers trembled in mine, but she said nothing.
