Well played, my friend.
Shivers ran down my spine as I realized what this truly meant. No matter where Balthazar tried to go or what shadows he attempted to crawl into, he was trapped.
His greatest weapon had become his greatest weakness.
I exhaled, my mind reeling. Then, another question climbed its way to the surface. “Why did you bring Tristan here?”
Malik’s smirk deepened. “Why, to keep the demon distracted.”
He let out a hearty, unapologetic laugh, the sound rolling through the room like thunder.
“Tristan, as you must know, isn’t too smart. Or too fast.” Malik shrugged, eyes gleaming with amusement. “And now, Balthazar is on babysitting duty.”
I blinked.
What a clever, clever man.
Malik had thought of everything, down to the most exacting detail.
Roman and I couldn’t help but smile, caught in Malik’s rare moment of mirth.
But then, his expression shifted. The laughter faded, replaced by something heavier, something final.
Malik stood, clasping his hands behind his back. His emerald eyes darkened with resolve.
“Everything I’ve done—all of this—is to destroy Balthazar.”
His voice was unshakable.
“And once you find the Moon Dagger, you two will become the most powerful people. You will take both daggers, learn how to wield them, and then kill me.”
The words struck like an arrow in my chest.
I inhaled sharply, my heart lurching. “What?”
I shook my head, stepping toward him. “You can’t be serious. Kill you? No! I refuse to do that!”
Roman was beside me in an instant, gripping Malik by the shoulders. His expression was a mixture of disbelief and anger. “You may be the darkness, but you won’t die as one.”
His voice was fierce, unwavering. “I respect you, Malik, for everything you’ve done. Let yourself be transformed. Stay and live with us.”
Malik exhaled through his nose, prying Roman’s fingers from his shoulders. His gaze remained eerily composed, resolute. “I won’t have a purpose once Balthazar is gone.”
A heavy silence settled between us.
I refused to accept that.
“We’re a family,” I said, stepping before him, my hands clenched. “We’re an unstoppable team now. We could never destroy you. You’re a good person, Malik.”
He let out a breathless chuckle, though no humor existed. “I’m no saint, Olivia.” His gaze dropped to the floor. “I’ve done terrible things. I still do terrible things.”
His voice was quieter now. “But… being in your life has made me want to improve.”
I reached for him, my fingers barely brushing his arm. “Then stay. Keep learning. Keep living.”
He said nothing.
I took a step closer, forcing him to meet my eyes. “Think about Rosie.”
