A bitter laugh escaped me. “So, we’re just pawns in your game.”
Malik didn’t react. His face remained an infuriating mask of control.
My gaze flicked toward the open doorway.
“Where’s Marcellious?” I asked.
Roman and Malik exchanged a look.
It was a bad look.
I stepped forward, my pulse hammering. “Where is Marcellious?”
Malik exhaled, his voice disturbingly even. “He’s been taken by Raul.”
No.
Emily gasped, her grip tightening around Leo. “Oh, no!” Her sobs grew frantic.
Leo, sensing her distress, began to cry again.
The noise crashed over me—screams, wails, chaos. It filled the air, wrapped around my ribs, and made my skin crawl.
My nerves frayed to the breaking point.
“How can you say that so calmly?” I snapped at Malik. “If Costa has Marcellious, he could be dead by now!”
Emily’s crying turned into guttural, gasping sobs.
I let out an exasperated groan, running my hands over my face.
“Enough!” I barked. “Let’s give Emily and the baby some peace. No more discussions in this room.”
I jabbed a finger at the doorway.
But before I left, I turned back to Emily, my voice softening.
“Emily,” I pleaded, leaning in close. “You have to believe Malik. I shouldn’t have let my fears slip like that.”
Her tear-filled eyes met mine.
“I come from the dark, Olivia,” she whispered. “Maybe I’m destined for it, too.”
A hollow ache settled in my chest.
I grasped her hand, squeezing it tightly. “Don’t blame Malik. He’s only doing what Mathias told him to do.”
She hesitated, then nodded. “Okay.”
“And don’t let the knowledge of who your father is define you. You decide your fate. All will be well.”
She wiped her eyes, her voice fragile. “I hope so.”
I wanted to say more, but there was nothing left.
With one last glance at Emily and Leo, I turned away.
Malik, Roman, and I tromped into the hallway, closing the door behind us.
