How could we ever be reunited? In death?
And how was I supposed to forgive her when she had loved a monster who now wanted to destroy me and everything I held dear?
Malik’s knuckles rapped against the worn leather cover.
“This book,” he said, voice low, reverent, “contains Alina’s deepest, darkest secrets.”
Then, he stood, crouching before me, holding out the journal.
“Here, Olivia.”
My breath hitched.
I reached for the book, and as my fingers brushed against Malik’s, a jolt of energy surged between us.
Our eyes locked.
For a split second, it felt like I had fallen beyond the universe, plunging into the unfathomable depths of his ancient gaze.
Lifetimes of experience and secrets stared back at me.
Then—
My focus shifted.
The journal.
Malik released it, rocking back on his heels as my hands closed around it.
It was heavier than it looked.
Words likesacredandfragilefluttered through my mind.
I lifted my gaze to Malik.
“Thank you,” I whispered.
His eyes softened. “Promise me you’ll keep an open mind.”
His tone was gentle. But beneath it, I sensed something else—concern.
“I know Emily can handle what you’ll soon discover,” he continued. “I worry about you the most.”
My brows lifted. “Why?”
A small, knowing smile tugged at his lips. “You’re so tough.”
I frowned. “And that’s bad?”
“Not always.”
The tenderness emanating from him was almost too much to bear.
“Read the journal here,” Malik continued, his voice measured, almost soothing. “Take your time. Let yourself absorb your mother’s words. And please—don’t judge.”
A lump formed in my throat.
“Once you’ve read it, I’ll explain what a Timebound is,” he said. “The journal is long—it will take you all day to get through. While you learn about your mother, I’ll take care of Rosie.”
