“And now?”
“I’m still not ready.” The truth hurts. “But I’m done lying about it.”
Something in his expression softens. Relief maybe. Or understanding. “What are we doing, Nadia?”
“I don’t know. Running. Surviving. Trying to figure out what comes next.”
“That’s not what I meant.”
I know what he meant. What is this between us? What does it mean that I risked everything for him? What does it mean that being near him feels like coming home, even though it shouldn’t?
“I don’t know,” I repeat. Quieter. “But we need to focus on staying alive first.”
He nods. Releases me slowly. We both stand and create space between us that feels wrong but necessary.
“I need to ask you something,” he says, voice more controlled now. “The new evidence Viktor mentioned. What was it specifically?”
The question brings back the horror of that meeting. “Video footage. Security camera. It showed you walking through the corridor near where Samien was found. Timestamp matched the window for his death.”
He goes very still. “You saw this footage?”
“Yes. Viktor played it in his office while I was there.”
“And you still believed I didn’t kill him.” Not a question. Statement filled with something I can’t quite name.
“Yes.”
“Why?” The word comes out quietly. Genuinely confused. “The evidence was right there. Video proof. Why would you risk everything based on instinct that contradicted what you saw?”
I don’t know how to explain the certainty. “Because I know you.” I put my hand on my chest. “Here.”
He looks at me with astonishment. Vulnerability. Like my faith in him is more overwhelming than anything else that’s happened.
“The footage can’t be accurate,” he says finally. “I never left my quarters that night. Stayed in bed trying to sleep. Never went near that corridor.”
“You’re certain.”
“Completely.” He starts pacing. Dragon energy needing outlet. “Which means someone fabricated the footage. Someone with access to Aurora’s security systems created a false video showing me at the scene.”
The implications crash over both of us.
“Someone in Aurora is a traitor,” I say slowly. “Someone killed Samien. Framed you. Has the technical capability to fake security footage and plant physical evidence.”
“And they’re still there. Still with access. Still dangerous.”
My stomach drops. My people. Everyone I care about is at Aurora… with an infiltrator who’s willing to kill.
“I need to go back,” I say. The words come out firm despite the fear. “Get you somewhere safe first. Then I’ll go back and tell Viktor what we know. Warn them.”
“No.” Immediate. Resolute.
“Jericho—”
“I’m not letting you walk back into Aurora alone while a murderer with unknown motives is operating inside. Not to mention what the team will do if you go there.”
“They won’t hurt me—”
“You just broke a prisoner out of detention. You’re a traitor now.” His voice is hard. “They might kill you on sight. And—”
