Luca said his name earlier.
“Wait, Luca, did I hear you yelling at Jace before you came in here?” My brain tries to play catchup, but I can barely remember their words.
“Yeah, he?—”
“You can't trust him!” I grab his hands, “You have to believe me, I don't know what lies he told you, but he's working for Gideon. He played me this whole time.”
My voice cracks, my heart breaking all over again, having to explain this. “Luca, Dakota’s the one who took me! They’re together!”
The door of my room opens and Lucian steps inside, dark circles under his eyes and hair that looks like he's been running his hands through it constantly for days.
“Dad!” I try to sit up, but pain zips through my body, and I fall back with a gasp.
“Whoa, slow down!” He runs over to my side, picking up my other hand.
“No, you have to hear this.”
“Iz—” Luca starts.
“No, Luca, stop. He's my dad, he has to know!”
“We already know.” Luca glances at Lucian. “Just take a deep breath. Please.” Luca's brows furrow.
“Wh-what?” I look back and forth between my dad and Luca, “What do you mean you already know?”
Lucian nods and takes the seat Maeve vacated, not letting go of my hand.
“It's a long story, but Jace was a double agent this whole time. He didn't tell anyone because Gideon had him under surveillance. He had to make it look like he was loyal to his dad so he would gain his trust. As for Dakota, she’s in the wind.”
My jaw drops.
“What, no.” I close my eyes, and all I can see is Jace's cold gaze. His unreadable expression. Dakota’s hands on him.
“No,” I repeat, shaking my head.
“Isobel, maybe you should let him explain.”
“No. He did this to me.” I pull my hand from his, and I instantly regret it. His face falls, his shoulders droop forward. I don't think I've ever seen Lucian even so much as slouch.
I reach back out to him, taking his hand. “I just can't right now, Dad. This is all... new. I thought I would be breaking the news to you, but it's the opposite. I thought...” I rest my head back, closing my eyes, tears building behind them, “I thought I was going to die down there. Hoped for it.”
“Iz…” Luca whispers, taking my other hand, his warmth enveloping my fingers.
“Oh, Gracie.” Lucian stands, kissing my forehead. “I’m so sorry we didn't find you sooner. I failed you as a father,again. I let you get hurt.” Lucian's eyes look wet. “I promised you… And I failed.”
“No, Dad, please. Don't say that. Don't blame yourself, because it's not true. You did everything you could, gave me all the tools to protect myself, I just didn't recognize the snake waiting for me in the grass.” I squeeze his fingers.
“Thank you for saying that, but I still feel responsible. Dakota led us to believe that Daniel took you, so we were looking in the wrong place.”
Lucian kisses my head once more.
“Are you feeling alright? Any pain? Maeve said she’s going to get the doctor. I can talk to him.”
“Everything hurts. But I’m the most comfortable I’ve been in what feels like forever. I’ll never take a bed for granted again.”
“Okay. I'll have someone bring you some soup. You need to eat. But take it slow. You've been on a liquid diet for the last two days while you slept.”
The thought of food makes my stomach flip. “I'll try it.”
