“So it’s not just symbolic.”
“No.”
It’s strategic. Of course it is. Everything in this town is strategic. I sit back slightly against the cabinet edge, processing.
“And I bought it,” I say slowly.
“Yes.”
“And now rogues are targeting the town.”
“Yes.”
A pause. Longer this time. Then I look at him.
“Tell me I’m wrong to think those things are connected.”
He doesn’t answer immediately. And that tells me everything. Finally?—
“No,” he says quietly. “You’re not wrong.”
I let out a slow breath.
“Fantastic.”
He steps closer again, lowering his voice.
“This doesn’t mean you’re responsible for what’s happening,” he says.
“I didn’t say I was,” I reply immediately.
But the truth is?—
Itfeelsconnected. Like I stepped into a story that was already in motion. And now I’m part of it whether I want to be or not.
“I need Magnus to see this,” Archer says.
“Agreed,” I reply.
He pauses. Then adds?—
“And Conrad.”
I nod.
“And Delilah.”
Another pause.
“Brooke too.”
I glance at him. “You’re delegating a lot for someone who tried to keep me out of this.”
His mouth twitches slightly.
“You’re already in it,” he says.
Yeah. No kidding.
