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He walks out farther to the center of the room and looks down at Rosa’s body.

“Looks like you took care of this for me. I despise getting my hands dirty.”

I glance at Kai, but he’s not looking at the man; his eyes are glued to me. Clinging to Calli as if his life depended on it.

Fuck.

I don’t move. As far as I understand, there’s nothing I can do in this situation. My main priority is to get my sister out of here alive, but I don’t know how fast I can move and my sister is far too weak to do anything right now.

Gregor walks over to me nonchalantly.

“I’m going to need that grimoire, child,” he says, reaching out his hand. His slicked-back hair makes him look like a slimy salesman.

My head jerks to Kai, but I get no response.

“I don’t have it,” I say plainly.

He cocks his head, clearly not believing me.

“Gregor! Fancy meeting you here!” Alok walks in as if he owns the place, his long blue hair swaying behind him like a cape, a big toothy smile on his face.

What the hell is happening right now?

“Alok, interesting I should find you. To what do I owe the pleasure?” Gregor says, turning away from me.

I glance over at Calli, who’s barely moved a muscle in Kai’s arms. Kai turns and gives me a knowing look.

As if I know what to do in this situation— I don’t.

“Well, you see, there’s this little matter I’ve been keeping watch over. This whole cult business is just a misunderstanding,” Alok says.

“Is it now?” Gregor asks, looking at all of us. “Well, in that case, I’ll let you go free. I so enjoy our interactions.” Gregor waves Alok off. “But that grimoire is coming with me.”

Kai picks up the backpack and walks over to me. The whispering escalates; my instinct is to take it and run. But there’s nowhere to run where I won’t quickly be intercepted. I need to stay calm. If they want to take that cursed thing, let them. I’d be better off never seeing it again in my life.

But if so, why is every bone in my body telling me to take it and run…

“Kai—”

“Shut the fuck up,” Kai spits out.

For once, I listen to him.

“Here.” He unzips the bag, pulling out the grimoire and extending it to Gregor. “I came here a few centuries ago, trying to figure out why humans were carrying this artifact.” Kai speaks matter-of-factly. “I believed it to belong to Ashur. My intention was to get it back. My curiosity about this family got the best of me.”

Gregor listens intently, nodding.

“They believed me to be something I did not claim to be. I assure you I’ve broken no laws.” Kai bows his head.

“You say that, but for centuries, these humans have worshipped you. Did you think we were ignorant to what was going on? You will be punished solely based on the fact that you did not bring the knowledge sooner; instead, you stayed and fell in love with a monstrosity,” Gregor says, looking down at Calli as he reaches for the grimoire in Kai’s hands.

“I propose a trade,” Kai says quickly, almost too loud. “The grimoire and the knowledge I have gained for my freedom.” Kai is speaking, but it doesn’t sound like him.

“That sounds fair to me.” Alok claps.

Gregor turns to Alok.

“You will hold your tongue. We sent you here for one purpose, to keep an eye on him. You did your job, now don’t push me.”