Page 260

I had spent years believing the Veil was the thing standing between me and exposure. Between me and the life I no longer deserved.

But exposure no longer felt like the worst outcome.

Becoming the male who handed Talia back to the people trying to erase her did.

The handler lowered his voice. “This female may never forgive you.”

My gaze moved to her before I could stop it.

Talia did not look up.

“I know.”

“She may reject the connection entirely.”

“I know that too.”

“You may lose the only personal attachment you have allowed yourself in eight years.”

My jaw tightened.

That one was cruel.

Effective.

Still irrelevant.

“My decision does not depend on her forgiveness.”

The words came easily.

They surprised me more than the handler.

I continued. “It does not depend on whether she chooses me.”

Talia went still.

I saw it.

Did not turn toward her.

This was not for her.

“The order is wrong,” I said. “The evidence was manipulated. The Veil has been used to protect whoever built the conspiracy, whether intentionally or through negligence. I will not return her. I will not surrender the evidence.”

The handler’s voice went flat. “You are making a permanent choice.”

“I am.”

“Then this is your final opportunity.”

“No.”

A pause.

Then the terminal changed.

The black screen flashed once.