“Mathias will grow suspicious if the excavation team stops now. He’s anxious to find the blades,” Roman said, his brow furrowing.
“Obsessed is a better word,” Malik said.
“Then we’ll be careful with our words,” I said, clasping my hands together to steady their trembling. “We’ll make them believe it’s a strategic retreat.”
Malik nodded, though doubt flickered in his eyes.
“And what of Isabelle and Armand’s connection to all this? Does Balthazar know who they are?” I asked, recalling the fragmented pieces of my dreams that tangled with reality.
“You will have to ask him yourself, Olivia,” Malik replied, his voice steady but evasive.
“Then take me to see him.” I stepped forward, determination setting my jaw. “I need answers, and if Balthazar has them?—”
“No.” Malik raised a hand to halt my advance. “It will be difficult to get answers from Balthazar. Mathias would never allow it. You know how closely he guards his secrets, especially those concerning Balthazar.”
“Damn Mathias’ rules!” I said, frustration boiling over. “How am I supposed to piece together my past when everyone keeps it out of reach?”
“Patience, Olivia,” Malik said, his tone as calming as the cool touch of his hand on my shoulder. “There are other ways to uncover the truth that don’t involve alerting Mathias to your intentions.”
“Then we must find them before it’s too late,” I said. “We also need to find how to activate these daggers.”
A sly smile tugged at the corner of Malik’s lips as though he held some hidden knowledge. “The scholars in Anatolia are renowned for their expertise in ancient artifacts. Perhaps Osman could provide insights about the blades and their power. From there, a journey to Anatolia might be our next step.”
His expression darkened, turning serious. “However, we can’t ignore that Raul is imprisoned in the dungeon, and he claims to have alerted the Timehunter leader about our location. Traveling to Anatolia could be dangerous. But staying here isn’t safe for you either, Olivia. With Mathias and Alina hunting for the blade, every moment here is a risk.”
A sense of urgency built within me.
“We have to leave this place immediately,” I said, my decision firm. “With the Timehunter society possibly after us and the constant threat from Mathias and Alina, staying here is no longer an option. And with Lee, Emily, and Marcellious leaving, we’ll soon be completely alone in this house—vulnerable to all sorts of threats.”
My heart raced as the dangers lurking within these human and supernatural walls came to mind.
“This house is crawling with monsters,” I shivered.
“Patience,” Malik said, his gaze never leaving mine. “We’ll get you out of here in a few weeks. But we must concoct a solid story before we make our move.”
“Stories won’t protect us from betrayal,” I said. “I’m angry that my mother is so evil, hiding secrets and truths out of reach. I despise her, Malik.”
“Indeed,” Malik said, his emerald eyes glinting thoughtfully. “Appearances can be deceiving, and allies are scarce. Trust must be earned, even among those who have proven themselves in battle.”
“Then we’ll watch and wait,” I said, my resolve hardening. “We’ll keep our friends close and our secrets closer.”
“Agreed.” Roman took my hand, the warmth of his touch a silent vow of solidarity.
A knock echoed through the heavy wooden door. Malik pulled it open, revealing Emily. She rushed toward me, arms outstretched, and enveloped me in a tight embrace.
As she released me, her words spilled out in a trembling rush. “I’m going to the future with Lee to heal Marcellious, and I’m scared.”
I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder, willing confidence into my voice despite the uncertainty of everything around us. “It’s going to be okay,” I said. “I’ll miss you terribly, but it’s for the best.”
The weight of her impending absence settled in my chest like a heavy stone.
Emily hesitated. “Olivia, I’m hearing rumors that Marcellious and Reyna had an affair. I don’t know what to think.”
“From what little I know, Reyna holds her secrets close,” I said. “She wouldn’t break them. Strict values are her armor.”
“Do you think that?” Emily said, clasping my hands.
“Yes, I do. Have peace in your heart when you travel to the future. My father will be good to you, and I believe you’ll find happiness beyond this madness. I hope to meet with you all soon.”
