_Leah's POV_
I held my breath as I carefully wedged the diary behind the bathroom cabinet. My hands were shaking, but I forced myself to stay calm, to think clearly. Tariq couldn’t know I had discovered his secrets, not yet. I took one last look at the worn leather cover. The strange symbol on it seemed to mock me with its dark promises before I shoved it deeper into the hidden crevice. When I was satisfied that it was well-hidden, I straightened up and took a deep and steadying breath.
When I finally stepped out of the bathroom, I was greeted by the sight of Tariq sitting upright in bed, his arms crossed, his expression unreadable in the dim light. His gaze settled on me, as if studying my every movement, and my stomach churned. I couldn’t let my fear show.
With an effort, I managed a
