Chapter 23: The Father's Bargain
Phoenix's message sent at 11:47 PM. By midnight, his phone rang.
Elizabeth Lazarus. Her voice was ice.
"That was a mistake."
"We're done making mistakes. We're done being used."
"You think you're free? You think refusing me changes anything?" Elizabeth laughed. Cold. Sharp. "I own you. I've owned you since you were born. Your father made a deal with me thirty years ago. A blood contract. Your life for my protection. You belong to me."
"My father's dead. His deals died with him."
"Contracts don't die. They transfer. They're inherited. You're mine, Jayce. You always have been. And now you've made me very angry."
"Good. Come find us. Let's finish this."
"Oh, I will. But first, I'm going to take everything you love. Everyone you've tried to save. Start
