ELODIE'S POV
“What exactly,” Damon asked softly, “are you planning?”
For a moment, neither of us moved. The map remained spread across the table between us like evidence waiting to condemn me, and I could practically feel his suspicion filling the room. His eyes stayed fixed on me with that sharp, watchful intensity he had developed lately whenever he thought I was hiding something from him.
Which, unfortunately for him, I was. But I had no intention of letting him know that, not yet.
Panicking would only make me sloppy, and Damon was already looking for reasons not to trust me. The smallest wrong reaction would push him deeper into suspicion, and I needed him uncertain—not convinced.
So instead of retreating or scrambling for excuses, I forced myself to stay calm.
“You are acting li
