The name remained on the page.
VICTOR HARRISON.
Elena read it again.
Then again.
The letters refused to change.
Across the room, Adrian stood completely still.
His eyes remained fixed on the confession.
“My grandfather.”
The priest lowered his gaze.
“He built the first network that became the Order.”
Adrian shook his head.
“No.”
“He believed the Blackwood bloodline could be controlled.”
“No.”
“He knew about the Guardian.”
“Stop.”
The priest fell silent.
Adrian stepped toward him.
“My grandfather saved Elena.”
“He did.”
“He helped us escape.”
“He did.”
“He protected Evelyn.”
The priest’s expression tightened.
“Sometimes protection and control wear the same face.”
Adrian’s jaw clenched.
Elena watched him carefully.
She had never seen him look so lost.
The man he h
