“Say it clearly,” Adrian said, his voice cutting through the pressure like a blade. “No more half-truths.”
The fourth figure didn’t rush. That was the first thing that unsettled me. Not the words, not the threat, but the patience. Like they already knew how this would end.
“You still think clarity is a gift,” they said softly. “It isn’t. It’s a weapon. And you’re not ready to hold it.” My fingers tightened slightly in Adrian’s grip before I forced them to relax. Small things mattered now. Reactions were informative. Information was power. And right now, we were being watched too closely.
“Try us,” I said. The figure’s gaze shifted to me. Not quick. Not surprised. Intent. That look lingered a second too long. Something about it felt personal. Adrian felt it too. His thumb brushed once ag
