Rain continued to fall over the cemetery.
No one spoke after Ross delivered the message.
Emily looked down at the journal in her hands.
The worn leather cover carried every sacrifice her father had made.
Now it had become the price of another life.
Marcus broke the silence.
“It’s a trap.”
Ross nodded.
“Without question.”
Nathaniel stared into the distance.
“My son won’t survive if we ignore it.”
Jonathan looked at him.
“And if we hand over the journal?”
“They’ll kill Lucas anyway.”
Nathaniel closed his eyes.
“I know.”
The words hurt him more than anyone else.
⸻
Emily’s Decision
Everyone turned toward Emily.
She held the journal against her chest.
“I won’t let anyone die because of me.”
Marcus stepped closer.
“Emily…”
She shook her head.
“My father didn’t spend his
