ZARA:
I had gone there ready — ready to tell Maximus what I heard, to explain to him what Jasmine was plotting. But the moment I opened my mouth, the doors burst open. His mother. And Jasmine. Their eyes cut me into pieces before I could even speak.
I never hated laughter until tonight. Jasmine’s laugh still echoed in my ears. Sweet, too sweet. No one would suspect she’s a snake, a liar, a murderous woman. I can’t let her keep getting close to Maximus. I don’t know their full plan or how she plots to harm him. I want—no, I need to put an end to this, but I don’t know how. It’s getting too complicated.
The night air was cold. I didn’t care. I needed it—needed to get Jasmine’s voice out of my head, the sound of her laugh, the schemes she’s planning.
Maximus hadn’t heard me. He never did.
