Victor Blackwood's smile never reached his eyes.
Alice didn't smile back.
She folded her arms across her chest.
"I'll save you some time," she said. "I'm not opening any magical gates, joining your creepy organization, or helping the people who kidnapped me."
Damien let out a quiet sigh.
Victor chuckled.
"You sound just like your mother."
Alice's heart skipped.
"You don't get to talk about her."
Victor's expression softened—not with kindness, but with memory.
"I knew Elena long before she became your mother."
Alice searched his face for any sign that he was lying.
She couldn't find one.
Victor motioned toward a set of double doors.
"Walk with me."
"I'd rather not."
"You'll want to hear this."
"I really won't."
Victor raised an eyebrow.
"Then humor an old man."
Alice loo
