I don’t tell him about the file. Or Silas’s pattern. Or the way my body already knows that something’s wrong.
“I’m going to check on her,” I say instead.
“Sebastian—”
“I’ll call you,” I promise, ending the call. I’m already shoving through the door and heading to my car.
My phone buzzes.
For half a second, relief hits hard enough to make my knees weak.
Until I look at the screen.
Unknown Number.
I answer without hesitation. “Hello.”
There’s breathing on the line, then a low, familiar voice.
“Hello, Sebastian,” Silas says calmly.
The world narrows to a single point.
“Where is she?” I ask, my voice deadly.
He laughs softly. “She’s in good hands.” He pauses for a moment. “Mine.”
And then the line goes dead.
I stare at it for a moment, even though I know he’s gone.
I freeze, my thoughts spiraling.
I’m going to lose someone else I love.
My jaw clenches so hard I’m surprised I don’t hear a molar break.
No. Don’t give in to the helplessness.
Find her!
The unease is gone now, replaced by something far worse. Desperation.
I need to get to her before he finishes what he started.
56
SEBASTIAN
All the noise around me fades as I jump into my car. My hands are steady as I start it. Everything inside me locks into a single, ruthless line of purpose.
Find Ivy.
I throw the phone onto the passenger seat and reverse out of the parking spot so fast the tires bark. The city blurs as I cut through traffic like the rules don’t apply to me anymore.
Right now, they don’t.
Ivy is missing. And I’m done being careful.
