Nathan’s POV

I didn’t leave right away. Something in me that last piece of pride I hadn’t yet buried refused to walk out defeated.

Jackson leaned back in his chair, still wearing that smug grin that made my skin crawl. The firelight danced across his face, highlighting the scar near his mouth, a mark I’d given him years ago. Seeing it now, I almost wished I’d gone deeper.

“I’m not leaving without the antidote,” I said finally, forcing my voice to stay steady. “You want ...