EZEKIEL

"Will you attend the masquerade ball?" Ronan asks as he walks beside me.

I've just received an invitation, an elegant card sealed with gold from one of the human leaders, Mayor Charles. A masquerade ball, full of secrets and hidden faces.

"I should." I answer, my voice rough. "It's a good chance to see what they're planning." I shove my hands into the pockets of my trousers, my mind already turning over the possibilities.

Ronan nods. "They wouldn't dare try anything against us."

"Humans can’t be trusted." I say simply.

"Exactly. I've already assigned someone to watch the mayor and keep me updated."

I give a small nod and keep walking, silent for a moment.

"I heard Daphne's been on her best behavior these past few days." Ronan say casually.

The corner of my mouth lifts slightly. "She should be. Still, I'm curious to see what she does next."

As I lift my eyes, I spot Daphne standing by her window, staring straight at me. No blinking, no flinching. Just watching, like she's daring me.

Ronan keeps talking, but his voice fades into the background. My eyes stay on her. She isn't backing down. And I like that.

On the outside, she acts brave, like she's got everything under control. But inside, she's just a scared little girl pretending to be strong. I still find it amusing that she thought wolfsbane could kill me. Really, she's got guts. Coming into my territory with a plan to end me? Bold.

And I enjoy it, watching her try, letting her think she's ahead, only to tear it all apart. Her face when I pointed out she's not a witch, the way her heart pounded in her chest, I didn’t miss that. Still, she denied it, even when she thought she was about to die. That stubborn streak... It's almost admirable.

I didn't kill her for two reasons. First, it's no fun ending someone who's already given up. Second, and more important, she's useful. That's why I've been watching her.

"You're not even listening." Ronan says as he taps my shoulder.

I blink and turn my eyes away from her window to look at him. "What were you saying?"

"I asked if I should call Harvey to be your plus one for the masquerade ball or if you..."

"There's no need for that." I cut in quickly, glancing back at her window. The curtain's closed now. She's gone.

Ronan follows my gaze. "What are you going to do with her?"

"I have a plan." A slow smile tugs at the corner of my lips. "But first, I want you to find someone."

"Who?"

"Natalie Jackson."

Ronan frowns. "Isn't that..."

"Yes." I interrupt. "The friend she thinks I killed."

What I really want to know is how my name ended up in her friend's diary... and why.

As Ronan and I continue down the hallway, we spot Laura cradling Maria in her arms and heading in the opposite direction.

The moment Maria sees me, her face lights up. She waves excitedly. "Big brother Zeke!"

I can't help the small smile that tugs at my lips as we approach. Laura dips her head in a respectful bow.

"Where are you two coming from?" I murmur, shifting my gaze between them.

"Forgive me." Laura pleads, bowing again. "Maria slipped away when I wasn't paying attention."

I reach out and lift Maria from her arms. "And where did you sneak off to, little troublemaker?"

"I went to Daphne's room." Maria chirps, her pouty lips sticking out. "Laura didn’t want me to go."

Laura tenses. "I've warned you, her kind are dangerous. They can't be trusted."

"But she's pretty." Maria counters, looking up at me with wide eyes. "And she didn't seem evil. Right, Uncle Ronan?"

Ronan clears his throat, flashing a tight, uneasy grin. "Maybe it's best you listen to Laura this time."

Maria huffs and mutters under her breath. "Y'all don't see what I see."

I chuckle softly and glance at Laura. "I'll take her to her room."

They both bow once more as I turn, Maria nestled in my arms, still grumbling about how no one listens to her.

"So, did you like her when you saw her?" I murmur as we make our way to Maria's room.

"Yes." She replies quickly, then folds her arms with a little pout. "But she told on me. She told Laura and the guards I was under her bed."

A low chuckle rumbles from my chest. "Maybe she only did that so no one would worry. You know Laura would have panicked if she couldn’t find you."

Maria sighs dramatically, fiddling with the collar of my shirt. "But why is she locked up? She's your wife. She's supposed to be with you, not alone."

I press my lips together, unsure how to explain that Daphne and I are married in name only. Even a five-year-old can tell something's off.

"It's for the best." I say at last, keeping my voice gentle.

Maria sighs again, softer this time. "She must be lonely." Then her face lights up. "Can I go and keep her company?"

"I think it's better if you let her rest, Maria." I reply, pushing open the door to her room. "But if you want someone to play with, I can call Andrea."

She frowns, clearly not thrilled with that idea.

"Or," I add with a small grin. "I could stay and play with you."

Her eyes brighten. "Will you read me a book?"

"Of course." I answer, setting her down. She dashes to her little bookshelf and picks out a few worn storybooks.

"Laura got these for me." she explains, handing them over. "But she doesn't read them like you do."

I settle onto the edge of her bed and pat the spot beside me. "Come here."

Maria climbs up with the books and snuggles in close. I take the top one from the pile, flip it open, and begin to read. Her head leans on my arm as the soft rhythm of the story fills the room.