Page 75 of Veil of Secrets

They didn’t.

They were intercepted.

Because he told Marco exactly where to look.

I toss the folder back on the desk.

“It’s enough,” I say. “We end it tonight.”

Before I can reach for the blade lying beside the ledgers—my father’s knife, old steel, darkened by time—Elara moves.

She grabs it.

Her fingers wrap around the hilt like it belongs there.

And maybe it does.

“Then what are we waiting for?” she asks.

I stare at her.

There’s blood dried under her nails.

Her lip is chapped where she bit it during the fight earlier. And she’s still the most dangerous presence in this room.

She doesn’t need permission, I think. Doesn’t need reassurance.

She’s already in it.

With me.

That’s not something I take lightly.

I nod once.

“Let’s go.”

Elara stands, knife still in hand. Her robe shifts, barely covering her. She doesn’t care. Her eyes are on me, steady, like she’s already three steps ahead.

Luca clears his throat. “You sure about this? Vince has people. Marco’s crew isn’t small.”

I don’t look at him. “They’re not ready for us.”

Elara’s lips twitch. Not a smile, but close. “They’re not ready for me.”

Luca exhales, sharp. “You’re both insane.”

“Maybe,” I say. “But we’re right.”

I push the chair back, stand. The papers stay where they are. No need to carry them. The truth’s burned into me now.

Elara steps closer. Her fingers brush the desk, then my arm. Not soft. Deliberate.

“Where’s he at?” she asks.

“South docks,” Luca says. “Got word he’s meeting Marco tonight. Midnight.”

I glance at the clock. It’s past four. We’re late, but not too late.

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