Page 223 of Sweet Dominion

So obsessed with the treasure mystery, TT continued, “Either way, this is a map of Crownsville which is at the bottom of Dream Lake. And the treasure is located on one of the missing daggers. We need six more to finish it.”

“But with those verses, you may find the treasure without the missing daggers,” Leo added. “Never underestimate your brain.”

I forced myself to smile for her sake, nodding along.

But inside, I was spiraling. “Well. . .this is so dope, TT. You did it and I’m so proud. Go get Chloe and Jo so we can show them too.”

TT gave me a sad smile. “I can’t.”

“Why not?”

“Because Leo has a plan.”

My eyes widened in fear as a cold sweat broke out across my forehead.

Before I could respond, Lei stepped forward. Every inch of him vibrated with barely contained fury. His eyes burned into Leo as if he were ready to tear him apart right then and there.

Leo held up his other hand. “Stay where you are, son.”

Lei growled. “What are you planning to do?”

Leo tilted his head, still smiling that twisted, horrifying way. “Oh, son. The plan. . .well, it’s already begun.”

“That sounds like something a villain would say. Be better, father.”

“Every story needs a villain. They serve a purpose.” Leo shrugged. “Without someone to challenge the hero. . .without someone to push him to his limits. . .where’s the growth? Where’s thestruggle?”

Lei sneered. “Let TT go downstairs.”

“The hero doesn’t become a hero unless there’s a villain forcing them to rise, to change, to fight for what they believe in.” Leo winked. “You can’t just always electric slide your way to a happy ending.”

Those words shattered me.

Leo continued, “Villains force the heroes to confront their fears, their weaknesses, and ultimately themselves.”

TT didn’t look at me.

Instead, she watched Lei.

What is going through your mind, sis?

“This isn’t some fictional story, Father.” Lei sighed. “This is real life. Don’t be the monster.”

“I serve a purpose and my plan tonight serves one too.” Leo put his view on me and that creepy smile left his face. In its place was a warm, yet sad one. “Moni. . .do you want to see Lei become the man he’s meant to be?”

“He’s already that man.”

“Not just yet, Moni.” Leo shook his head. “You want to see him take his rightful place as Mountain Master,trulyclaim his throne? This means he needs someone to stand in his way. Someone to show himwhat’sat stake.”

“Leo. . .” I chose my words carefully. “He already knows what’s at stake.”

“He’s dancing instead of training.”

“That helps him know the beauty of life and fight for it tomorrow.”

Leo considered that. “Hmmm. That is a good point.”

I gave him a sad smile. “I say that you leave the East in peace and let us—”

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