Page 201 of Fractured Allegiance

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"Understood."

"Good." She pauses. "And Silas? You did the right thing last night. I know it doesn't feel like it, but you did. Walking away was the smart play."

I close my eyes. "Yeah."

"Get some rest. You've earned it."

She hangs up.

I set the phone down and stare at it.

Stay put. Let it play out naturally. Don't do anything stupid.

Naomi's advice is sound. Tactical. By-the-book.

And I'm about to ignore all of it.

Because Naomi's operating under the assumption that Drazen is rational. That he'll follow logic. That he'll wait for proof before he acts.

But I've seen the way Drazen looks at Lydia. The way he holds her on a leash, not because she's guilty, but because he can. Because control is more important to him than truth.

And I've heard Lydia cry through a locked door.

I've stood there with a key in my pocket, knowing I couldn't use it.

I've watched her whisper a name—Elias Voss—with desperation in her eyes, trusting that I'd understand. That I'd act.

Naomi wants me to wait.

Elias wants me to move.

And Lydia?

Lydia needs me to choose.

I grab the timeline Elias left behind.

9:50 PM.

Less than twelve hours.

I fold the paper and slip it into my jacket.

Then I stand, grab my keys, and head for the door.

Because Naomi's right about one thing: walking away last night was the smart play.

But I'm done being smart.

Chapter 22 – Lydia - Glass Cages

The light coming through the tinted glass is faint, gray-edged, cutting across the bed.

I didn't sleep.

Couldn't.

Not after knowing Silas stood guard outside my door all night. So close I could feel his presence through the wall. So far I couldn't reach him.

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