Page 205 of Fractured Allegiance
I close the book. Meet his eyes. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Of course you don't." He sits, leans back, legs spread, a smug smile on his face. "Funny thing, though. Drazen thinks you're clean. But I'm not so sure."
"Then maybe you should trust Drazen's judgment."
For a second, his smile falters. Just a crack. Then it’s back, smooth and polished, but I saw it: the flicker that told me he’s not sure how deep this lie goes.
Dom rises, brushing invisible lint from his sleeve. “Drazen’s watching for cracks. He doesn’t need you compliant, Lydia. He needs you loyal. Don’t forget that.”
I don’t answer.
Because the threat is clear enough without words.
When he leaves, the library feels heavier than before.
And I realize: it’s not just the cage that’s shrinking. It’s the air inside it.
The door shuts behind Dom, and I count three breaths before the library feels colder.
The rest of the morning drags.
I stay in the library—reading, watching, cataloging.
Every guard rotation. Every camera sweep. Every footstep in the hall.
Dom doesn't come back. Neither does Drazen.
Just the guards. Silent. Watchful.
Around midday, someone brings lunch. A different guard this time. He sets the tray on the side table without a word and leaves.
I pick at the food. Force myself to eat. I'll need my strength.
The afternoon stretches longer than it should. The kind of waiting that makes your nerves raw.
I try to read, but the words blur together. My mind keeps circling back to the same thought:
Is Silas coming? Did he call Elias? Is there even a plan?
Too many questions. No answers.
At some point, exhaustion wins.
I drift off in the chair, book open in my lap, the lamplight still burning soft against the walnut shelves.
When I wake, the room is darker.
Not from the lamp—it's still on. From the light outside.
I blink, disoriented, and glance toward the tinted windows.
The sky beyond them is deep indigo. Almost black.
Night.
I've been asleep for hours.
I stand, stretching the stiffness from my shoulders. My pulse picks up.
