Chapter 36

Eleanor

Everything was unfolding exactly as I had envisioned.

I stepped into my hotel room, kicked off my shoes, and fell back onto the bed. My lips curled slowly, then the laughter came.

It echoed through the room, sharp and unfamiliar. I barely recognized the sound as my own. It was laced with menace, with intent so dark it thrilled me.

I loved it.

For the first time in a long while, I felt like everything was finally going according to plan.

The door opened, and Therma walked in. She was one of our newest members, yet already one of the most trusted. Brilliant, and ruthless. Exactly my kind of person.

“You look happy,” she said, folding her arms. “Please tell me that’s good news.”

“It worked,” I replied smoothly. “Phase Two is a success.”

Her lips twitched. “Then we’re blessed.”

I sat up abruptly, grinning.

“The girl suspects nothing,” I said calmly. “She believes every emotion she feels belongs to her. I wa