Chapter 78

The Prey

Ivan drove in silence, and the low hum of the engine was the only sound filling the space between us.

I stared out of the window, watching the city blur by, my thoughts just as chaotic. The conversation with Lucius played on a loop in my head, each word tightening the knot in my stomach. What had I done? Was I really trading one devil for another?

I could feel Ivan’s presence beside me. Every now and then, I’d catch him glancing at me, like he wanted to say something but was holding back. My hands were trembling in my lap, and I clasped them together, hoping to steady myself.

“You’re quiet,” Ivan finally broke the silence, his voice soft, hesitant.

I didn’t look at him. “What am I supposed to say?”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know Lucius can be… intimidating. But you don’t need to be afraid of him.”

I scoffed. “Intimidating? He’s playing a game with my life. How am I supposed to feel?”

Ivan’