Chapter 33

Liam's POV

Her words struck a chord, and for a moment, I was at a loss for how to respond. This wasn't the Maxine I was used to. She was different, and it unnerved me.

"Don't think for a moment that I'm not aware of your every move," I said, trying to reassert my authority. "I will find out what's going on."

Maxine's expression didn't change. "I have nothing to hide, Master. I'm just trying to survive."

Her calmness only added to my frustration. I turned and walked away, with my mind churning with questions. What was driving her? Why this sudden change? Did I push her too far?

Over the next few days, I continued to monitor her, trying to catch any clue of deception. But every time I checked, she was either training or in her room. She kept to herself, interacting only minimally with others. It was as if she had built a wall around herself, and I couldn't penetrate it.

One evening, I decided to go close to her again. I summoned her