Chapter 23 · Blood Heir

The last page is still in my hand when I look up at him.

Karl's standing by the door. Not moving. Not asking.

Just waiting.

I don't know what my face is doing but he takes a step back.

"Amy."

"My mom made me her heir." My voice comes out flat. "She wrote it down. Fresh ink. Like she knew."

He doesn't say anything.

I stand up. The ledger almost falls. I catch it. My hands are shaking.

"You said you didn't know her."

"I didn't."

"But someone did. Someone told her what to write. Someone gave her that page."

His jaw tightens. "Yeah."

"Who."

"I don't know."

I throw the ledger at him.

He catches it. Doesn't flinch. Just stands there holding it like it weighs nothing.

"You're lying."

"I'm not."

"Then guess."

He sets the ledger on the counter. Slow. Careful. Like I'm the one about to snap.

"Could've been Marcus. Could've been someone in the coexistence faction. Could've been Eli."

That last name makes my skin go cold.

"Why would Eli—"

"Because he wanted you marked. He wanted me to run.