Chapter 63: The Broken Oath
The night air thickened as Cambria stepped onto the stone pathway leading toward the safe house. Her eyes locked on the shadowed figure at the doorway, a silhouette tall and lean, with a familiar posture that sent a chill down her spine.
Maddox was already moving, instinctively placing himself in front of her. His shoulders squared, and his voice dropped to a warning growl. "Show yourself."
The figure stepped into the porch light.
Julian Mercer.
Cambria’s breath caught.
His suit was crumpled, his tie loosened, and there was blood staining the cuff of his left sleeve. His usually polished appearance was replaced by something more primal, more real but his eyes, sharp and haunted, found hers with startling clarity.
"I tried to stop them," Julian said, his voice raw. "They knew you’d go after Blackwood. They were always one step ahead."
Maddox didn’t move. "Why are you here?"
Julian ignored him, his eyes never leaving Cambria’s. "Because she’s in more danger than either of you realizes. You both walked straight into Blackwood’s trap, and now... they’ve activated the final phase."
Cambria took a step forward. "What final phase?"
Julian exhaled, pain flickering through his features. "It wasn’t just about exposing you or destroying Maddox’s reputation. This has always been about something deeper about the heir."