79

79

ANNALISE

I stood outside the banished quarters, the cool night air biting at my skin. I felt a knot tightening in my stomach, a mixture of determination and dread. I had just agreed to let Spencer play a role in bringing Marcus into our realm, and I couldn’t shake the unease that came with it. It was hard to trust someone who had betrayed me before, but I was desperate.

Adrian met me at the door, his expression serious. “Annalise, we need to talk.”

I nodded, knowing what was coming. “I know. About Spencer.”

“About Spencer and about you trusting him,” he replied, frustration creeping into his voice. “Why would you put yourself in that position again?”

“I don’t have a choice, Adrian. We need Marcus to come here. Spencer is our only option.”

“Only option? Really? You think he’s changed?” Adrian crossed his arms, pacing slightly. “After everything he did to you?”

I felt heat rise in my cheeks. “I’m not saying he’s perfect, but he can help us.”

“He’s a snake, Annalise. You know that. Ho