33. This Isn't Over

Linc's name flashed on my phone, and I hesitated before picking up. I wasn't sure I could handle whatever he wanted. Things had been a mess lately, and every time the phone rang, it felt like I was teetering on the edge of something worse.

"Hey," I answered.

"You need to come to the office," he said, cutting straight to it. "There's been a development."

"What kind of development?" I had enough on my plate without more surprises.

"I'll explain when you get here," he said before hanging up.

I stood there, the phone still in my hand. Whatever it was, it didn't sound good. I grabbed my jacket and headed out the door.

By the time I reached Linc's office, my nerves were frayed. I wasn't sure what to expect, but the last thing I imagined was seeing Castor sitting there, his hands resting on his knees. I stepped into the room, and he looked up at me.

I froze.

"Lila," he said, standing slowly. "Sit down. We need to talk."

I glanced at Linc, but he wouldn't look at me. Something was wrong. I c