CHAPTER 76
SANTIAGO
HOPING FOR THE BEST
I watched Matteo walk out like he’d just volunteered to be a sacrifice no one had formally agreed to. I still don't agree with it. The door closed behind him with a quiet finality that felt louder than any slam. I stood there for a second too long, staring at the empty space where he’d been, my jaw clenched so tight it hurt.
I hated this part. I hated standing still while everything inside me screamed to move. I hated plans that depended on restraint. I hated monsters who thought patience was power. And most of all, I hated that Matteo was right.
Sienna broke the silence first. “You’re shaking.”
“I’m fine,” I snapped automatically.
She didn’t rise to it. She just crossed her arms and looked at me the way she always did when she knew I was lyin
