Chapter 0165

“The purpose of this meeting was to determine my brother’s future. Am I right?” Zachary says quietly. “It’s been settled. So we’re finished here?”

“Yes,” Sebastian replies.

“Good. If you’ll excuse me, I have matters to attend to.”

Zachary moves around the table and picks up my crutches. He holds them out without a word. He simply waits.

I rise slowly and take them from him. With a slight tilt of his head, he signals toward the door.

He walks ahead but slows his pace, letting me catch up. “Where are we going?”

“Someplace private. Just you and me.” His voice is deep and full of intention.

He leads me to the hospital. It isn’t exactly the location I would have chosen, but at least we’ll be alone.

As we approach, I notice his expression shift. The desire in his eyes vanishes completely. “Wait here.”

“Why? I thought we—”

“The girl. She’s inside the hospital.”

“Sophia?” I call out as he rushes forward. Why would she be here? She hasn’t had any episodes since she first arrived.

He stops outside the doors and glances back at me before going in. A moment later, a rush of air nearly knocks me over as my twin charges past me into the building.

I make my way inside. The metallic scent of blood hits me. My brother is screaming at Zachary. “What the hell did you do to her?!”

“She was already like this when I found her.”

“You’re a fucking liar. I told my brother we shouldn’t trust you.” Julian is pointing a scalpel at Zachary.

“Julian, he was with me,” I shout.

“Don’t defend this bastard just because he’s your mate!”

“You can confirm it with Sebastian and Theodore. We were in a meeting with Alexander. We just left the house.” I try to reason with him.

“Bullshit. We should have killed you along with your bitch.”

Alexander, hospital! I link my brother, hoping he arrives quickly.

I step forward enough to see Sophia around the corner. Her body is sprawled on the floor. There was no chance of saving her. Not when her heart had been ripped from her chest.

Alexander arrives with Theodore. I watch Alexander’s eyes move between all of us before landing on Sophia.

“Check the dungeon,” Zachary mutters, still squared off against Julian. “I smell him.”

“That’s impossible. He can’t escape.”

“I’m telling you, Alexander. He was here. If you tell your brother to stand down, I can examine the girl and confirm whether it was him.”

“He’s lying! He admitted he used to be a Rogue. He’s playing us!” Julian thrusts the scalpel toward Zachary. Zachary moves out of the way with ease.

“He’s going to ruin everything, and you’re letting him near Athena.”

I knew Julian would be upset. Probably too upset to think straight. But what did he hope to accomplish with a scalpel? Especially since Zachary could heal instantly.

“Go!” Alexander snaps at Theodore. He turns to Julian. “Let him examine her.”

“You’re taking his side?” Julian spits.

“I’m on the side of finding the truth.” Alexander remains calm as Julian tries to swing at Zachary again.

“Julian, stand down. That’s an order.”

He throws the scalpel to the floor and steps back, but his eyes remain locked on my mate. “I will fucking kill you!”

Zachary ignores him as he carefully moves around Sophia. He crouches and leans over her. Without touching her, he breathes in the scents around her.

He frowns and shakes his head as he straightens up. “I don’t understand.”

“What? What is it?” Alexander demands.

“I think he shifted.”