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"May I inquire why you're scrubbing so vigorously?" His tone carried concern. I glanced at his forearms, each movement delicate yet powerful as he dried the ceramic plates.

"I don't understand," I paused in my scrubbing and faced him. "Why aren't you like Jesri? Or Calum? Or any other arrogant men who hold me in such low regard? Why are you so kind?"

His emerald-blue eyes glowed in the kitchen's dimness, illuminated only by a few lanterns. He grinned, prompting me to roll my eyes before resuming scrubbing. Abruptly, he reached out and took my hand, compelling me to stop.

"Mostmenare not like them."

I drew in a breath, unsettled by the multitude of unanswered questions swirling in my mind. Jesri's involvement with someone like Levon didn't add up.

"I need answers," I murmured, pulling my hand away from his, the sensation of soap lingering on my fingers. "Please."

He exhaled, glancing at the remaining few people tidying up in the kitchen. Setting down a plate, he reached for a towel to dry our hands. "Elise, could you finish up for us?"

A blonde woman nodded graciously, offering a smile as we headed back upstairs.

I looped my arm through his as we ascended the tight spiral staircase to the main floor, guided solely by the lamp he held. The dancing flame cast unsettling shadows on the walls, and I couldn't shake the feeling of unseen eyes watching our every move.

"There are things I still cannot say. But ask me, and I'll answer—" he glanced down at me, "—based on the question."

I nodded as he led me to the main stairs and into his study. Papers still lay scattered across the mahogany table, his notebook open with charcoal nearby. Hastily, he closed it before I could catch a glimpse. Two large leather seats and a smaller table between them, adorned with an empty crystal glass, welcomed us. He gestured for me to sit as he settled into the other chair. The room was filled with aroma, a blend of sandalwood and citrus, making me wonder if he spent more time here than in his own room.

"Why are you and Jesri friends?" I asked, the words coming out harsher than I intended.

"I wouldn't call us friends, but rather partners—"

"For work purposes?" I interjected.

He hesitated, then nodded. "Yes."

"Why? Why would you choose to work with him?" This time, my words dripped with venom, each syllable laced with bitterness.

"It's not that simple," he lamented.

"Not simple?" I scoffed. "You have a choice. You get to decide!" I stood up, my fists clenched as I struggled to contain the swift and intense surge of anger. "I don't understand why you wantto take my freedom and do this Match and beworking partnerswith Jesri. I…I can't wrap my mind around it. You're too kind for something like that…aren't you?"

"Eliah, calm down. Remember the breathing techni—"

"Calm down?" The words tasted metallic on my tongue, shaking me to my core with every breath. Instantly, I regretted uttering the words, feeling childish and feeble.

Why couldn't I control myself?

Frustration surged through me, and I didn't want to continue this conversation anymore. I went for the door, yanking it open only to have it slammed shut, barely missing my fingers.

I hissed out and turned around to find him looming over me, his arms pressing against the door on either side.

"Control it," he spat. "Don't let it overpower you, oryou will fail, Eliah."

I tried to push him away, but he stood firm and immovable.

"I didn't come here for you to lecture me about myanger,"I hissed.

He backed away. "Iworkwith Jesri because I believe you are the key to something crucial, and Ichoseto work with him to getyouout." He pointed a finger at me as his nostrils flared in anger.

I stared at him, dumbfounded.

All of this was for some worthless beliefs he held aboutrescuingme? I scoffed. I am not a damsel in need of saving. I clenched my fists, feeling my anger rise.

"A key?" I sneered. "A key for what?"