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I feel rather than see Griffin go stiff. “Is that what you think? That I brought you here to save Aria?”

“Didn’t you?” I glance up, my expression deliberately bored.

“You’re right about one thing,” Griffin says, his voice low and controlled. “I do intend to save the woman I love. But it’s not Aria.”

Something in my chest fractures at his words, but I refuse to let it show. “Well, whoever she is, I’m sure she’s a lovely shifter woman who fits perfectly into your world.”

“Maya—”

“I’m not interested in your explanations, Griffin,” I cut him off coldly. “But if you’re so concerned about my cooperation, rest assured—I will develop the antidote.”

“If you want, I can personally ensure Aria never receives a drop of it.”

Shock pierces me. “You would let her die?”

The words hang in the air between us, scandalous and unexpected. I stare at Griffin, searching his face for any sign that he’s bluffing.

Erik stiffens. “You’re saying you would actually let Aria die, Griffin?” His voice is tight with disbelief.

Griffin’s eyes never leave mine. “If that’s what Maya wants.”

Something shifts in the atmosphere, a subtle change I can’t quite identify. The coldness in Griffin’s expression softens slightly, revealing a glimpse of the man I once thought I knew.

“I don’t understand,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. “Aria is one of your people. You’re the king.”

“And I will do everything in my power to save as many of my people as possible,” Griffin replies, his voice measured and calm. “But don’t mistake my concern for Aria as anything more than that of a king for his subject.”

Erik clears his throat. “I should check on those other samples.” He slips out of the lab, leaving Griffin and me alone.

The silence stretches between us, heavy with unspoken words. I turn back to my work, trying to ignore Griffin’s presence, but I can feel his eyes on me.

“Maya.” His voice is softer now. “I need you to know something.”

I keep my eyes fixed on the microscope. “I’m not interested.”

“I never received any message about your mother.”

My hands go still. I look up at him, trying to keep my expression neutral. “Jerry mentioned that.”

“I would have come back immediately if I had known.” There’s a sincerity in his voice that makes my chest ache. “I’ve been investigating what happened to that message, along with the fire itself.”

“It doesn’t matter now,” I say, turning away. “What’s done is done.”

“It matters to me.” Griffin takes a step closer. “Everything about you matters to me, Maya.”

I laugh, a harsh sound that fills the sterile lab. “Please don’t. I’m here to do a job, not to rehash the past.”

Griffin sighs, running a hand through his silver hair. “I’m not asking for forgiveness. I’m not even asking for understanding. I just want you to know the truth.”

“And what truth is that?” I ask, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice.

“I liked your mother. If I had known for even a moment that there was foul play—I don’t care who it was that instigated everything, Maya. I will get your mother and you the justice you deserve.”

I shake my head, refusing to let his words penetrate the walls I’ve built. “It won’t bring her back. And besides, Griffin, I’m just a human. Remember? We’re not equals to you. You toy with us. Like the saying goes, we’re good enough to fuck, but not good enough to—”

“That’s enough,” he snaps, a flash of pain crossing his face. “There are things you don’t know.”

“You’re right. It’s not my place, Your Majesty. And I won’t stop Aria from receiving any cure I develop. Why should I?” I turn back to my work, blinking rapidly to clear the sudden moisture in my eyes. “Now, if you don’t mind, I have work to do.”