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“And?”

“He had an alibi for the day the scheme took place. I investigated the logs from the private clinic and those who were with him during that time.” He cleared his throat. “Alek, it all checked out.”

A weight toppled onto my stomach, the heavy sensation sending my mind into spirals. “Then that signifies we have nothing.”

“Not yet,” Tristan said as he gripped the laptop and USB. The screen lightened while he maneuvered through the computer, revealing multiple videos. He motioned the mouse onto one of the recordings where Katerina appeared, and I quickly pointed at the latest one that showcased the intruder leaving.

“Click on this one.”

If Tristan was to see the videos, he’d see what caused Katerina to become unconscious. It was recognized throughout the world that those who were different were looked down upon; our mother was a clear example—including the guardians who were only half-humans.

Outside of vampires and humans, there was a third kind that society had ostracized into extinction. Although the media depicted them as so-called werewolves, they were recognized in the new world as lycans.

It was a possibility, but not one that I was going to align with Katerina’s presence.

The video initiated upon a click, the sequence showing the intruder entering a car that sped off before the camera could fully catch it. Tristan rewound and slowed it down.

“I know this car,” Tristan said as he inched closer to the screen. “It’s a taxi handled by the CEG.”

I could sense Tristan’s body stilling beside me, the same sensation taking over as the idea rattled my mind. If the CEG had been behind the intruder, then who was underneath the mask? If we dug further, would there still be a connection between Kaleb and the intruder?

Would we stumble upon something more?

ChapterNineteen

KATERINA ELI

Ishould take my own advice and bite my tongue more often. Who did I think I was genuinely wanting to run a few days ago?

At least I was giving Lorenzo the two laps he’d been pestering me about since his first day. But the asshole doubled them by the time we started. After the second one, they were beating my ass.

Lorenzo loved running. Of course, he did— he was the fastest and had the most endurance. He apparently also loved being mad at me.

I didn’t bother asking. It was coming, the lecture brewing the more I ignored him. I wanted to delay it as much as possible, and I secretly hoped Tristan would magically appear to save me. But I hadn’t seen him after my rounds.

It was obvious Tristan was on high alert because of the Christmas Ball. After the Ambrogios visit, guardians took up double shifts, and there was extra precaution across the grounds. Though I wasn’t entirely sure if it was for the Sephtis’ safety or to avoid them getting into danger. They were known to ban themselves from public events. If any of them were planning anything, Tristan needed to intercept them before it could happen.

Thanks to that, I had new duties. I spent most of my shifts in the underground passageway, overhearing conversations in the cellar. While boring, at least nothing stuck out. So far.

So, suffering it was.

We stopped in front of the employee’s residence, but before he could step into the lunch rush, I pulled him away from the entrance.

“Okay, what’s up?”

Lorenzo’s eyebrows furrowed. “What?”

“There’s a lecture brewing; I literally feel it. What’s wrong? Not satisfied with the four laps you cursed me with?”

“I’ll curse you with more if you don’t watch your tone, Katerina.”

The name was dry on his tongue. I fucking despised it when he called me like that. The feeling typically simmered, but right now, it erupted. I bit away at my tongue, anything to contain the shouts that ached to pour out.

“You’re off.”

I scoffed as I avoided his hard stare. “What are you talking about? I’m fine.”

“Don’t bullshit me.” Lorenzo’s nostrils flared as he squeezed his eyes shut. “You’ve barely kept up.”