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I press a hand to my belly, forcing the air to flow in and out. Slow, steady, easy, until I regain control of myself.

“Truth is, you were nevernotcoming to Gray Wolf. Arthur needs you. You’re the key to making his dream come true.”

“His dream of remaking the world,” I say, my voice as flat and empty as I’m feeling inside.

Killian shrugs. “Are you seriously going to argue that the world isn’t in need of a makeover?”

I remember our conversation in the Hideaway Tavern. The question Killian raised when he asked:What would you do if you were like Arthur—if you had the same sort of unlimited access to money and technology? Would you do whatever you could to make the world a better place for as many people as possible? Or would you leave it to the hand of fate?

At the time, I refused to answer. But now I know that, as a Timekeeper, it’s my destiny to stop Arthur from remaking the world. And if I know that, then clearly Killian knows that as well.

“Maybe the world is desperately in need of a little rehab,” I say. “But why does Arthur get to decide how it unfolds? Why does he get to play God? I mean, isn’t that essentially what Savonarola tried to do—remake the world according to his fanatical beliefs, his distorted perception, his own narrow vision?”

“Fuck Savonarola,” Killian spits. “Arthur is nothing like him, and you know it. Seriously, Shiv, can you think of anyone who’s better suited to remaking the world than Arthur?”

“I don’t understand why you just accept this,” I say. “Or why you continue to help him.”

“Me?” Killian lifts his shoulder. “I’m just a cog in the wheel. We all are. I go where I’m told, do what I’m asked, and I’m well compensated for it. What’s the harm?”

“What’s the harm?” I scoff. “I’m sure you’re familiar with the saying,‘Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.’ No one person should ever have that much control over the way of things. Not even the legendary Arthur Blackstone.”

“Be that as it may,” Killian says. “But better Arthur than just about anyone else. Besides, there’s no stopping him.”

“You sure about that?” An idea begins to form in my mind. “Because if it’s true what you say about me being the key, then it’s up to me to decide whether or not to cooperate.”

“Don’t forget, he’s supporting your mom. Not to mention your best friend, Mason.”

And that’s when it hits me. That’s when I know that Mason’s coming to Gray Wolf was never really because of the hair clip I inadvertently sent. This is all Arthur’s doing. Mason’s just collateral to ensure I continue to bring back the missing pieces so he can restore his precious Antikythera. Mason’s just one more destiny Arthur has chosen to rule.

“Who sent the diamond clip to Mason?” I ask.

Killian raises his hands. “Clearly it wasn’t me. I was in your custody. Wasn’t it your boy who brought him to Gray Wolf?”

His gaze hardens on mine, but I’m careful to keep my expression locked tight. I’ve got a plan. One he certainly won’t like. And in order for it to work, I need to take him by surprise.

“So now you know the truth,” Killian says. “Are we clear that Braxton’s the one who left me behind?”

“With good reason.” I frown.

“Maybe so.” Killian shrugs. “But I don’t give a fuck about him. The only thing I care about is you.”

“Don’t waste your energy,” I say.

He glances at my knife. “You going to use that on me?”

I look between the blade and him. “I don’t know—maybe. What do you think?”

“I don’t think you’re the killing type.”

“Don’t underestimate me.” I scowl.

“Trust me,” he says. “That’s a compliment. Any fool can kill. It takes a wise person to know when to walk away. Look, I know you want to cut me, and while I definitely don’t blame you, I also don’t believe that you will. You’re a good person, Shiv. You’re not an asshole like me—or at least the younger version of me.”

I stand before him, unsure how to end this. All I know is I need to get to Braxton, but I can’t leave Killian to walk free.

“I know you won’t believe me, but I really am sorry,” he whispers. “I was young, stupid. I didn’t know what I was doing—I didn’t—”

Before he can finish, I lunge, the tip of my blade aiming straight for his neck.