Chapter 100

Simon's POV "I believe you," I said, forcing the lie past my lips. Lisa's eyes gleamed. I could see it—the hunger, the pride, the deep-rooted desire to finally stand in the center of the story. She thought she had just claimed the crown, that she had outmaneuvered everyone, including me. But I wasn't buying it. Not for a second. Still, I couldn't afford to call her bluff—not yet. Not when she was growing bolder, reckless even. She was dangerous in the way fire was dangerous in a library—beautiful, untouchable, and capable of reducing legacies to ash if unchecked. So I kept my expression unreadable, nodded solemnly, and stepped back like I was in awe. "You've given us much to consider," I said. "The prophecy… your abilities… It all aligns." Lisa smiled wider, lowering her lashes like she thought I was already under her spell. "We'll need to be cautious," I added. "This could provoke enemies—especially if Brayden's informants are still embedded nearby." Her smile twitched. Just slightly.