Maya sat still, staring at the empty seat where Arthur had been. Her pulse quickened with anger and frustration. She had wanted to break Silas, to see him crumble under her control, but she had failed. Even though the case seemed in her favor, her victory felt hollow. She couldn't make him hers.
With a growl of frustration, she grabbed the bottle and poured herself a drink, the amber liquid swirling angrily in the glass. She raised the glass to her lips, her eyes narrowing as she downed the drink in one swift motion. Her mind buzzed with the sting of losing the game she thought she was winning.
Several minutes later…
Arthur stumbled into his dimly lit home, the door creaking shut behind him as he fumbled to lock it. His hands trembled from the alcohol and exhaustion, and for a moment, he leaned against the door, trying to gather his thoughts. But something felt off.
