Malia sat in the quiet, dimly lit study, the glow of the desk lamp casting soft shadows against the walls. It had been a long, grueling day. The latest developments with Evelyn, the ongoing threats, the constant juggling of her business—Malia was exhausted, mentally and physically. But despite the exhaustion that clung to her like a heavy cloak, her mind couldn't find rest.
Nixus had asked to meet with her after dinner, and she couldn't shake the feeling that this meeting—this moment—was going to change everything. She had sensed the tension in him, the way his jaw clenched when Evelyn's name was mentioned, the way he seemed to avoid certain questions, like there were things he wasn't ready to confront. But now, the time had come.