47. MADDY

47

MADDY

Like my dad, Raven is made out of stone. He is on point, planning, executing, conquering. But unlike my father, Raven doesn't want to build a fucked-up world empire. Raven is not ruthless.

After three weeks of not talking, I thought it would get easier. I think it does. Especially when I party with everyone else like I never partied since the Change.

But the moment I see Raven in the Center, my heart tightens. His eyes instantly lock with mine before I even reach the gathering area in front of Archer's office. In Raven's presence, my body instantly goes into full emergency mode. I feel like a car dashboard with all its emergency alerts going off.

The only distraction is the number of people standing in a small group—not just any people. When Archer said that they were holding an important meeting, I knew it had to do with me and Dad, but I didn't expect to see Marlow, Katura, Ortiz, Bishop, the head of IT, the head of security, and, least of all, Raven.

If Archer wanted to make me uncomfortable, he succeeded. I should've asked to discuss whatever he wants with him first, then include the others.

But it's too late.

Everyone goes quiet and turns toward me when I approach. I never felt so stressed out because of who I am until this very moment.

Archer sticks his hands in his jeans. "I need to show you something, Maddy. Something very important. And then we will discuss what you came here for."

I don't look at anyone except Archer. And definitely not at Raven. It still hurts. It still makes me angry that he won't talk first.

But that's all right.

Chances are, I might be yanked off this island pretty soon. Hopefully, Archer will give me an opportunity to leave for the mainland before my dad gets his claws on me.

Archer opens the door to his office and motions for me to walk in. "Please," he says.

Good. Maybe he and I can talk before having this ridiculous meeting with everyone.

Archer goes around his desk and does something on his computer. I can't see it. An eerie feeling starts inside me. Is he showing me something horrible my dad did in the wake of trying to locate me? I know what he's capable of.

Archer pushes off the desk, then motions to the chair in front of the computer. But instead of staying, he opens the door, ready to walk out. "I'll be right outside the door, if you need me."

With that, he closes it, leaving me in complete silence.

Slowly, I step around the desk and in front of the computer.

What I see there makes me freeze.

I stare at the face on the screen. The face so brutal but so familiar, echoing in me with pain and anger and tenderness and memories, good and bad.

Right now, his gaze is soft. His mouth is a straight line. I know that expression. It's rare, because vulnerability is rare in a man like him.

He's wearing his usual black turtleneck, but his hair has more gray in it. I've never seen this picture of Dad before.

Until the eyes on the picture blink. And I realize it's a video chat, not a picture.

The floor sinks under my feet. The room spins. My eyes burn, welling up with tears as I slowly sink into the chair in front of the screen.

" Privét, pap ." Hello, Dad.

" Nu, privét, rebionak. " Well, hello, kiddo.

I blink, and tears start spilling down my cheeks.