I rush through the corridor like a fury, my long, heavy stride shaking the walls, echoing.
The keys I stole from Jung weigh like lead in my pocket; they were supposed to be freedom, but instead they're a trap.
But now I know.
I know the cameras are following me and my every breath is being monitored.
I have to play the wounded prey, while I'm the one loading the shot. And I won't fail.
I open the door to my grandfather's study, and Jung is there, staring out the window, his hands clasped behind his back.
He seems calm, too calm.
"The key didn't open the gate, Counselor," I say, slamming the door. "You were making fun of me."
He turns slowly.
He doesn't seem surprised.
"I gave you the key you needed, Miss Allen. Not the one you wanted. There's a big difference."
I approach him, invading his living space.
He doesn't bat an eyelid at my aggression, almost as if he expected it.
This time there's no desire to steal anything, just the desire to look into the abyss of his eyes.
"My father was killed. And you knew it."
Jung's expression doesn't change, but I see a muscle in his jaw twitch. A single, tiny sign of weakness.
"The will is clear, Ava. The truth is the ultimate prize. I'm only the guardian of the rules."
"Your rules stink of blood, Counselor," I whisper in his face.
Then, in a lightning-fast movement, I grab him by the lapels of his jacket and push him against the desk.
"Tell the 'old man' that the game has changed. If Roori gets so much as a scratch, I'll burn this place to ashes, inheritance included."
Unexpectedly, Jung moves, quickly, grasps my wrists.
His grip is steely, but not violent. He stares at me, and for a moment, his gaze drifts to the corner of the ceiling, where a camera is rotating.
"Then hurry up," he mutters, his voice so low that only I can hear. "Because his cousins don't have his patience. And they just found Aurora."
I swallow, taking in the situation at once.
"What?"
"Come on, Ava, I didn't give you this much of a head start just to let you get defeated like this. Fight back, find Roori and get her out of here. Now!"
He pushes me away, and I take several steps back, rubbing my wrists.
So he...?
I shake my head, but his stern gaze stops me from speaking.
With one last look at him, I turn, open the door, and start running.