Elias's breath was shallow, the wound in his side still burning—but his focus stayed locked on Dave.
"We need to talk," Dave said, pacing the room. The hem of his coat brushed the floor, his movements sharp and restless. "My father knew something. And they killed him for it."
Elias narrowed his eyes. "Who's they?"
Dave exhaled sharply. "That's what I've been trying to find out." He turned, eyes meeting Elias's with something unreadable. "But I know this—Victor Cade wasn't a fool. If they got to him, it means whatever he knew was big. Big enough to bury him and Victor Crane."
From across the room, Evelyn let out a tense breath. She was still held at knifepoint, her eyes darting between them. "And what about him?" she asked, nodding toward Elias.
Dave gave a small chuckle. "The Old Wolf came to see me before I found you."
Elias's eyes flickered. "Kade?"
Dave nodded. "Told me you might need help. Said you were chasing the same ghosts I was."
Elias clenched his jaw. Kade had set this up? The Old Wolf had sent him straight into a trap?
Something didn't sit right.
"If you were supposed to help me," Elias said, voice cold, "then why the hell did you shoot me?"
Dave smirked. "The Old Wolf asked me to test you." He shrugged. "Said if the bullet didn't kill you, it meant you were tough enough to take this road."
Elias let out a low, bitter laugh. His vision was still hazy from blood loss, but anger burned through the fog.
"You call that a test?"
Dave stepped closer. "You're still breathing, aren't you?"
Elias shook his head. "You could've just asked if I was tough enough."
Dave grinned. "Where's the fun in that?"
Gritting his teeth, Elias forced himself upright, ignoring the fire in his ribs. "You said you already called the others."
Dave nodded. "They'll be here soon."
Elias studied him. There was still something about the man he didn't trust—but trust was a luxury he couldn't afford anyway.
"Fine," Elias said. "Then let's talk."
Because one thing was clear:
The game was bigger than he thought.
And the real players were finally stepping onto the board.