Ezekiel didn't like the idea of Viola walking straight into the tiger's den. The thought alone made his jaw tighten.
If the world discovered that he was still alive, he would immediately become a wanted man again. He would be forced to carry the punishment for crimes he did not commit. The accusations, the humiliation, the betrayal — all of it would return, heavier than before
And this time, he might not survive it.
Moreover, there was another truth buried beneath his hesitation.
He wanted revenge.
He wanted to get back at Clyde and the others for what they had done to him. For the way they trampled on his name. For the way they pushed him into the abyss without even looking back.
If entering the tiger's den was the only way to drag the truth into the light, then perhaps it was worth the risk.
Still, the plan was reckless.
"I think this plan needs more than a day to discuss carefully," Viola said, glancing at the clock on the wall.
It was already 10:30 in the evening.
The room had grown quiet. The world outside seemed distant, as if it had nothing to do with the fragile alliance forming inside those four walls.
"You can stay here as long as you like," Viola continued softly. "Until you can freely go out in public again."
Ezekiel's brows drew together.
"That's too much of an inconvenience for you," he said. "I can't do that."
He had already burdened her enough.
She had saved his life. She was offering him shelter. And now she was even willing to step into danger for him.
He could not allow himself to rely on her any further.
"No," Viola said firmly, shaking her head. "I can't let you stay outside. What if someone sees you?"
Her voice trembled slightly at the end, but her eyes did not waver.
She was afraid, not for herself, But for him.
"Please use me however you like," she continued, the words spilling out faster than she intended. "I owe you my life. This is the least I could do."
The moment the words left her mouth, she realized how desperate they sounded. But she did not take them back.
They were sincere.
"You need everything I'm able to give to ensure your win."
She did not say it with pride. Nor with excitement.
There was no thrill in her voice.
Only determination.
This was not about glory. It was not about proving her loyalty. It was not even about repaying a debt anymore.
It was about protecting him.
Ezekiel fell silent.
Because deep down, he knew she was right.
Staying here was the most advantageous option. It gave him time to recover fully. It gave them space to plan carefully. It gave him access to information without exposing himself.
Most importantly, it kept him hidden from the eyes of a world that was waiting to condemn him again.
Still, something about accepting her kindness felt heavy in his chest.
He had lived alone for so long. He had learned to rely only on himself. He cooked for himself. He healed himself. He endured alone.
Trusting someone else meant vulnerability.
And vulnerability had nearly killed him once before.
"You should continue to rest," Viola said gently, breaking the silence that had stretched too long. "It's getting late. I'll clean this up first and then head to bed too."
She began gathering the dishes from the small table, stacking them carefully to avoid making noise.
She tried to act natural.
Tried to appear composed.
But her hands were slightly tense.
This situation was dangerous. If anyone discovered Ezekiel was here, it would not only ruin him. It would ruin her too. Her career, her reputation, everything she had rebuilt over the years could collapse overnight.
She knew that.
And yet, she did not hesitate.
Not even for a second.
As she turned to leave , Ezekiel's voice stopped her.
"I…"
The single syllable was enough to make her pause mid-step.
She turned around slowly.
He rarely stumbled over his words.
For a moment, he seemed to struggle. His expression remained composed, but there was something restrained behind his eyes.
Gratitude was not something he was used to expressing.
Vulnerability was even worse.
But this time, he forced himself.
"Thank you," he said quietly. "For everything."
It was simple.
There were no grand speeches. No dramatic promises.
Just two words.
But they were sincere.
Viola's eyes softened instantly.
The tension in her shoulders eased.
She gave him a small smile. Not the radiant, practiced smile she used to show the cameras. Not the bright expression she wore in interviews and public events.
This one was quieter.
Warmer.
Real.
"You don't have to thank me," she replied gently. "Just focus on getting stronger."
That was enough for her.
As long as he lived. As long as he recovered.
That was enough.
With that, she turned and left the room, Elizabeth fluttering behind her back as usual, her tiny wings shimmering faintly in the dim light.
Ezekiel remained seated.
He watched her silhouette disappear down the hallway.
The apartment grew quiet once more.
For a long moment, he did not move.
He had not expected this.
Not the shelter. Not the loyalty. Not the quiet warmth that lingered in the air even after she left.
He leaned back slightly, exhaling slowly.
The path ahead was dangerous.
Entering the tiger's den would require precision and ñatience and also ruthlessness.
But for the first time in years, he was not walking that path entirely alone.
And strangely…
That frightened him just as much as it comforted him.
For years, solitude had been his shield.
Isolation had been safer, cleaner and predictable.
When you relied only on yourself, you could only blame yourself. When you fought alone, you did not have to fear betrayal from your side. You did not have to worry about someone getting hurt because of you.
But now, Viola had stepped into his battlefield willingly.
Not because she was forced.
Not because she misunderstood the danger.
But because she chose to.
That choice unsettled him more than any enemy ever could.
He closed his eyes briefly, replaying the events of the day. The way she stood her ground. The firmness in her voice despite the tremor. The sincerity when she said she would offer everything she had to ensure his win.
She was serious.
And that meant the stakes were no longer his alone.
If something went wrong, it would not only be his blood on the line.
The thought made his chest tighten.
Revenge was something he had prepared himself for since he woke up.
But in all of those scenarios, he had been alone.
Alone meant no weaknesses.
Now, there was one.
Viola.
He did not like that.
Yet at the same time, the memory of her smile lingered stubbornly in his mind.