"Who's there?" she asked, letting her breath hitch on purpose.
The Architect stepped fully into the room.
She widened her eyes, taking a small step back, pretending she was in shock. Inside, her mind was already counting every word she would say.
"Why are you here?" she demanded. "How did you get in?"
"Because you keep pretending you don't know me," he said. "And I'm tired of it."
Her brows drew together. "I don't know you."
He let out a low breath, almost impatient. "You do. You just don't remember. And that's the problem."
She shook her head, clutching the dagger tighter. "You shouldn't be here. You said you wouldn't force me."
"I won't," he replied. "But you need to come with me. I can't keep circling around you like this, Daphne. You have to see it. You have to remember."
She looked away, pretending as if the thought unsettled her. "That's a bad idea. I'm not going anywhere with you."
He stepped closer, though he didn't touch her. "Not even to know the truth?"
