_Leah's POV_

I held my breath as I carefully wedged the diary behind the bathroom cabinet. My hands were shaking, but I forced myself to stay calm, to think clearly. Tariq couldn’t know I had discovered his secrets, not yet. I took one last look at the worn leather cover. The strange symbol on it seemed to mock me with its dark promises before I shoved it deeper into the hidden crevice. When I was satisfied that it was well-hidden, I straightened up and took a deep and steadying breath.

When I finally stepped out of the bathroom, I was greeted by the sight of Tariq sitting upright in bed,...