***
{Inside The Projection}
Indeed, Malik was no angel, and despite himself, he saw his third step as most important.
Figure out what the fuck Huda's part in this really was.
He shook his head once.
Tight. Controlled.
The question kept repeating in his mind.
And though he shook it off each time, it always came back.
Was she part of it? Or was she just… there?
No.
Again, no assumptions.
For now, Malik kept walking, searching for a spot that could ensure him privacy.
A spot where no one would follow. No nobles. No servants. And especially no guards.
To find a way to detox himself was a large ask, and it certainly wouldn't help if he wasn't set for it, making what was already impossible even worse.
He had to go about this methodically; it was the only way out he saw.
But the more he walked, the worse the poison got.
And so, his mind repeated a prayer.
'Breathe.'
'Think.'
'You're alive.'
It kept him on track.
'Breathe.'
'Think.'
'You're alive.'
