I stepped away from the black leather box without looking inside. "I'll remain ignorant, thanks."
Maya's eyes widened in disbelief. "You're not even curious? This could explain everything about your situation."
"My situation is my responsibility to understand," I said firmly. "Not yours to control."
"Control?" Maya's voice sharpened. "I'm offering partnership, not control."
"Partnership that begins with manipulation isn't partnership at all."
Maya's composed facade finally cracked. Her jaw tightened, and her hands clenched at her sides. The elegant businesswoman persona dissolved, revealing something much more dangerous underneath.
"You arrogant fool," she hissed. "Do you have any idea what you're walking away from?"
"Freedom from people like you."
"People like me?" Maya laughed harshly. "People like me keep this world from falling into chaos. People like me maintain the balance between the supernatural and the mundane."
