Chapter 6

Vince took a quiet half-step back, his boots squeaking against the wet marble.

His face remained pale, his eyes locked onto the floor near my shoes. Beside him, the second soldier lowered his arms, giving me a wide, respectful berth as if touching my coat would cost him his life.

Larkin didn't notice the shift.

She guided Finn through the heavy glass doors, her heels clicking sharply against the rain-soaked stone steps outside. Finn's small fingers slipped from my reach, his calling voice muffled by the sudden roar of the thunderstorm.

"Vince!" Larkin snapped over her shoulder, her voice shrill…