She stood near the bed, clutching the folded clothes they’d handed her, navy slacks, a soft gray sweater, and fresh undergarments. A far cry from the ripped blouse and blood-stained cuffs she’d been locked in. Izora dressed slowly, fingers stiff from bruises. Her ribs protested every motion, but sh
The image arrived in the early morning, digitally encrypted, embedded with a chilling silence. Kaiser stood in the middle of his marble-floored war room, surrounded by monitors and the soft whir of cooling vents. He wore a black undershirt tucked into matching slacks, sleeves rolled high, revealing
Magnus smirked once more, this time exhibiting a glimpse of genuine danger. Heart symbol “No one is aware,” he stated softly. “That is the reason for my presence.” He leaned in closer, allowing her to perceive the frigid calculating in his eyes. “You shall inform me.” Izora's jaw clenched, her ches
The initial observation made by Izora was the absence of sound. Absence of automobile horns, muted voices, and footfall. Only tranquilly and an unreal smoothness under her fingertips. Her eyelids opened slowly, burdened and lethargic as if encumbered by mist. Heart symbol She blinked against the
Rain had been promised in the forecast, but the skies above Saint Odelia Children’s Hospital remained mercifully clear. There were journalists with cameras, contributors standing next to shiny banners, and volunteers in matching navy T-shirts lugging boxes of gifts and supplies in the courtyard out
Kaiser slammed the keyboard with his fist, the sharp crack of bone against metal echoing through the room. Blood rushed to his ears, blinding, pounding. His palm throbbed but he welcomed it. Pain meant clarity. He grabbed his phone and dialed. “Track every van within ten blocks of that street,” he