The storm had been threatening all day. Thunder throbbed somewhere far above Kaiser’s estate, a low growl that vibrated through the bone-colored walls of the war room. Lightning hadn’t struck yet, but it would. It always did. Kaiser stood by the wide glass window, black shirt clinging to his back,
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