Chapter 217Location: Unknown.Nine-year-old Aria Cole sat perfectly still on the edge of a massive, antique four-poster bed.The room she was locked in was opulent, but suffocating. Heavy velvet curtains were drawn tightly over the windows, blocking out the sun. The air smelled strongly of mothballs, expensive lavender perfume, and old wood.She was terrified. Her small hands gripped the edge of the silk bedspread, her heart hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird.But she was not crying.Tears are data for the enemy, her brother, Leo, had told her once when they were playing chess. If they see you cry, they know they are winning. Don't let them win, Aria.Aria took a slow, deep breath, forcing her heart rate to slow. She looked at the heavy mahogany door. She had watched the scarred mercenary lock it from the outside. It was a biometric deadbolt, reinforced with steel.She looked down at her hands. When the bad men had grabbed her from the Aegis bunker, she had kicked, scream
Last Updated : 2026-09-05 Read more