THE MORETTI PROTOCOL
The severe, cold shield of the Iron Queen had vanished entirely, replaced by a profound, radiant stillness.
A shadow moved soundlessly across the room.
Valerie stepped closer, completely silent on the thick wool rug. She wore a simple white shirt and dark lounge pants, her titanium wedding band catching the soft morning light. She didn't look like the phantom assassin who had systematically dismantled the Chronos Group; she looked entirely whole, her sharp features softened by an overwhelming devotion. She carried a warm bottle, sliding onto her knees right beside the rocker.
"Is she asleep?" Valerie whispered, her low, gravelly voice dropping to a tiny, reverent murmur.