The world seemed to stop.
Smoke drifted lazily through the shattered forest as Sebastian stared at the silver falcon pendant lying in his palm.
It was still warm.
She couldn't have been gone for long.
"ELARA!"
His voice echoed through the trees.
No answer.
Nathan and the security team emerged from the smoke, coughing but unharmed.
"Sir!"
Nathan's eyes immediately searched the clearing.
His expression changed.
"Where's Mrs. Blackwood?"
Sebastian slowly closed his fingers around the pendant.
"They took her."
The four words carried a dangerous calm.
Nathan had served Sebastian Blackwood for over twelve years.
He had seen him negotiate billion-dollar deals.
He had seen him dismantle criminal organizations.
He had seen him remain composed even after assassination attempts.
Bu
