The luxury chalet perched atop the snowy ridge like a crown over sin. Andermatt’s famed Paradise Resort was supposed to be a haven of escape. But for Alina Vale, it was a warzone in disguise.
Below, the peaks glistened under early morning light. The helicopter’s blades thundered overhead as Nicholas Thorne studied the compound with sniper eyes, every shadow a potential threat. He adjusted the strap on his shoulder holster. Alina, beside him, was silent—too silent.
She hadn’t spoken since they left Lucien’s jet. Her mind was already deep in the chalet, tearing through rooms to find her son.
“Alina,” Nicholas said, voice low. “You’re not alone in this.”
Her eyes were obsidian. “I know. But I still feel like it’s only me who can kill him.”
He didn’t argue.
The descent was swift. Snow fl
