Aria's POV
I watched the Council convoy move toward the airport gates. Claudia was gone. Just like that. She had been taken out of my hands before I could force the truth from her.
I slowly released the breath I'd been holding.
Ryder turned to me. "You're unusually calm."
I tore my eyes away from the departing vehicles. "They moved too quickly."
His brow furrowed. "You expected this?"
I folded my arms and nodded. "If the Council arrested Claudia now, it means someone panicked."
Ryder remained silent, letting me continue.
"Think about it." I glanced toward the airport exit. "She was already running. She destroyed evidence, abandoned every safehouse, and booked an international flight under pressure. Whoever she's working for knows we're getting close."
Lydia let out a satisfied gro
