The room fell silent, dead silent, and no one dared to speak. The only sound was the low hum of the screen, still on from the video transmission that had just ended. The air was thick, and nobody dared to break the silence first. Gabriel and Stephanie exchanged a long look but said nothing, both trying to read the other, to know the next act. But Jace, Jace was already long gone.
His body trembled, but not with fear, but rage. Rage so raw that those around him could feel it. His fists were clenched by his sides as his jaw ticked repeatedly, like he was grinding his own teeth. His eyes were locked on the screen, though it had gone black moments ago. Blackwood’s voice, his threats still echoed in his mind.
The confidence in his voice taunted them. The sick laugh, the last sound he made be
