Night pressed heavily over the abandoned shipping yard, swallowing every sound except the low hum of the nearby river. Broken lamps flickered across cracked ground, casting trembling shadows that looked like ghosts trying to warn intruders away. The place had once been alive with workers, machines, and noise now it was a graveyard of rust and secrets.
Exactly the kind of place Damian knew Viktor liked to hide his stolen operations.
And exactly the kind of place Aurora prayed she would not find her father’s blood spilled.
Damian eased the car to a stop far from the warehouse entrance. Aurora felt her pulse thundering as she stared at the hulking building. A huge “Block 9” sign dangled crookedly, squeaking against the wind.
“Stay behind me,” Damian said softly, checking the magazine of h
