The transition from the absolute tranquility of their shared night to the cold reality of tactical preparation happened in a matter of minutes. Christian’s estate, which had felt like a romantic sanctuary hours prior, was suddenly transformed into a secure command center. The ambient, warm lighting was dialed up to a clear, crisp illumination as Christian stood before the large digital display in his study, his phone pressed to his ear.
Casel stood by the window, her hands tucked into the pockets of a thick knit cardigan. Outside, the pre-dawn mist hung low over the manicured lawns, but the usual stillness was broken by the silent, coordinated movements of additional security personnel. Three unmarked SUVs had pulled into the secondary driveway, discharging professional details in dark co
