The apartment felt smaller with Ares inside it.
Valeria stood by the window, arms wrapped around herself, while Ares paced the living room like a cage, lion. His presence pulled old memories to the surface, memories she didn’t want, memories she had buried under years of anger.
“You need to move her,” Ares said finally, his voice sharp. “Your daughter isn’t safe here anymore.”
Valeria turned, her spine stiff. “Don’t you think I know that? I already called security. Elena’s arranging a safe house....”
“Your security isn’t enough.” His tone cut through the silence. “Damien has resources you can’t even imagine. If he exposed her name, it means he’s already found her. If you want her safe, you’ll let me handle it.”
Her jaw tightened. “I won’t hand over my child to you.”
“You’d rather han
