***
The screen froze on Roman Vale’s smug face, the ocean glimmering behind him like a cruel backdrop. His voice still echoed in my ears:
> “Everyone you love dies.”
I stared at the television, pulse thudding so loud I couldn’t hear anything else. Jace was beside me, jaw locked, fists clenched at his sides. He didn’t say anything.
He didn’t have to.
Because that wasn’t a threat.
It was a promise.
***
7:32 A.M. – Safehouse War Room
Theo slammed his laptop shut, sending coffee splashing across the table. “We triggered something,” he said, panic bleeding into his usually calm voice. “The leak hit a nerve. Roman’s activating a purge.”
“A purge?” I asked, stomach turning.
Theo nodded grimly. “Everyone who ever worked under the Crows. Every loose end. They’re going dark—or being el
