The atmosphere inside Wolfe Tower changed after the Council's visit.
Valerian's ultimatum lingered over the penthouse like an approaching storm. Three days. Seventy-two hours before the most powerful men in their world would return to claim Leo under the pretense of protection and evaluation.
The countdown never stopped.
It echoed beneath every conversation, every silence, every glance exchanged across a room.
Yet instead of tearing them apart, the threat seemed to force something unexpected into existence.
Not peace.
Not forgiveness.
Certainly not trust.
But a temporary ceasefire.
For the first time since Tessa's return, both she and Roman understood that their private war had become a luxury they could no longer afford.
The enemy was no longer each other.
The enemy was standin
