We walked back inside together, my muscles aching in that satisfying way that said I’d actually worked. Patricia was waiting, ready to resume the torture of trial preparation, but I felt more centered now. More capable.
Less like a victim and more like someone who could fight back.
Two Days Later
I was reviewing deposition transcripts in the war room when I heard raised voices from Ronan’s office. Normally I’d ignore it—the Serpents argued constantly about operations and strategy—but something about the tone made me pause.
“….can’t believe they got that close,” Ronan was saying, his voice trembling with anger.“She’s supposed to be safe here. That’s the whole goddamn point.”
“We’re working on it,” Blade replied. “But the Vultures are getting desperate. They’re throwing everything at us
