The rain had begun outside, soft at first, then drumming against the estate windows in an erratic rhythm. The sound filled the study while Damien marked two more points on the map. Gavin shifted his weight, watching his friend’s steady but fatigued movements.
“Luke will be furious when he wakes up,” Gavin muttered. “He hates being sidelined.”
“He’ll survive the anger,” Damien replied, his voice distant. “I just need him to survive, period.”
Calum unfolded his arms and leaned over the desk. “You think Valcov expected us to take prisoners tonight? Or was that ambush their last desperate swing?”
“They wanted to break us,” Damien said. “Hit us where it hurts. Luke’s always been our frontline. They know if he’s down, I’ll be distracted.”
Gavin tapped the map with one finger. “Then we feed
