The estate burned behind them, orange flames licking at the night sky, black smoke curling into the clouds. Stone stood at the edge of the forest, his face illuminated by the fire, his eyes fixed on the destruction. Thomas was dead. The council was in custody. But the Architects were still out there, scattered and regrouping.
Elena appeared at his side, her face pale, her hands trembling. "Logan, we need to move. The fire will draw attention."
Stone didn't turn. "He said there was someone else. Someone higher up. Someone who's been controlling everything from the shadows."
Elena was quiet for a moment. Then she said, "We'll find them. But we can't do it if we're dead. We need to regroup."
Stone finally turned to her, his eyes hollow. "You're right. We need to find a place to lay low. S
