Violet Midnight's POV
The moment our boots hit the docks of Imperial Isle, I knew something was wrong.
The air felt... heavier. Still. Like the island itself was holding its breath.
Harris wasn't waiting.
He was always there—always—like clockwork after every mission, arms folded, eyes scanning us like pieces on a chessboard he still controlled. But now?
Nothing.
No Harris.
No welcome.
Just silence.
The others noticed too.
Pierce stepped forward, frowning. "Where is he?"
No one answered.
The dock was manned, but barely. A few guards in black uniforms stood like statues, avoiding our eyes. Their silence screamed more than words ever could.
"Something's off," Dax muttered, gripping his belt.
Caleb gave a short nod.
"This feels like a setup."
We moved up the hill toward the mai
