The scream cut through Ral like a physical blade, tearing something fundamental in his chest that he hadn't known could break. He lunged toward the screen, forgetting guards, forgetting protocols, forgetting everything except that sound of terror in Louis's voice.
"Reconnect it!" he roared at Nikolai. "Reconnect the feed NOW!"
Static hissed through speakers while technicians frantically worked to restore the connection. Seconds stretched into eternities. More gunfire crackled through audio—sharp, professional bursts that suggested training and precision rather than chaos.
"The safe house has reinforced walls," Nikolai said, though his expression showed concern that contradicted reassuring words. "Dutch police are responding. The rogue team cannot maintain assault long before—"
The scre
