Rafe's POV

The response came swiftly, a stark and uncompromising demand for further proof, along with a clear ultimatum. Silas relayed the Sterlings' message, his face impassive.

"They want a video," Silas explained to Rafe, who had met him in another shadowed corner of the city, carefully chosen for its anonymity. "A short clip of Jackson saying 'moonberries' directly to the camera. They want to see him move, hear his voice, confirm his health."

Rafe's stomach churned. A ...