Bruce’s ringtone cut through the quiet like a blade.

The sharp sound yanked him out of his thoughts. He frowned, pulling the phone from his pocket. The name flashing across the screen made his chest tighten.

Father.

His jaw set. It had been weeks since the King last called him directly. Months, even. And now, of all times? Bruce hesitated, thumb hovering over the screen. His father never called without reason. When he did, it was rarely for anything good. After a beat, Bruce slid his thumb ...