Nathan’s POV

The house was too quiet after my men finished their sweep. Every door stood open, every room bare of Elias Rami. The only sounds left were the low whimpers of the little girl pressed against her mother’s chest.

I still had my weapon raised, but when the child’s wide, tear-soaked eyes locked with mine, guilt shot through me like a blade. I lowered it immediately, sliding it back into the holster. This wasn’t war anymore. Not here.

“Sit down,” I said quietly, gesturing ...