Brandon smirked, a grim expression twisting his lips. The casual cruelty of Theo's plan, the cold calculation behind it, ignited a fire in his gut. "And I will never let that happen," he declared, his voice low and dangerous. He turned and started walking, his steps firm and purposeful, leaving Fusiah behind.

They reached the old man's house, the familiar scent of wood smoke and baking bread momentarily easing the tension that coiled within him.

Jessica was there, her laughter echoing as ...