The Sterling Tower hummed with quiet menace, every floor a potential battlefield, every shadow a threat. Helena’s heels clicked softly on the polished corridor, a rhythmic counterpoint to the storm brewing in the air. Behind her, Ares and Atlas flanked her like living sentinels, muscles coiled, eyes scanning every corner. Lucian stood ahead, unnervingly calm, his expression betraying nothing—but every subtle movement radiated control.

“He’s testing us again,” Helena whispered, more ...