The shrill ring of his phone pierced the tense silence. River’s eyes flashed with a dark intensity as he saw the name on the screen: Alexander Torres.

His jaw clenched, a muscle twitching beneath the surface as he answered the call, his voice low and firm, a barely restrained fury simmering just below the surface.

“Torres.” The name was a growl in his throat. “Have you made your decision?”

“Where is she?” Alexander’s voice crackled through the phone, tight with barely ...