The hum of the jet's engines was the only sound between us.

Damian sat across the aisle, sleeves rolled up, laptop open, a dozen files glowing on the screen. I tried to focus on my own notes, but my eyes kept drifting to him - the man who looked like he could command storms and never flinch.

We'd taken off barely an hour ago, but the silence was heavier than turbulence. I wanted to speak - to ask how we'd fight back - but the look on his face made me pause.

He wasn't just calculating; he was ...